SINGAPORE: While thousands of party-goers thronged countdown parties to welcome the new year Wednesday night, some Singaporean families were counting down to welcome the latest addition to their families.

And one couple became proud parents of Singapore's first baby to be born in 2009.

At the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, the Lau family says the cries of their newborn Phyliss signified the dawn of a new year.

"It was very surprising because we were actually celebrating in our labour room, watching the TV on Channel 8 for the countdown, and basically it was just coincidentally that the baby was born exactly at midnight," said the father of baby Phyliss, Lau Hsiao Loong.

Weighing some 3.14 kg, Phyliss is the Lau's second child and their second daughter.

And with a fresh year ahead comes renewed hope.

The mother, Lim Yen Ting Teresa, said: "For the resolution of 2009, as long as the baby is healthy and the family is harmonious together, happy and healthy, that's what we want. That is very important."

For now, they can bask in the joy of ushering in 2009 in a special way.

Another baby named Rithika was born a few seconds later after midnight. She is the firstborn of a couple who are Singapore Permanent Residents.

- CNA/yt