Harlan County's first baby of 2008 is finally here.

Gracie Mae Mitchell was born Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Harlan ARH, weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 23 inches long.

Isaac and Susan Mitchell, of Nolansburg, were surprised to be the parents of the first baby born in the new year.

"We had been trying the last couple of years to have a baby," Susan Mitchell said. "We were surprised, because we had given up hope."

Gracie Mae will be the fourth child in the family, joining her siblings: Katlyn Stewart, 13; Isaac Mitchell, 12; and Samantha Mitchell, 11.

"Isaac wanted a brother to play with, but we are very happy. Her grandparents are very excited," Susan Mitchell said. "God has blessed us to have her."

The Mitchells both agreed that this would be their last child.

"We don't really plan on having any more children," Susan Mitchell said.

The baby was delivered by Dr. Yung Po Lee, with several nurses providing assistance.

Obstetrics nurse Veronica Eldridge said that the baby seemed to be very healthy.

"The baby is perfect," Eldridge said.

Eldridge, who has been a nurse for 33 years, said her job never gets old.

"I love my job - it is always exciting," Eldridge said. "Babies were always my biggest interest growing up."