First baby of 2023 wins 3-way expectant mom race

Early New Year's Day was quiet in Spencer Hospital's Birth Center, but that changed quickly when Jill Viedenkamp arrived late Sunday afternoon.

She was the first mother-to-be to flip the atmosphere from quiet to lively. By early Monday morning, Jan. 2, the birth center team was caring for three expectant moms all in active labor.

At 9:14 a.m., little Baker Dean Viedenkamp made his arrival, earning him the honors of being Spencer Hospital's first baby of 2023. Baby No. 2 arrived about an hour later, and Baby No. 3 entered the world a couple hours after that.

"It was a fun and busy morning for our Birth Center team and the babies' families," said Ann Polaschek, Birth Center director. "We were as excited as the parents to see who would be our first delivery of 2023."

Blake and Jill Viedenkamp, of Spencer, were expecting their baby boy to arrive close to his Jan. 14 due date; however, if he were to come early, the couple thought it would be fun if he'd surprise them on their New Year's Eve anniversary. Instead, Baker held off another day and a half to earn the distinction of Spencer Hospital's first baby of 2023. He also shares a "2" birthday with his brother Maddox, who was born Oct. 2, 2020.

"We know we were in good hands from our previous experience with Maddox," Jill said. "This time, the New Year made it a little more fun. I think the doctors had fun with it too."

In addition to his immediate family, Baker is welcomed by grandparents Doug and Joleen Wittrock and Mark and Lynda Viedenkamp, all of Spencer; and great-grandmothers Shirley Wittrock of Milford, Ga.; and Larry Wegner, of Spencer; and June Heinrichs, of Carroll.

Dr. David Keith of Avera Medical Group Spencer delivered Baker, who at birth weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 19 ¾ inches long.

In honor of having Spencer Hospital's first baby of 2023, the Viedenkamp family received a gift basket filled with baby items donated by the Spencer Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop volunteers.