Atlas Twp. – Most children can’t stay up ’til midnight to usher in birthdays, but Annika Helen Peterson will be an exception.
The first local baby of 2004, the beautiful Atlas Township infant girl was exceptional from the start.
‘We weren’t expecting to be the first one,? said mom Karen Peterson, smoothing Annika’s dark crop of hair.
Born at 12:15 a.m. Jan. 1 at Genesys Health Park in Grand Blanc Township, Annika is the first 2004 baby born in Genesee, Shiawassee, Lapeer, and Bay counties. In addition, she arrived earlier than any baby born in Oakland County this year, including an infant born at 2:44 a.m. at Providence Hospital in Southfield.
Annika’s birth was later than her expected Dec. 26 due date, with labor beginning about 5 p.m. Dec. 31. Karen anticipated an evening resembling the 30 hours of labor she experienced with her 2-year-old son, Ty.
‘Dr. (Joseph) Kingsbury was saying ‘Oh, we’re going to have this one before midnight,?? said Karen. As labor progressed, she and husband Eric joked about a potential tax deducation.
‘But once it got five-til-midnight I said, ‘Sorry, it’s not going to happen,?? Karen said.
The Petersons were sure the title of first New Year’s baby had already been claimed, until Genesys nurses confirmed with the Hurley and McLaren birthing units. The Genesys staff was wonderful, says Karen.
As the first 2004 baby born in Genesee County, Annika received a $200 savings bond from The Flint Journal, along with a quilt and gifts from Girl Scout Troop 818 in Holly.
‘They’re trying to recruit some Girl Scouts young,? said Eric, grinning.
Annika’s name was inspired by her great-aunt Anna. It eventually evolved into a more ‘ethnic? sound, said Karen, a fitting reflection of Eric’s Scandinavian roots.
Outfitted in a pink and white cotton sleeper, Annika wriggled vigorously in her mother’s arms after her first doctor’s visit. She’s a healthy little girl, and has gained five ounces and three-quarters of an inch since her birth, when she weighed in at 7 pounds, three ounces, and measured 20 inches.
New Year’s isn’t always such a celebration for the family, who moved to Atlas Township last fall to be closer to Eric’s teaching job at Goodrich High School.
‘We’re actually not big New Year’s Eve people, we’re pretty low key, but this New Year’s we were hoping something would happen,? Karen said.
Annika’s big brother Ty was at the hospital ‘snoozing on the couch? near his grandparents by the time Annika greeted the world.
Despite a well-publicized post-labor photo, Karen hasn’t minded the media attention.
‘I think it’s pretty cool, I think she’ll appreciate it’it’s nice,? she said. ‘I mean how often do you get TV stations covering your birth??
Friends, co-workers, and students are excited for the Petersons, who are receiving many congratulatory wishes.
‘They say, ‘Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame,? said Karen, who hopes to spend lots of time with Annika, Ty, and Eric before returning to work for Oakland County Community Corrections.
The family expects future New Year’s celebrations to be less ‘low-key?, now that Annika will be the life of the party.
‘She’s pretty feisty,? said Karen. ‘I think it’ll actually be a pretty fun party to have’better than if she was born on Christmas.?