By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The first baby of 2017 made her entrance Tuesday at OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac.

Kali Michelle Dunker was born at 11:21 p.m. to parents Ckylare Mullings and Nicholas Dunker of Pontiac. She was six pounds, nine ounces and measured 19 inches long.

The new mom had a few words as they were getting ready to leave the hospital and head home.

“It’s just an honor, obviously. I feel pretty lucky because it was three days after the New Year, actually. I was surprised that it happened,” said Mullings.

Kali is the first child for the couple.