The first baby of 2009 on the North Coast is a contented little fellow with doting and attentive parents. Ismael Murrieta-Leonardo was born at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria on the second day of the New Year.

A handsome baby with a head full of black hair, little Ismael tipped the scale at 7 pounds, 5 ounces. when he arrived at 3:19 p.m. Jan. 2. His proud parents are Ana Leonardo-Hernandez and Ismael Murrieta-Garcia of Ocean Park, Wash.

The Murrietas, who came to this area from Mexico a few years ago, do not speak English. But through an interpreter, they thanked all of the nurses and doctors who helped deliver their son and made the experience such a pleasant one.

For being the first baby of the New Year, baby Ismael received a gift basket provided by CMH and four local businesses: Country Crafters, Farm House Funk, Purple Cow Toys and Erickson Floral Co. Among the gifts were a case of diapers, Happiest Baby book, Amazing Newborn book, several CDs, Yum Yum Baby Smoothy, teddy bears, lotions, body sponges, knitted baby blankets, soaps, powders, sparkling cider and baby socks.