From Living in LoCo correspondent Erica Garman:

Welcome to the first Loudoun County delivery of 2008 — Maryam Noor.

Maryam Noor Khamees was born at The Birthing Inn at Inova Loudoun Hospital at 1:22 a.m. on Jan. 1 to proud parents Jacqueline Stickel, of Gainesville, and Hamza Khamees, of Ashburn.

Maryam weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds and mother says she has her father’s dark hair and brown eyes. Little Maryam did develop a fever after delivery and is currently in NICU, but she is doing better and is expected to make a quick recovery.

Stickel's due date was Dec. 26, and although Maryam didn’t make it in time to be considered a 2007 tax break, mom and dad are thrilled that she has arrived.

"I am very excited, and everyone here -- the nurses -- have been so wonderful and attentive," Stickel said.

Congratulations to Maryam's parents.

Can you top that? How did you spend your New Year's Eve?

My family and I had a lovely evening at First Night Leesburg. Although we didn't make it to midnight on the courthouse lawn, we attended several of the evening performances, including one by Karen Lyles, a.k.a. The Juggling Lady. My kids are in the front row of this picture, watching her in amazement.