COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County grew by three Jan. 2, when the first babies of 2019 were welcomed into the world at Piedmont Newton Hospital. 

Shabeth Wright welcomed her third child, Jasai Smith, at 5:57 a.m., three days before her due date. Smith measures 21 inches long and weighs 8 pounds, 5 ounces. 

Wright said she expected Smith to make his appearance a few weeks earlier, as she has never made it full term in any of her other pregnancies. 

Smith joins his two siblings, a sister, 9, and brother, 5. 

Briona Boswell welcomed her third child, Wy'mair McKibben, a few hours later. McKibben arrived a full week early, with a Jan. 9 due date. He measures 19.5 inches and 7 pounds, 7 ounces. 

Boswell said she celebrated the new year by getting packed and prepared for her son's arrival. 

McKibben joins his three siblings, two brothers, 11 and 4, and one sister, 5. 

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Editor's note: The family of the first baby of 2019 at Piedmont Newton Hospital did not wish to be recognized.