From staff reports

A local couple welcomed Athens-Limestone Hospital’s first baby of the new year Sunday.

Angel Misael Zurita Sanchez was born at 2:04 a.m. to Marina Sanchez Vasquez and Felix Zurita, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Angel weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. Dr. Robert Pitman presided.

Speaking through an interpreter, the couple told a hospital official they were surprised and delighted to learn Angel was the first baby born at the hospital in 2010.

They said they have two other children, ages 6 and 9, who remain in Mexico.

In recognition of being ALH’s 2010 Baby New Year, the family will receive a complimentary footprint medallion to be displayed on Tomorrow’s Promises wall in the Mother/Baby Unit. Angel also will receive a $200 savings bond.

An Athens mother gave birth at Huntsville Hospital at 6:01 a.m. on New Year’s Day and named her baby in honor of the University of Alabama football team playing in the national championship football game on Thursday.

Shellie Wise, 22, named her son Cayden Crimson Wise. He weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces.

Wise was scheduled to give birth to her third child via cesarean Monday but she began having contractions Friday morning.

The hospital did not give the name of the baby’s father.