This story has been updated.

RED BANK - The first newborns of 2019 in Monmouth and Ocean counties did not wait long after midnight to greet the world.

In fact, one of the first to be born came two days early.

James and Alicia Shevchenko of South Amboy had the honors of welcoming Monmouth County’s first newborn of 2019.

The baby boy, named James Shevchenko III, was born at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank at 1:52 a.m., a spokesperson for Hackensack Meridian said. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19 inches.

"He was due on the third (of January) so it came as a surprise. We couldn't have asked for anything better to start the New Year," said James Shevchenko.

He said the newborn is their third child. They have two boys and a girl, now.

The first child born in Ocean County was delivered at 12:52 a.m. at Ocean Medical Center in Brick, which is also part of Hackensack Meridian. The parents declined an interview.

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More first births in Monmouth and Ocean County.

Britanny Distaso and Anthony Maglio of Point Pleasant welcomed Liam Maglio at 1:12 a.m. on New Year's Day. Liam Maglio was the first child born at Community Medical Center in Toms River. He weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 20 inches.

Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch delivered its first baby at 2:43 a.m. The center's representative did not say if it was a boy or girl.

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Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune delivered its first baby at 6:38 a.m. The child was a boy.

Centra State Medical Center in Freehold delivered its first baby at 3:47 a.m.

Dan Radel: @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com