Area welcomes first baby of 2017

Allison Jayne Hemphill came a week earlier than her parents expected, but they still thought she'd be a little bit late.

Turned out Allison was just on time — 4:44 a.m. Sunday, to be exact — to be the first area baby of 2017.

Born at 21.5 inches long and 8 lbs, 5 oz, Allison is the second child of Logan and Amber Hemphill of Clovis. The couple had a delivery date of Jan. 15, and had planned inducement Jan. 9 before Amber had contractions all Friday.

They were admitted around 10:30 a.m. Saturday to Plains Regional Medical Center.

"We thought we would deliver probably before midnight Saturday," Amber said, "but she didn't want to come until 4:44 a.m. Sunday. I was actually very shocked she was the New Year's baby since it was 5 in the morning. I was pretty sure someone else got it."

Logan and Amber were the only family members present for the birth, as Lawson stayed with a neighbor. Logan originally came in with his wife, but left frequently for family errands.

"We live really close by," Amber said, "so he could let the dogs out, feed our son, get stuff we forgot to bring."

Hospital staff and area donors put together a package for the first 2017 baby, including diapers, stuffed animals, other baby gear, various gift cards and a red wagon big enough for both of the Hemphill children.

Lawson joined the family later in the day, and was concerned his sister was "broken" because she slept a lot.

"He has always been really great with my friends' children," Amber said. "He's going to be a great big brother."