Video: First Baby of 2015 Born to Fulton Couple

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — The birth of a baby is always an exciting and memorable occasion, but those New Year’s babies are extra special.

WCBI’s Allie Martin introduces us to the first baby born at Tupelo’s Women’s Hospital in 2015.

It was shortly after lunchtime the first day of 2015 and nurses were wheeling in a cart full of presents to Ariel Buckwalter’s room at NMMC’s Tupelo Women’s Hospital.

Ariel’s son Caleb, was the first baby of 2015 born at the hospital. Caleb made his arrival at 2 49 am, eight days earlier than expected. His mother was overwhelmed and tired.

Every year, the first baby born at the Women’s Hospital gets assorted presents from area merchants. There are items you would expect, such as diapers, formula and stuffed animals, there are also gifts for mom and dad, such as CDs and even apple cider.

The first baby and family get a lot of attention, as local media representatives are brought in for the occasion.

The proud parents moved to Fulton from Pennsylvania several months ago and are surprised their firstborn was also the first baby of the New Year.

“She was having a lot of pain so we brought her to here and then found out she was dilated one centimeter so they wanted her to walk around and before we knew it she was in labor,” said Dad Geoffrey McClain.

Six hours later, Caleb was born, weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces and 20 inches long. The first baby of 2015 at the Tupelo hospital is in great health and now his mom and dad plan to tell their family members about the honor of having the first arrival of the new year.

“They don’t know yet,” Buckwalter said.

Doctors say mom and baby should be able to go home in two days, then the new parents have a good idea of what’s ahead.

“Get rest and take care of a baby,” she said.

In all, three babies were born New Year’s Day at Tupelo’s Women’s Hospital.