Stacy Bain, left, holds her new baby Alexa Elizabeth, the first baby of 2009, born in Lawrence. Alexa's father at right is Dustin Tregnago. Alexa was born Thursday afternoon at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

The new year brought a new addition to a local couple.

Stacy Bain, of Ness City, gave birth to Alexa Elizabeth Bain at 2:26 p.m. Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, making her Lawrence’s first baby of 2009.

“I figured there would be somebody else in the hospital, but they told me I was the only one in labor today,” Bain said. “I really didn’t know what to expect to go along with it either. It’s exciting.”

Despite some fatigue and a little pain, Bain said she was surprised to be feeling so well just a few hours after the birth. Alexa was doing fine, too, weighing a healthy 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.

Bain said she would forgo her classes at Kansas University to take on the task of motherhood, but she’s looking forward to the sacrifice. Alexa’s father, Dustin Tregnago, of Moberly, Mo., agreed.

“I’ve just got to lose some sleep over it, but I think it will be worth it,” Tregnago said with a smile while little Alexa slept in his arms. Tregnago also is a KU student and plans to graduate in the fall.

There’s more that comes with being the city’s New Year’s Baby than just the title. Alexa received plenty of goodies as well. Representatives from Babies “R” Us were on hand to present the family with a basket valued at around $50 that included a onesie, diapers and a gift certificate. The Safe Kids organization contributed two safety gates, and LMH chipped in with toys, clothing and education certificates — all of that, not to mention expected donations from local merchants that usually accompany the year’s first child.

“I just feel really blessed that I get to have my own little girl, and that I’ll be able to teach her a lot of good, right things,” Bain said.

“And what a cool 21st birthday to have,” she said of Alexa. “New Year’s Eve, you get to go out and have fun.”