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Community Corner

Region's First Baby of 2012 Arrives in the Wee Morning Hours

West Simsbury couple welcomes baby girl.

"New Year's Day will never be the same," exclaimed a very happy mom on Jan. 1, 2012. Not only are Manu Singh-Looney and Curtis Looney the proud parents of a beautiful new baby girl, but they also hold the distinction of having the first baby of the new year in our region.

Born at 3:38 a.m. at Hartford Hospital, Ava Jade Looney was welcomed by Manu and Curtis, along with big sisters, Suraya, 5, and Reesa, 4. Baby Ava, who sports a full head of beautiful hair, weighed in at 7 lbs., 7 oz. and is 21.5 inches long.

Ava arrived nearly a week early from the estimated due date of Jan. 6, but that did not surprise the couple. "Both our daughters were three weeks early, so we kind of expected it. We felt as though she was already late for being early," laughed Manu.

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The Looneys, high school sweethearts from Simsbury High School's class of 1994, live in West Simsbury. Their New Year's Eve was supposed to start off with dinner with friends, but the group only got as far as their salads when Manu's contractions indicated that it was time to go. "So we took our dinners to the hospital," said Manu, who was settled into the maternity ward by 10 p.m.

The thought of having a New Year's baby was "secondary," she said. "We thought more about the tax write-off or if we'd go into the new year." Manu also realizes that sharing a holiday with a birthday can be tricky, as her sister was also a New Year's baby.

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Tax write-off or not, the Looneys are overjoyed with their new bundle and are graciously and happily sharing the wonderful news.

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