Baby born on a plane over Atlantic Ocean comes home to Fresno, California

FRESNO, CA -- After more than two weeks, a Fresno man has finally met his newborn son. The baby was born March 23rd during a flight from Africa to Atlanta.

The baby's name is Ebosalume. It means "What God did for me." The boy's parents say they had a different one planned, but changed it, saying faith was on their side the day their son was born.

For every little sound her newborn son makes, Katherine Oyedoh says a silent prayer, thanking God for his perfect health.

Katherine Oyedoh said, "It was so amazing; it was like, God arranged it all."

Katherine's ordeal started on March 23rd, three weeks before her April 15th due date. She was on a Delta flight from Africa to Atlanta, with plans to eventually reach her fiance in Fresno. But, those plans quickly changed, once Katherine's water broke 36,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

"I had to go to the bathroom. I came back and I wasn't comfortable."

A flight attendant, named Susan, rushed over to help. After moving Katherine to some empty seats, she found a doctor on board, as well as a nurse. As they guided her through labor, the remaining 200 passengers stood by and did the same.

Once Ebosalume was born, the plane was diverted to Senegal, where he and his mother stayed for nearly two weeks. After filling out the proper paperwork and communicating with the consulate, the two finally arrived in Fresno just one day before Easter.

Katherine's fiance, Greg Idoni, says it was the longest wait of his life. "All I could hear is the baby screaming and crying, the hospital people everything, but I haven't seen this baby. It was a very tough time. It was an emotional time."

The three are now settling in as a family, all while dealing with the worldwide attention their story has received. Both mom and dad say, while words can't describe how grateful they are to those who helped bring their son into the world, they hope that one day, at least he'll understand.

Mom and dad are now in the process of decorating a nursery, and finding a local pediatrician.

This article is from our sister station KFSN-TV in Fresno, California.

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