Jaxson Dean Budnik, born at 1:27 a.m. Monday at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, was Northeast Michigan’s first baby of 2021.

But the Budniks apparently know a thing or two about timing. One of little Jaxson’s siblings, Ariana, was the first baby of 2015 in Presque Isle County, as News staff writer Julie Riddle reported recently.

Little Jaxson was apparently unwilling to be one-upped by an older sibling, arriving three-and-a-half weeks before schedule and beating the doctor to the delivery room to claim the title of 2021’s first baby, Riddle reported.

We at The News are so thrilled to celebrate the start of every year with one of our newborn neighbors, and this year’s gift is quite special, knowing that we’ve gotten to celebrate twice with one family.

Congratulations to parents Alyssa and Steve Budnik, to little Jaxson, and to all his siblings.

We are so glad you’re part of this wonderful community.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)