A look at the first baby of 2010
PINE CENTER - Madalyn Jo Young wasn't due to be born until Jan. 8.
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But the little girl was ready for the world a little earlier than expected, becoming a New Year's Day gift for her parents, Ashley Gabrick and Brandon Young, and the first baby born in 2010 in Crow Wing County.
Because she had been dilated for two weeks and had gestational diabetes, Ashley was scheduled to be induced at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd on the morning of New Year's Day.
Madalyn Jo Young was born at 11:39 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd - the first baby born in 2010 in Crow Wing County.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
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While in the preceding months she and Brandon had joked that they could have a New Year's baby, they never thought it would happen with a Jan. 8 due date. Ashley firmly believed Madalyn would be born during the Christmas weekend snowstorm. When her doctor, Dr. James Delong, scheduled for her to be induced for Jan. 1, they knew a New Year's Baby was a possibility.
"It was kind of funny because the nurses were trying to get him have me come in on (Dec. 31), but he said, 'No, that's too tacky.' And I still ended up having the New Year's baby," Ashley said.
"Yeah, I was kind of surprised by that," Brandon said.
At 11:39 a.m. on New Year's Day, just three hours after Ashley was induced, Madalyn was born - all 7 pounds, 13 1/2 ounces and 21 inches of her. She has dark hair and bright blue eyes.
"I think she looks like daddy," Ashley said. Madalyn was Ashley's grandmother's name, and Jo is Ashley's and Ashley's mother's middle name.
Madalyn Jo Young was born at 11:39 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd - the first baby born in 2010 in Crow Wing County.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
On Sunday, Madalyn was taken to her Pine Center home, where she'll join mom, dad and big brother, Andrew, who is 20 months. Aside from a little trouble breathing at the hospital, Madalyn has been holding her own through the frigid cold.
"Really, she's been perfect," Ashley said. "It's been pretty smooth sailing."
Andrew kisses his little sister and tries to hold her, but for the most part he does his own thing, Ashley said. She was worried how Andrew would react to another baby in the house, but for the most part he's only been curious.
Madalyn now is waiting for visits from her extended family, many of whom live in the area but were unable to visit her in the hospital because of the cold and illnesses.
"That's good because it gave us a lot of bonding time," Ashley said.
Ashley and Brandon are engaged and had been discussing a wedding date when they found out she was pregnant. Setting a date has been put on hold while they settle in with their little girl. Ashley, 24, works at Security State Bank in Garrison. Brandon, 27, works in the concrete industry but has been paid off through the winter.
"It's all right. It gives me time to spend with the little guys here," Brandon said.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.