Introducing the first LI babies of 2013

Sarah Miguel, the daughter of a homemaker and a construction worker from Westbury who was born at 12:04 a.m. Tuesday at Nassau University Medical Center, is believed to be the first Long Island baby of 2013.

In Suffolk's Huntington Hospital, Declan Hedger was born at 12:46 a.m., welcomed into the world by nurses in tiaras who bundled him in a newly knitted blanket and taped a New Year's noisemaker to his bassinet.

Dilcia and Adalberto Miguel, 33 and 23, respectively, had expected their first child on Christmas Day, but Sarah did not oblige. Dilcia Miguel went through almost a full day of labor at the East Meadow hospital before the 7-pound, 4-ounce girl was born early on New Year's Day.

She arrived "just when she was ready," NUMC spokeswoman Shelley Lotenberg said Tuesday after speaking with the couple. Dilcia Miguel told her that they "were very happy and thanked God for this wonderful gift," she said.

In Huntington Tuesday morning, Douglas Hedger, 37, stood bedside as Declan rested in the arms of mom Erin McShane, 34. Declan, their first child, weighed in at 8 pounds, 9 ounces. He is 20 inches long, and his head measures 37 centimeters. He is, his dad said, "a big boy" who cried his way into the world but now seemed content to stick out his tongue at it. When his parents spoke, he turned his head toward the sound.

"I think he's recognizing our voices," said his mom.

"He's inquisitive," said his dad. "He wants to know what's going on."

In due course he will hear "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," which his parents, residents of East Northport, said they started singing to him before he was born. He will meet two very happy sets of grandparents and an older cousin, and familiarize himself with the bedroom his parents painted blue and filled with toys months ago.

His parents have high expectations for him. "We want him to be happy," said his dad. "We want him to live his life and do the right thing."