Evelyn Raen Iwen arrived just 48 minutes after the new year began. Ashley and Derek Iwen of Mallard welcomed their baby daughter at 12:48 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.
"We were hoping she would be the first baby of the new year in the state, but we think she was number four," said new mother Ashley.
The Iwens came to Palo Alto County Hospital about 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31. Ashley's due date was Jan. 6, but baby Evelyn decided to make her entrance into the world a few days early. She weighed 6 pounds, 8.5 ounces and measures 19.5-inches tall. Dr. Jennifer Boevers was the attending physician.
Article Photos
NEW YEAR’S BABY Evelyn Raen Iwen arrived early Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at Palo Alto County Health System. She is pictured with her parents, Ashley and Derek Iwen, and big brother, Wyatt. The first baby born at Palo Alto County Hospital was welcomed by Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce Director Deb Hite (center) and Palo Alto County Health System Administrator Desiree Einsweiler (right). --Jane Whitmore photo
Big brother Wyatt Patrick is ready to help care for his baby sister. Wyatt is four years old and will be five in just a couple of weeks.
The little miss has a lot more family to welcome her, too. Grandparents are Kelly Steinbeck of Hartley, Diane Cale-Steinbeck of Slayton, MN, Staci Holloman of Niles, KS, and Brett Iwen of Emmetsburg.
Great grandparents are Virgil and Jolene Auten of Mallard, Fred and Anna McDevitt of Mallard, Bruce and Cindy Iwen of Cylinder, Gary and Barbara Steinbeck of Primghar, and Dell and Joanne Lopez of Marshaltown.
Evelyn's great great grandmother is Sylvia Iwen of Emmetsburg.
Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce businesses welcomed the first baby of the new year with a basket of gifts. Chamber Director Deb Hite presented the basket to the young family.
The following businesses join in celebrating this special day!
Iowa Trust & Savings Bank Taggie, Jar, Rattle, Sox and Money
Wentzel's True Value -- Fleece Ducky Blanket
Hardware Hank -- $10 Gift Certificate
Quality Services -- Gift Certificate for Carpet Cleaning
Second Hand Thrift -- Gift Certificate
Creative Stitches -- Two Pink, Polka Dot Knit Hats
Saxton's Greenhouse -- Pink Monkey and Gift Certificate
Iowa Lakes Community College -- Pink Iowa Lakes Hoodie
A Heavenly Celebration -- Wrapped Gift
New Shoots Farm Store, Bakery & Caf -- Pink and Brown Taggie and Gift Certificate
Chamber of Commerce -- Basket and $10 Chamber Bucks
Upper Des Moines Opportunity -- Bright Starts Shake and Spin Activity Balls
E-Pride Office Products -- $25 Chamber Bucks
The Reporter & The Democrat -- Family Photo
Pizza Ranch -- Pizza Ranch Onesie and Pizza Gift Certificate
The Glass Shop
Additional gifts will be presented by Chamber members.
Congratulations to the Iwen family and welcome to the world, baby Evelyn.