NEAR WEST SIDE — Ald. Jason Ervin is expecting a special delivery in 2016 — his first child.
Ervin announced wife Melissa Conyears-Ervin's pregnancy in a holiday mailer to 28th Ward voters this week. The 41-year-old Alderman and his wife, 40, are expecting a daughter in early June.
In the mailer, Ervin reveals his daughter's name: Jeneva Claudette, after his grandmother and grandfather Claude. Ervin's middle name is also Claude, he told DNAinfo Chicago Tuesday.
Ervin asked voters to keep his wife in their prayers.
"Please keep Melissa in your prayers as she is expecting our first child... Jeneva Claudette," he writes.
Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) announced his wife's pregnancy in a holiday mailer to 28th Ward voters. [Ald. Jason Ervin mailer]
Life will certainly be different with a little one around, Ervin said. While he watched his two nephews grow into men, raising a daughter will present its own challenges and rewards.
"It's a life change, certainly. I haven't had any children," Ervin said. "And with a girl on the way, I'll be the only guy in the house."
Will the Ervins be adding to their brood after their daughter is born?
"I think I'll try this one first before I sign up for more," Ervin said. But whatever "the Lord calls for us, we'll answer," he said.
The couple were married in 2012 in a ceremony attended by Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th), Ald Howard Brookins Jr. (21st) and then-Ald. Deborah Graham (29th). Conyears-Ervin is a manager at Allstate Insurance.
Ervin was appointed to the 28th Ward post in January 2011 by Mayor Richard Daley. A month later, he was elected to a full term as alderman. Ervin, who formerly served as Maywood's village manager, lives in East Garfield Park.
Earlier this year, incumbent Ervin was re-elected after seven candidates challenging Ervin were bounced from the 28th Ward ballot.
As 28th Ward alderman, Ervin represents a diverse collection of West Side neighborhoods, including parts of: Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Little Italy, Little Village, Pilsen, Tri-Taylor, University Village, the Medical District and the West Loop.
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