The new year has brought in quite a change for Andrew and Shelby Woolery.
At 8:13 a.m. Jan. 3, the California couple welcomed their daughter, Hazel Grace Woolery. Hazel is not only the first-born child to be born of the pair, she is also the first baby of 2019 for Moniteau County.
With just a little over a week of experience, being new parents has brought on a surprise for the Woolery househould.
"We're learning a lot more than we originally thought," Shelby said. "This is definitely new."
Shelby, 23, a Jefferson City native, was induced at St. Mary's Regional Hospital on Jan. 2, even though her original due date was Jan. 6.
Andrew, 25, said his daughter wasn't named for any particular person, but, "it was a name we found and liked."
In the process of learning their new routine, Hazel reportedly enjoys a heavy nap, eating and one more important trait:
"When she wants something, she will definitely let you know," Shelby said.
The family went home with a buffet lunch from Burgher Haus, a solid oak rocker from Windmill Ridge Funeral Chapel, a $15 Gift on fresh arrangement from The Flower Shop, a free oil change and filter from Sakelaris Ford of California, a contribution of $25 with the opening of a youth savings acccount at Hawthorn Bank, a $10 gift certificate from Cal's Supermarket, a pedicure from A Good Hair Day, a digital thermometer from Bond Pharmacy, a $10 gift card from C&R Supermarket, a four-wheel car alignment from Brockes Tire and Auto, an electric heater from Oscheln's Farm and Home, a $20 gift certificate from the Beauty Bar, and a six-month subscription to the California Democrat.
But Andrew said the prize that will most benefit his household is the rocker from Windmill Ridge Funeral Chapel.
"We don't have an actual wooden rocker," he said. "We do have a recliner, but no rocker. That'll be really nice, because Hazel likes to always be moving."