SAN ANTONIO – The first baby of the new year was welcomed just after midnight Thursday at Methodist Hospital.
Sarah Allison was born at 12:02 a.m. to mother Melody Esparza, according to a press release from the hospital.
Sarah wasn't due until Jan. 27, so Esparza is calling her a new year's surprise.
"I got here the day before yesterday. I went to the hospital and they said, 'Oh no, you're blood pressure is way too high,'" Esparza said.
Doctors tried to induce labor, but after 12 hours they had to take Sarah out by C-section. Sarah is a few weeks premature, but very healthy. She came into the world weighing 4 pounds, 8 ounces.
"I was like, 'Oh my God! The first new year's baby.' For Methodist, I heard that's a really big deal because they haven't had one in years," Esparza said.
She realized just how big of a deal it was when gifts from local hospitals and organizations started pouring into her hospital room.
As the first baby born at a San Antonio hospital in the new year, Sarah will be given a gift package of items donated by various institutions in the community.
Perhaps the largest gift is a college scholarship donated by the University of the Incarnate Word.
"Oh my gosh! It's a scholarship to Incarnate Word for $10,000," Esparza said as she showed the gift to her parents.
The gift package also includes gift cards to Babies"R"Us and Target, a teddy bear, baby blanket, car seat and more.