Reis, a truck driver for a towing service, said, "Everyone at our church knew what was happening when we left there, and everyone was excited."
Added Campos: "Our church friends already came to see our baby. We are very lucky to have so many friends."
Reis, 34, and Campos, 31, immigrated to Laurel in Prince George's County five years ago and then moved to North Laurel in Howard County a little more than two months ago, Reis said. The couple left behind many uncles and aunts in Brazil who are planning to come to the United States soon to see the baby, they said.
While she acknowledged being tired from her early-morning surgery, Campos said the hospital staff had been "very good" and complimented nurse Aimee Spencer, who had helped her early on. She said she plans to stay home with Gabriella for a few months, but then will return to her job because "everyone is waiting for me to come back."
As she spoke, the baby fussed, and Ramos approached the bassinet, speaking softly to the infant and quickly quieting her cries.
"When I was still expecting, Loiana talked to her inside my stomach," Campos said with a smile, "and I think Gabriella still recognizes her voice."
Ramos laughed, saying, "My tone of voice never works with [soothing] my own children, only the babies of other people."
For the distinction of being the first baby of the New Year, Howard County General presented the parents with a gift basket of baby-care products and a dozen red roses, said Sopp.
"Gabriella probably didn't win any race in the New Year in the Baltimore area, but we like to recognize the first birth here," she said.
The first baby born in the Baltimore area on Jan. 1, according to WBAL-TV, arrived at 12:09 a.m. at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
The Washington Post reported that the first child of the New Year in the Washington area was delivered at 12:02 a.m. at George Washington University Hospital in Washington.
