Alyssa Smigelski wins New Year?s baby contest

by Peter Jakey– Managing Editor

Alyssa Smigelski, five days old, of Posen had a little better luck than her mom, Cheryl, as the newborn has officially been named The Advance?s New Year?s baby 2008. Alyssa was born just after midnight (12:15 a.m.), January 12, at Alpena Regional Medical Center. Cheryl, who just celebrated her 37th birthday January 2, wasn?t the first baby of the year when she was born at Rogers City Hospital in 1971. Plus, the due date was January 17.

With it being almost the end of the second week of ?08, parents Jim and Cheryl didn?t think about winning the annual contest. Alyssa weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 20 inches in length. Cheryl went in for a doctor?s appointment last Friday because she was leaking amniotic fluid and was immediately told she needed to go to the hospital. The couple already was ready for that possibility and had everything with them. Labor was induced the next day and lasted 12 to 13 hours.

CHERYL SAID everything up until that point had been easy. ?The pregnancy was a breeze,? said Cheryl. ?There was no morning sickness and no problems.? The couple has been marr

ied 11 years and has been ready for this day. ?It?s not like we hadn?t planned to but it is a major change,? said Cheryl. ?We are looking forward to it. She has been a great baby so far.? ?It has been real good,? said Jim, who has taken off work to be with his wife and new daughter. He was going to put on his chauffeur?s hat to take them to a doctor?s appointment Tuesday morning.

As part of the contest, Alyssa and her parents are the recipients of several fine gifts from area merchants, which include certificates for services, products, a savings bond, entertainment, and a one year subscription to The Advance.

The happy grandparents are Art and Barb Chojnacki and Jim and Lorraine Smigelski all of Posen. Alyssa?s great grandparents are Virginia Smigelski of Posen and Julian Skowronek of Alpena.