TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - While most of us were busy counting down the new year, a Tallahassee family was counting down to their new baby's first appearance.
She was born at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, just four minutes after midnight.
For most, the New Year means going out to watch fireworks and celebrate.
"We were here watching all of the New Year's Eve concerts and singing. I was like, 'Okay, she's gonna be a 2018 baby,'" said new mom Britney Johnson.
But four minutes after the ball dropped, her baby was born.
"There she was. It's amazing. She's beautiful," said Johnson.
Johnson and Wallace Barber watched their own dazzling show enter the world.
"I think it was Grandma and Grandpa saying "Okay, it's time little one,'" said Johnson.
Two guardian angels, both born on New Year's Day, there in spirit to welcome Zen Marie Barber, Tallahassee's first baby of 2019.
There are already plenty of coincidences in Zen's life, her sister's birthday is Halloween and she has an extra digit.
"They say it's luck to be born on New Year's and she also has an extra digit. They say that's lucky too," said Johnson.
Even her name is symbolic. She's a Capricorn and the trademark characteristic for a Capricorns is zen.
"Zen, zen, zen. Let's just hope she lives up to that name when she gets older," said Johnson.
But above all, Zen's parents want her to remember just how special she is.
"She's a lot more important than she may think that she is now. So I want her to remember that people made a big hoopla and you came into the world with a grand entrance," said Johnson.
Something they say they'll make sure she never forgets.
Zen wasn't the only New Year's baby born in Tallahassee.
Charlie and Kelsey Williams welcomed baby Finn into the world at 12:01 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.
Finn was 5 pounds and 14 ounces.
"I'm just happy he was healthy and everything went well. We had to go with a surprise C-section which wasn't planned, he came a little earlier than what was expected, just glad it was a good day and he's here," said Charlie.
Baby Finn has four siblings at home waiting to meet him.
