Kimberly Hewitt is quickly embracing the role as mother.
Just a few hours after giving birth to Lucy - the New Year's baby at Vernon Jubilee Hospital - instinct was kicking in for Hewitt.
"She's amazing. She's sleeping on my chest right now," said the 24-year-old.
Lucy is the first child for Hewitt and Andreas Shannon, 25, of Armstrong.
Hewitt's due date was between Jan. 19 and 21 but due to circumstances, she was admitted to VJH Friday morning. The couple then spent the weekend waiting for their daughter to arrive.
"It's been a very long, emotional and rewarding weekend. What a great New Year's party," said Hewitt.
As Jan. 1 drew closer, the prospect of having the first child of 2017 at the hospital became the topic of discussion.
"Everyone in the room with me was taking bets on what time she'd be here," said Hewitt.
"I kind of figured it could happen after being in labour for 36 hours, and it was all worth it."
And at 4:57 a.m. Sunday, Lucy entered the world for Hewitt and Shannon, who works at Colonial Farms. She weighed in at seven pounds, five ounces.
Much thought went into the name Lucy.
"There is an anime show (Fairy Tale) I love and one of the characters is named Lucy. She is strong and courageous and we want our daughter to have a strong and courageous name," said Hewitt.
For having the first baby born at VJH for 2017, Hewitt and Shannon have received numerous gifts from the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary.