Jace Logan Lake honored as the first baby of 2017

January 18, 2017February 2, 2017 Editor

by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
It took two weeks, but the Advance’s New Year’s Baby arrived Jan. 15 at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey.
Jace Logan Lake was born Sunday at 1:53 p.m. He was born to Brian and Kerry Lake of Rogers City.
New Year’s babies run in the family – for at least this year. Kerry’s younger sister, Krystal Cooley, had the first baby at MidMichigan Medical Center in Alpena. That was on the first day of 2017.

JACE LOGAN Lake is the 2017 Presque Isle County Advance’s New Year’s Baby. Jace and his parents, Brian and Kerry, are the recipients of more than $700 in gifts from area businesses. Derrick, front left, is very excited about the arrival of his brother. (Photo by Peter Jakey)

Based on Kerry’s due date, she did not think there was much of a chance of having the 2017 New Year’s Baby in Presque Isle County; however, because of her age and medical history, doctors thought Jace could arrive early.
It was two-and-a-half weeks to be exact.
It was early enough to claim more than $700 prizes from businesses across the county. The Advance hand delivered the gifts Tuesday afternoon north of Rogers City.
Jace is a six-pound, five-ounce, bundle of joy measuring 19 ½ inches, with dark blue eyes for now. He was welcomed home by older brother Derrick, who is extremely excited about the newborn. Jace has two other siblings, Jenny and David, who live in Eastpointe downstate.
“He was a surprise,” said Kerry. “We had not planned on more kids. He is a very welcome surprise, though.”
“He is a happy baby and I am glad he is here,” said Brian. “No more trips to Petoskey hospital at two and three in the morning.”
Jace had his first doctor appointment Tuesday morning at Thunder Bay Community Health Service of Rogers City.
“He is very healthy,” said Kerry. He may have jaundice, but it is common. “His reflexes, everything looks great.”
There were difficulties with the pregnancy. “I am over 35 and I was high-risk. They told me a few months ago there would be a good chance he would be born really early, but you don’t think it will happen to you.”
In picking Jace’s name, Brian and Kerry wanted something that would be easy for Derrick to pronounced since he has autism. “We looked through some baby books and online. We narrowed it down to a few and picked our favorites for a boy and a girl, back before we knew what we were having.”
Many merchants participated in the annual contest and in 11 plus months, the Advance will check back in to see how the tyke is progressing.
Jace’s grandmother is Sandra Love of Rogers City.