OREM — Utah County welcomed 2007's first baby just after 1 a.m. on Monday, and the infant will be noted for more than just his birthday.
Timothy John Osmond, great-nephew of Donny Osmond, was born at 1:10 a.m. at Timpanogos Regional Hospital.
While his parents, Becky and Hyrum Osmond, were excited their son took the number one spot for Utah County, they said they weren't expecting the baby to come so soon. With the due date four weeks away, the couple, who live in American Fork, had planned a rather different way to celebrate New Year's Eve than a trip to the hospital.
"We (had) pulled out Battleship — you know, a boring New Year's Eve. We were going to play a game," Hyrum said.
Then, at about 9 p.m., Becky started having contractions every six minutes.
"It was a total surprise," Becky said. "We just packed a bag and left (for the hospital)."
The couple ended up celebrating New Year's with the hospital staff.
"We had the whole staff come into our room last night," Becky said. "They were having this party."
The nurses brought in sparkling cider and passed around cups.
"We all toasted the newborn," Hyrum said.
After four hours of labor and a cesarean section, the 5-pound, 12-ounce, 18-inch baby was born. Although he arrived four weeks earlier than expected, the hospital nurse caring for the infant said he was doing well.
"He'll be OK," said Sue Jones. "He's just kind of a little guy."
Timothy's early arrival has already resulted in some benefits for mom and dad, though, who already have another young son. Babies "R" Us delivered a large gift basket to the couple, containing washcloths, baby clothes and toys. The hospital plans on providing a gift as well, said spokeswoman Jacque Brown.
"We're providing (a case of) diapers and a Visa gift card," she said.
Last year, other entities also gave gifts to 2006's first baby, and this year will probably be no different, said the hospital's house supervisor, Sally Metzger.
"They'll be getting quite a stash I'm sure," she said.
While Timothy was Utah County's first baby in 2007, he came in as number five in the state. Allan Espinoza, son of Maria Espinoza and Hector Garcia, beat all other contenders, arriving just two minutes after midnight at Heber Valley Medical Center.
Even if he's not number one in the state, Timothy certainly has a famous heritage. Hyrum's dad is George Osmond, the oldest of the Osmond brothers. However, his mom seemed happy Timothy didn't inherited one Osmond trait.
"He has such blonde eyebrows," she said. "I'm glad he doesn't have the cursed Osmond unibrow."
E-mail: rwestenskow@desnews.com