By Ron VandenBoom
Northern Montana Hospital welcomed the first baby of the new millennium into the world with a bevy of gifts and heavy dose of congratulations Tuesday.
Tallen Leigh Oats, the daughter of Myron Oats Jr. and Marcella DeCelles-Oats of Box Elder entered the world at 10:07 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, becoming the first baby of the new millennium in Hill County.
The seven pound, six ounce infant measured 19 inches and seemed oblivious to the hoopla she created Tuesday as her parents were presented with a bounty of gifts that included a car seat, doorway gate, and bicycle helmets.
The infant will also be eligible to receive additional booty from area merchants in The Havre Daily News Millennium Baby Contest. Prizes include $200 in savings bonds from area banks, $85 in gift certificates, and numerous other prizes.
Dr. Frank Miller was the mother's physician and Dr. Michael Nolan is the baby's physician.
Myron Oats Jr., a police officer on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, said all of the gifts will come in handy as they begin raising Tallen.
He noted that this child will "always be special because she's our daughter."
Marcella said she is elated by the birth of her new daughter, adding that she had no idea hers would be the first baby of the new millennium.
