Winnipeg’s first baby of 2010

She rang in 2010 at almost 10 pounds.

With a due date of December 23rd, it would have been more likely for Madison Rae to have been a Christmas baby.

But instead, she held off over a week, by-passing all of 2009 to be the first baby of the decade born in Winnipeg.

"We were in the hospital in labor for over 20 hours so I really didn’t expect that we would have the New Year’s baby," says Madison’s mom, Amy Byers.

"We thought we were going to be around 7 o’clock delivery or something but it just kept on going. Next thing you know the Forks had the fire works going off at 10," added her dad, Erin Cook.

But the spectacular fireworks display ended long before little Madison came along. She entered the world 17 minutes after midnight.

While she’s our New Year’s baby, she’s not getting worked up about it. Madison stays calm, cool and quiet amidst all the cameras.

Mom and Dad say she’s a lot different from her 16-month-old brother, Evan.

Evan has been preparing for his sister by studying books of babies.

A comfortable, private room and a basket filled with clothing and toys were given to the East Kildonan family. A little welcome gift from the St. Boniface Hospital.

"I’m just happy she’s fine and here and the perks are nice and not important," says Byer

The biggest gift for her family is, after all, a memorable New Year.