First baby of 2009 born at Greene County General Hospital

(Submitted photo) FIRST BABY: Valerie Jean Fernhaber is the first baby of 2009 born at Greene County General Hospital. Valerie was born to Ethan and Stephanie Fernhaber on Jan. 4 at 12:58 a.m. Valerie is pictured here with mom, Stephanie Fernhaber. [Order this photo]

Valerie was born to Ethan and Stephanie Fernhaber on Jan. 4 at 12:58 a.m. at the Greene County General Hospital in Linton.

Weighing in at 6 pounds and 14 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long, Valerie is the third baby for the Fernhaber family.

Stephanie explained, "This is our third. We have three girls now. We were surprised. We didn't find out (the sex) for any of them."

The family also includes 4 1/2-year-old Claire and then there's Ava who'll turn 3 at the end of the month.

Both girls are happy about the new arrival.

"Ava asked if she could pet the baby," Stephanie said with a giggle. "They've been playing baby for a while now."

Valerie "has a a whole head of dark hair and blue eyes" and is doing quite well even though her days and nights are mixed up, her mother added.

And the story behind the name Valerie Jean?

"Valerie was (baby sister) Claire's suggestion ... one of her many," Stephanie said. "Her middle name Jean is after great-(paternal) grandma."

As for mom, she feels great.

"It (delivery) was probably the easiest one overall. The hospital has been great. It's the first time I've been here," Stephanie said.

But home calls and Stephanie will make her way back to the family's Bloomfield residence today.

"I'm excited to go home," she said.

Valerie's grandparents are Steve and Trudy Bosman, Scott and Judy Fernhaber and Claudine and Jerry Doornek -- all of Wisconsin.

In 2002, the Fernhaber family moved to Bloomington and last year they relocated to Bloomfield.