Newton County welcomed its first baby of 2009 Friday morning – Timothy Whitlock – born in the wee hours at 1:13 a.m. at Newton Medical Center.

Timothy weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces at birth and was 21 inches long.

Timothy’s mother, Barbara Hunter, was quietly resting Friday afternoon in her room, surrounded by family members who clustered around to gaze at the newborn who was wearing a black and white 2009 knit cap, made especially for the first baby of the New Year by the NMC Auxiliary Guild.

This is Barbara’s fourth child. Timothy’s older siblings are Nautica, 9, Edquavian, 7 and Chelsey, 1.

Timothy’s father, Timothy Whitlock, was overjoyed at the birth of his firstborn child who he hopes will have a future in the NBA. If little Timothy inherits his father’s height (Whitlock is 6 feet 9 inches tall) that may very well be a possibility.

Whitlock said he was "very proud" to be a father.

"That one there is going to make it into the NBA," he said.

Carmen Henderson, Barbara’s nurse, said it was a very smooth delivery. Barbara was admitted to NMC’s birthcare unit at 12:25 p.m. on New Year’s Day and gave birth roughly 13 hours later.

The actual delivery was very brief said Henderson with Barbara only having to push down five times before Timothy came out.

Compared to her other three births, Timothy’s was definitely "easier" said a sleepy and content Barbara.

Timothy was born four days past his due date. So far he has been fairly quiet as he adjusts to life in the world say family members.

"He’s already sucking his pacifier and he’s sucking it hard," said Venus Burke, paternal aunt of Timothy.

The birthcare center where Timothy was born will soon be expanded when a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opens in the spring, said NMC Birthcare Clinical Manager Tammy Hotz. With the opening of the NICU, babies born with special needs won’t have to be transferred to other area hospitals Hotz said.

Timothy and his mother were released from the hospital Saturday. The family will receive a special gift from NMC because of his special status as the first baby of 2009.