First baby of 2010 a pleasant surprise for parents

When Emma Kimberly Hayes opened her eyes for the first time at 12:21 a.m. Friday, she had no idea she earned the distinction of being the first baby born in Hernando County in 2010.

And no one was more surprised than mom Haley Reppuhn, 24.

"We were not expecting a New Year's baby so it was quite a surprise for us," said Haley, about nine hours after her long ordeal with the delivery.

Little Emma was not expected to be born until Jan. 11. But concern over mom's blood pressure prompted her doctor to induce labor around 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Mom and dad, who live near Jasmine Hills in Port Richey, visited Emma's doctor - located almost directly across from Spring Hill Regional Hospital - at 10:15 a.m. Thursday and both had every intention of going back home and waiting at least another week before checking into the hospital.

But the doctor admitted Haley immediately to Spring Hill Regional where staff could monitor mom and baby just to play it safe.

More than 12 hours later, following a Cesarean section delivery, Emma introduced herself to her parents and the hospital's maternity staff. Weighing in at 6 pounds, 11 ounces, Emma was doing well Friday morning and was sleeping in mom's arms.

The father, Brandon Hayes, 23, was still reclining on a makeshift bed in the hospital room Friday morning. Like mom, he was there through the long ordeal.

With a wide smile on his face, Brandon said he is looking forward to watching his daughter do all the "first" steps in life. The fact that she already grabbed a "first" baby born label is an added bonus, he said.

"She's daddy's perfect little angel," he said.

Haley said she was planning on saving the newspaper article announcing Emma's birth. After being told her baby would make bigger front page news, Haley said she will have a real keepsake to show her daughter when she grows up.

"It's exciting and definitely unexpected," Brandon said.