Doctor Delivers No. 12,000 (February 22nd 2000)

SIMI BABY: Each birth wondrous, says Dr. Alex Abbassi, 63.
BY Alicia Doyle
Ventura County Star writer
Wednesday February 23, 2000

(Article reprinted from The Ventura County Star website.)

Alex Abbassi wanted to deliver the 12,000th baby of his medical career on his birthday.

But the Tarzana obstetrician had no say in the matter.

Little Giuseppe Reece Garza arrived on his own time Tuesday -- the healthy son of proud parents Elizabeth and Joe of Simi Valley.

"We're stoked about the whole thing," said Joe Garza, 24. "He came out healthy and we're excited."

Giuseppe came into the world at 8:12 a.m. Tuesday, weighing 8 pounds, 8 1/2ounces. He was born at Encino Tarzana Regional Medical Center. Because the couple's first baby was stillborn, this baby is a special gift, the Garzas said.

"This means a lot to us," said Elizabeth Garza, 22.

Abbassi, who turned 63 Sunday, said delivering his 12,000th child was no different than delivering the first.

"The 12,000th baby was just as exciting as the first one," said Abbassi, who had delivered six babies by late Tuesday afternoon. "It's always been a joy to me to bring joy into other people's lives.

Delivering new lives into this world is a gift I've been blessed with and one I don't take for granted.

" It was a race to see who would be the 12,000th baby of Abbassi's career, as four women were scheduled to deliver their babies Tuesday. In addition to Elizabeth Garza, two mothers are residents of the San Fernando Valley, while another lives in Glendale.

The Simi Valley couple was referred to Abbassi by Razimeh Tibo, a well-known midwife in Simi Valley. Joe Garza believes Tuesday's special delivery is a sign of good luck to come.

"We feel honored, we feel privileged, we feel overwhelmed," he said.
Elizabeth Garza had only one thing on her mind Tuesday afternoon: "Going home."