Little Jazmynn Marie Johnson did not make a dramatic entrance into the world, but there was something special about her birth all the same.
Arriving at 2:17 a.m. on Wednesday at Callaway Community Hospital, Jazmynn was the first baby to be born in Callaway County in 2012.
Mother Ashley Johnson, of Jefferson City - who noted Jazmynn's due date actually was Jan. 11 - said she was happy to hear her daughter's early arrival had earned her that mark of distinction.
"I was like, wow, she's very special," Johnson said as she beamed down at Jazmynn.
She said she and husband P.J. Johnson initially had hoped for a boy, but "when we found out, we were glad she was a girl."
"She's very pretty," Johnson noted as she again glanced down to make sure Jazmynn was comfortable.
Johnson, who initially was scheduled to be induced later Wednesday, said she tried hard to hold the baby in until Jazmynn's grandmothers - Marsha Schenewerk of Holts Summit, and Carla Johnson of Jefferson City - could return to the hospital after being sent home late the night before, but her daughter had her own plans.