NATCHEZ — The coming of a new year holds new promise. And for one new Natchez resident, 2008 also marks the start of new life.

At 10:57 a.m., on the first day of 2008, Melissa Pearl Blackmon earned the honor of being the first baby born in the area in the new year.

Her mother Naomi cradled the redheaded baby in her arms, looking over her tiny features.

“It’s a blessing no matter when she came,” she said.

Naomi actually went into labor at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Ironically, Melissa’s father Sammy celebrates his birthday on New Year’s Eve.

“We’re real glad she’s the first baby of the year,” he said looking over his wife and child.

Melissa’s great-grandmother, Amanda Baker, was also in the hospital room as the newborn took her first glimpses of a new world.

“We have been waiting on this precious thing for a long time,” she said. “We’re thrilled she’s here now.”

Natchez Regional Hospital had some gifts for the precious gifts.

Nurse Angel Lindsey presented the newborn and her family with an enormous gift basket from the hospital.

“She got some good stuff,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said the basket contained all matter of things a new baby needs.

“They also get a whole case of diapers,” she said.

Lindsey said seeing the first baby of the new year is one of the best parts of her job.

“They’re all little miracles,” she said.