When Keyonna Simmons began having contractions on New Year's Eve, she wasn't thinking about having the first baby at St. James Hospital this year.

Her boyfriend Charlie Ewing was more surprised at how quickly the little one arrived. 

"She had the baby very fast," said Charlie. "Within 30 minutes of arriving at the hospital." 

Keyonna added there wasn't even time to get an epidural.

"I had this baby all natural," the new mom said.  

Little Che'Rae Ewing weighed in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces, welcomed by her older sister Nevaeh Johnson.

While other Chicago-area hospitals were checking to see who had the first baby after midnight, Keyonna didn't give birth until 3:50 a.m. She was surprised to learn she was the first at St. James.

"There was another girl there (at the hospital) who was there for three days," Keyonna said. "The nurses thought she would have the first New Year's baby." 

As the young family posed for photos, Charlie couldn't stop beaming. He talked about how it felt to cut the umbilical cord.

"I almost wanted to cry," Charlie said. "I held back my tears. I just want her to be successful, and I'm already thinking about putting her through school." 

Little Nevaeh chimed in, "I like my baby sister."

Despite receiving a wonderful gift bag from St. James Hospital, Charlie and Keyonna could still use some assistance. They do not have a crib for little Che'Rae. Maybe a few Patch readers could help.

Charlie and Keyonna could use a crib, as well as a stroller and dresser. If you have a crib you would like to donate, please contact Chicago Heights Patch Editor Christopher Paicely at christopher.paicely@patch.com or give him a call at 708-941-7105.