OTTUMWA — Megan Lowe’s Christmas gift didn’t show up until New Year’s Day.

“He was overdue,” said Lowe, 21, of Kirkville. “He was due on Christmas Eve — my water broke New Year’s Eve.”

At 9:52 the next morning, 7 pound, 13 ounce Hayden arrived, making him the first baby born at Ottumwa Regional Health Center for 2008. Lowe was sitting in a chair in her hospital room Wednesday with Hayden sleeping in her arms.

“He’s quiet now, but he can be very vocal,” she said.

Hayden is already used to attention. As the local New Year’s baby, he’s had his photo taken by four different photographers in his first day of life. And as has become traditional, merchants and well-wishers from around the area sent gifts to welcome the child with the Jan. 1 birthday.

“I was shocked,” said Lowe about the gifts, “and very grateful.”

Having the first baby of the year was not something Lowe had even thought about when she arrived at the hospital Monday. Then she started hearing Hayden might be the Baby New Year.

“At first, I thought it was cool. But later, as the night progressed, that thought went away — labor began,” she said

As for the name, Lowe had only picked out a girl’s name. But after the first ultrasound, when she found out she was having a boy, she picked a name she had heard and always liked.

“Right after the ultrasound, I said, ‘Let’s go with Hayden,’” she said.

Lowe expects to go home soon, and said to let friends know she’s doing well. When she gets home, she added, her home is already prepared for its newest occupant. She’s had a lot of help.

“[My] family has been great,” Lowe said.

Mark Newman can be reached at 683-5358 or by e-mail at mgnewman@mchsi.com.