First 2013 Baby Born at Coliseum Medical Center

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – While many celebrated the new year with fireworks, one Middle Georgia family rang in 2013 with a new addition to the family. The Thomas’ are the lucky parents of middle Georgia’s first baby of the year.

Alexis Thomas was born on January 1, 2013 at 10:36 a.m.

“It feels good. It’s a blessing,” mother Sheila Thomas said.

A blessing that came a week early. Alexis wasn’t due until January 8, but she couldn’t wait any longer. That’s how Sheila and her husband Maurice found themselves ringing in the new year at the Coliseum Family Ties Birthing Center.

“What was your reaction when the doctors and nurses told you you had the first baby of 2013?” 41 NBC asked. “It was exciting,” Sheila said.

It’s an unexpected surprise that gives the Thomas family bragging rights and puts them in the spotlight.

“They had her in the nursery, and they came in and said phones are ringing off the hook. TV and news people, everybody [is] coming,” father Maurice Thomas said.

This little bundle of joy weighs six pounds, 12 ounces and is 19 and a half inches long. Her parents are thankful the birth went well and they have a beautiful baby girl.

“Just thank god that she’s here and healthy,” Maurice said.

As Sheila recovers and Alexis sleeps in her mother’s arms, both parents say they can’t wait to leave the hospital and take their baby girl home.

“She going to be spoiled. She going to be spoiled,” Maurice said. “I’m probably going to be the one to do it.”

The hospital celebrated their first birth by giving the Thomas’ blankets and toys.