Chloe Marie Weber is New Year's Baby 2009

Krystal Weber of McCook cradles her new daughter, Chloe Marie, whose birth Sunday, Jan. 4, makes her Southwest Nebraska's and Northwest Kansas "New Year's Baby 2009." Watching proudly are daddy, Clayton, and big brother, Kellen, 41⁄2. "Kellen's already very protective," Krystal said Monday. "He watches her like a hawk whenever anyone comes into the hospital room." (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]

The bubbly blue-eyed blond meets visitors in the hospital room and asks, "Do you know what I am?" He pauses, waiting politely for an answer.

He's too excited. He can't wait. "I'm the big brother," he blurts out.

Kellen Weber, 41⁄2, is already the protective big brother of his new little sister, Chloe Marie, Southwest Nebraska's and Northwest Kansas' "New Year's Baby 2009."

Chloe was born to Krystal and Clayton Weber of McCook on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 1:59 p.m., after 35 hours of labor and an unexpected Caesarian section.

The Webers' second child wasn't due until Jan. 17, but at 7 pounds, 2.4 ounces and 21 inches long, Chloe isn't a premie. "She's just early," Krystal says, smiling at her new daughter. Two weeks ahead of her parents' schedule, but apparently on her own schedule. "We were not ready, to say the least," Krystal says, sighing.

The C-section wasn't anticipated either. Clayton said, "She wanted to come, and then she didn't," explaining the emergency procedure. Krystal and Chloe's doctor is Dr. Lorinda Reece.

While Chloe's timing may have thrown her parents for a loop, Kellen knew all along it was a baby sister that he wanted. "And that's what I got," he said. "And we get to take her home," he giggled.

Chloe and Kellen are the grandchildren of Monte and Mary Hazlitt of McCook, Colleen Weber of Arapahoe and the late Lyle Weber, and Mick and Scott Minnick of Bartley. Their great-grandparents are Roberta Brooks of Bartley and Bob and Ann Hazlitt of Selden, Kan.

Clayton works in McCook for Computer Services Inc. of Kentucky. Krystal teaches eighth grade science at McCook Junior High and is the head volleyball coach at McCook Senior High -- Krystal has already noticed that her new baby daughter has long, slender fingers, and long legs.

As the first baby born in 2009 in the Gazette coverage area to parents who live in the same area, Chloe wins a package of prizes from these McCook and area businesses: Unique Boutique, Community Hospital, Farrell's Hallmark Shop, Phones Etc., Runza, Pizza Hut/KFC/Taco Bell and McCook National Bank of McCook; Tranquil Valley Spa/Tri Valley Health System and Mark's Pharmacy of Cambridge; and Lord's of Indianola.

The McCook Gazette will award the baby's parents a one-year subscription to the Daily Gazette.