NORWAY — What better way to ring in the new year than to welcome a newborn baby into the world?

Caehyl Alexys Mann, 8 pounds, 12 ounces, was the first baby born at Stephens Memorial Hospital in 2012. She arrived at 5:27 a.m. on January 1.

And, according to mom, she arrived one day early.

“I kind of expected it,” said Cassandra. “I told all the doctors and nurses I’d be here.”

Cassandra and her husband Kyle knew in August that they were having a little girl. Both said that they were excited about their new daughter, and that they were looking forward to taking her home.

Cassandra said when deciding what to name her daugher, “Caehyl” just came to her. She said that it was a name she has liked for a while.

“We wanted to have a girl too,” said Cassandra, rocking Caehyl in her arms.

The couple has one son, Kyle Mann, Jr., who is two-and-a-half years old. They said that he, like his sister, was born earlier than expected. Kyle was born two days early, said Cassandra.

According to dad, when Kyle’s sister was born, Kyle was in awe. He said that when Kyle saw Caehyl for the very first time, “Kyle thought she was ‘precious.'”

“He’s going around saying to everyone that she’s perfect,” said dad.

Cassandra confirmed that Kyle was excited to be a big brother, as she showed off an earlier picture of Kyle listening to his sister’s heartbeat.

“It seems just like yesterday that Kyle was like Caehyl,” said Cassandra. “They grow up so fast.”

When asked if they planned on having more children, Cassandra said that it was something she and her husband were debating.

“We will see when the time comes,” she said.

The couple agreed that since Caehyl was born, the family feels complete. Cassandra said that for now, having two children is enough.

“I am really happy,” said dad, looking down at his daughter, dressed in a light pink dress, with a little pink bow on her head. “She’s beautiful.”

The couple resides in South Paris, and on January 3, Caehyl was brought home for the first time.

On behalf of the New Year’s baby, area businesses including New Balance, Walmart, and Hannaford, as well as SMH’s Community Relations Department and SMH’s volunteer services, donated gifts to the family.