Delivery by fire: Newest Sonoman born safely into a smoky world

Baby Liam Beltran born amid week of chaos|

Liam Pureco Anaya is the first baby born in Sonoma since the fires began, bringing the ultimate symbol of hope to the Valley’s smoke-filled skies.

Born Oct. 15 and weighing eight pounds, one ounce, he has big brown eyes and black hair and has no idea how frightened his parents were to be bringing a baby into the world while they were evacuated from their home.

Mayra Anaya Beltran, her husband Luis Pureco and their 2-year-old daughter Belinda had to leave their Glen Ellen apartment just after the fires started on Oct. 9. Myra’s due date was Oct. 11, and she was terrified.

“I knew the smoke was bad for me and we didn’t know where to go,” she said, explaining they spent the first two nights at a hotel in Sacramento. Next they spent a night at Mayra’s brother’s home in Oakland and then returned to the Valley and stayed with Luis’s sister. When it was time for the baby to arrive they headed to Sonoma Valley Hospital.

“At first they told me it was too smoky to have a baby here and to go to Marin General,” Mayra said, until it was determined she would not make it that far. “They took really good care of me at the hospital. They helped me so much,” Mayra said. “I wanted the baby to be born in Sonoma with Dr. Amara.” Paul Amara, M.D., also delivered their daughter.

Five hours after Liam was born Mayra posted this message on the Sonomama’s Facebook page: “I just had my baby born today at 6:30 p.m. And to just to think about where I’m supposed to go after the hospital hurts (helps) me. I haven’t been home since Monday. So I have everything at my home. All his clothes his car seat. Everything! It hurts not knowing where to go.”

Luis went to buy some things for Liam and kind souls brought a pile of baby supplies to the hospital’s front desk. Clothes, diapers, blankets, everything Liam needed. They decided to return to Luis’s sister’s home.

“I was scared. I was worried. Everything I had for him was at home,” Mayra said. Their apartment was still in a mandatory evacuation area and had no power. So when they left the hospital they returned to Luis’s sister’s home in Sonoma. The windows there are shut tight and they have an air filter and an air purifier. Liam is wearing a onesie that says “Mommy’s Little All Star.”

Mayra cuddled her baby in her arms, smiling. She won’t bring him back to their home until they can completely clean it, get the smoke smell out and wash all the clothes and blankets.

She is a server at Oso restaurant on the Plaza, where her husband is a cook. She graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 2009. She and Luis have been married for three years.

Mayra said Luis was the one who chose the name Liam for their baby. “He liked it because it means warrior and strength,” she said. Traditionally an Irish name, Liam has been the second most popular name for boys since 2015, according to the Social Security Administration. The baby’s middle name is Felix, after Mayra’s grandfather.

“We are doing really well right now. Everyone is helping us out,” Mayra said. “I am so happy.”

The smoke is clearing. Soon they will return home. And now they are a family of four, facing what life brings together.

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.