RALEIGH (WTVD) -- It's a new year and many growing families around the Triangle are ringing it in with a new bundle of joy.
Many of them were wondering if they would welcome the first New Year's baby in the Triangle.
Annie Gill did not expect to meet her baby girl until at least next week, but when her water broke Wednesday morning, she knew her little one had other plans.
"She came when she wanted to come which, apparently was in the New Year," laughed Gill. "It was a little bit of a surprise because we weren't expecting it this early."
Her husband, John, rushed them to Rex Hospital. Family from as far away as Virginia hurried in too.
Everyone wondered if Gill would deliver the New Year's baby.
"We kept giving them updates. We had this phone tree going," said John.
At 1:14 a.m., nearly 16 hours of labor later, Emily Morgan Gill was ready to meet the world.
"I think they cracked some champagne down in the waiting room. We were thrilled to just hold her," said Annie.
At 8 lbs. 2 oz. little Emily is already showing off her big personality.
"She's a little feisty," laughed Annie. "It's amazing. From the second I laid eyes on her it was just like tears and happiness, and you just are in love instantly. It's an awesome, awesome feeling."
"I don't think it could have started a better way. I think it's going to be the best year ever," said John.
Emily Morgan Gill was the first baby born in 2015 at Rex Hospital.
WakeMed delivered the first baby of 2015 born in the Triangle area at 12:20 a.m.