FARMINGTON — Franklin County’s first baby of the new year was resting before heading home to Strong in subzero temperatures Thursday morning.

Weighing 6 pounds and 11 ounces, Della Joy Kangas was born at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

Davin and Holly Kangas didn’t expect their baby to be the first of 2014 since it was midmorning New Year’s Day before they headed to the hospital. Once there, the couple were told that “unless someone else shows up, we’d be the first,” Davin Kangas said Thursday. He said he thought “they’d better bring their ‘A’ game.”

The baby was due Jan. 3, so the family knew she could have come anytime between Christmas and the due date, he said.

Brother, Avery, 5, and sister, Irelynn, 2, were happy to have a baby sister, but by Thursday all the fuss had worn off as television and drawing were more appealing to them.

Dr. Jacques Belair of Franklin Health Women’s Care attended the birth, which happened without any problems, Holly Kangas said.

“It just happened unusually fast,” Davin said.

Davin is a builder who works from his home, and Holly is a photographer who operates Haven Photography.

The family was to receive a cozy coupe toy donated by Franklin Community Health Network and filled with gifts from area businesses. These include a Vera Bradley stuffed bear from Calico Patch; the book “Polar Bear Morning,” from Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers; a bathing set, stuffed animal, picture frame and blanket  from Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Gift shop; a $50 savings account from Bangor Savings Bank; an infant spoon from Trask Jewelers; a baby quilt from Village Scrappers of Livermore and a knit blanket from Mary O’Donal.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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