Forsyth County’s first baby of 2018 was born Monday morning.

Her name is Liana Keidong. According to a Northside Hospital news release, the newborn arrived at 2:19 a.m. to parents Shea Tungett and Erik Keidong of Gainesville, and 4-year-old brother Raiden Keidong, weighing 6 pounds and 14 ounces at Northside Hospital Forsyth.

The newborn’s mother, Shea Tungett, said that Liana Keidong was ready to be born right on time. 

She said that even though the baby was due on New Year’s Day, she never expected her to come on time. 

“I really didn’t expect that,” she said. “But it feels so amazing to finally have her in my arms, and definitely feels surprising to have her be the first in the county.”

Tungett said that she and her husband had a hard time finding a name for the infant, but that they finally settled on Liana, a name which would have some American and some Chilean influences. 

“Erik is Chilean. He moved here when he was eight, and his family always has trouble pronouncing our son Raiden’s name, so we wanted something that would work for both of us,” she said.   

Tungett’s 4-year-old Raiden was apparently delighted to see his new baby sister. 

“He’s so happy to have her. As soon as he saw her he started smiling,” Tungett said.  

Liana Keidong was the first of eight babies to be born at Northside Hospital Forsyth New Year’s day. 

“A new baby is an exciting time for families. It’s a wonderful tradition at Northside to celebrate the first baby of the New Year,” said Melissa Sugg, manager of the Northside Hospital Forsyth Women’s Center. 

“We wish happiness for baby Liana and her family, and all our Northside families,” she said.