The first baby at Community Memorial Hospital in 2022 was also a "miracle baby" for her parents, they said.
Rowyn Oak Jubie was born at 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2., to Sara Haverkamp and Jimmy Jubie Jr. of Cloquet. She arrived just an hour before her due date of Monday, Jan. 3.
Haverkamp and Jubie had been trying to have a child for over 10 years and got exciting news last year when Haverkamp found out she was pregnant.
"After 10 years, she is our little miracle baby," Haverkamp said.
Rowyn was born at 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 20 inches long. Haverkamp said Rowyn was expected to be born weighing in the 6-pound range, but she was happy Rowyn grew a little more before she was born.
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Jubie added he had given up on having a child and was in disbelief when he found out Haverkamp was pregnant.
"I didn't know if I was going to be able to have kids ... we were at the point of settling to not have kids," he said. "I was in shock for at least three months — 'This is really going to happen' — you know?"
Having the first baby of the year has brought some attention to the family, and Haverkamp said she has had fun interacting with the hospital staff.
"It's fun … it is like you are famous," she said. "It has been a surreal experience with the little one."
Despite the attention, the couple said they are happy their newborn is healthy.
"(We are) just grateful she is healthy and here finally," Haverkamp said.
After seeing his first child, Jubie said he feels like it has already changed him as a person, and said the fact his daughter is the first baby of the year is a forever moment for her.
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"It has been a gift every day," he said.
