Carlton County's first baby of 2020 born on Jan. 3

After a normal pregnancy and fast labor, Carlton County's first baby of 2020 arrived on Friday, Jan. 3.

Stella Mae Ammesmaki entered the world at 4:06 a.m. at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Her mother, Marina Berglund, 22, said she went to the hospital on Thursday, but was sent back home. She returned to the hospital 12 hours later, and within an hour, her daughter was born.

The quick labor was a surprise.

“I was hoping to have a New Year's baby,” Berglund said.

James Ammesmaki, 27, is happy to have paternity leave from his job at Black Bear Casino so he can take care of his family.

The family will move in with Marina's family as they house hunt for something in the area. The gift basket and diapers from the hospital will keep them stocked up on baby supplies for a while.

This is Berglund's first child, but she is looking forward to more.

“I told James I want 13 kids,” she said with a laugh. “I always wanted a big, chaotic family.”

Ammesmaki didn't argue.

“I told her I want an army,” he said.

1/3: Marina Berglund holds her newborn baby girls feet. Stella Ammesmaki was born Friday, January, 3 at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. Jamie Lund/Pine Journal

2/3: Stella Ammesmaki was the first baby born in 2020 at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. (Jamie Lund / Pine Journal)

3/3: Stella Ammesmaki was born Friday, Jan. 3 at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. (Jamie Lund / Pine Journal)