When Amber and Josh Croad of Apex found out they were having a baby, never did they realize that her birth would come with such celebrity fanfare. That is exactly what happened when Layla Lynn Croad was born on Jan. 1 at 12:01 a.m. at WakeMed Hospital.

Her early morning arrival made Layla the first Triangle baby to be born in the New Year.

According to Josh, the proud father, his wife went into labor around 8 a.m. on Dec. 31. The family arrived at the hospital at 5 p.m. and was actually hoping to have the baby sooner. However, Amber’s labor didn’t progress and doctors decided to perform a Cesarean around 11:15 p.m.

When Layla was born a minute after midnight, doctors joked with the Croad family about the fact that she could be possibly the first baby of the New Year. However, it was quickly confirmed it was no joke and Layla was the first baby born at WakeMed in 2013.

Amber said even though Layla was born on her due date, they never could have imagined that she would be the first baby of 2013 in the Triangle.

“We were not expecting this,” Amber said.

However, Amber is excited her daughter has this title; it will be something the Croads can share and Layla can enjoy for years to come.

“This is a fun for her to have,” Amber said. “I am really excited for her.”

Josh said the hospital was wonderful to their family, providing Layla with a gift basket and treating them wonderfully.

“All the nurses were really excited,” Josh said.

Layla entered into the world, weighing 8 pounds, 5 ounces and is 20 inches long. Layla has an older sister, Caleigh.

According to the proud papa, she has a head full of hair, has the cutest smile and has already won his heart.

“She is really calm,” Josh said. “She really does not cry that much.”