Garrett William Hydeck, Jr, edged out his closest competitor for the title of Newtown’s First Baby 2014 by less than 12 hours.

Garrett, the son of Stephanie Masciola and Garrett Hydeck, Sr, was born on Thursday, January 2, at 8:45 am, at Yale Children’s Hospital. The Bee also heard from Kadri and Anthony Graffeo, whose son Thomas was born at 8:24 pm January 2. All other “competitors” were born January 3 or later.

The winner of the 54th annual First Baby title from The Newtown Bee, Garrett was born within the time frame his parents and doctor had calculated, although his weight was a little higher than his mother had expected.

“The contractions started right after midnight,” Stephanie said January 15. “There was about 30 minutes of pushing that started around 8:15, and then he came right out. That was a surprise.”

“The big surprise was how big he was,” added Garrett Sr, an assistant manager at Club 24 in Plaza South. “We were expecting an 8-pound baby, and he came out at 9 pounds, 8 ounces.”

The infant already sleeps through most nights, his parents said. Stephanie is able to stay home with the newborn full-time now, and does part-time babysitting when she can.

Garrett Sr and Stephanie had their first date on July 1, 2012. New Year’s Day, he pointed out, was their 18-month anniversary, “and the next day we had a kid,” he said with a laugh. The young couple — he’s 25, she is 22 years old — plan to marry, they said. They also hope to close on a house in Newtown at the end of February.

“If that doesn’t work, we’ll just keep looking,” said Stephanie. Meanwhile they are living with Garrett’s parents in Newtown. The Hydecks have lived in Newtown for 20 years. Garrett attended Middle Gate School, and continued through the Newtown school system.

Garrett Jr’s maternal grandparents are Mary Lane of Monroe and John Masciola of Fairfield. His paternal grandparents are Cathy and Mark Hydeck.

Stephanie and Garrett have already daydreamed about their son’s future.

“We love all the usual dreams, the sports teams, whatever,” said Garrett. “Really, we just want him to be happy.”

“Whatever his talent is, we hope he’ll just go with it,” said the First Baby’s mother.

“Whatever his little heart desires,” added First Baby’s father.

As has long been tradition for this contest, Garrett Hydeck, Jr, not only has earned an honorary title that is his for the rest of his life, he and his parents have also been awarded a large collection of prizes.

Gifts for the family have been offered by 30 local merchants this year. The following is what 2014 First Baby Garrett Hydeck, Jr, earned for himself and his parents:

A gift certificate for a European Facial at Avancé Esthétiques European Skin Care & Day Spa; dinner for two at Blue Colony Diner; a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne from Cork-N Barrel Wine-Spirits & Liquor; a cheesecake from DOrazio Sisters Cheesecake & Goodies; a $25 gas card for Dodgingtown Garage, Inc; a three-foot hero of their choice from Dodgingtown Market & Country Deli; ten movie passes to Edmond Town Hall Theatre;

a $25 gift certificate to Everything Newtown; a $50 gift card to Foundry Kitchen & Tavern; dinner for his parents from the Pasta Specialty Menu at Franco’s Pizza & Pasta; a $25 gift certificate to Hollandia Nurseries; dinner for two at The Iron Bridge Restaurant & Bar; a $25 gift certificate to My Place Restaurant; a one-year subscription (or renewal) to The Newtown Bee; an arrangement from Newtown Florist;

a $50 gift card to Newtown Hardware; a $25 savings account at Newtown Savings Bank; an oil change at N.J.K. Sunoco; a large cheese pizza from Papa Al’s Pizza-Pasta-Subs; a $25 savings account at People’s United Bank; a melamine cup, bowl, spoon, and plate from Queen Street Gifts & Treats; a haircut for Stephanie at Salon Michelle by stylist Cathy; a newborn photography session from Sandra Lynn Photography;

free lunch for his parents at Sandy Hook Deli & Catering; a wash, cut and blowdry appointment at Shear Image; a bottle of champagne from Stop & Save Liquors of Newtown; a $25 gift certificate to Tambascio’s Italian Grill; a $25 gift certificate for Truly Yours LLC Invitation & Stationery Studio; a $50 gift certificate to UK Gourmet; and lunch for two at The Villa Restaurant.

Of their prizes, Garrett Sr and Stephanie said they are looking forward to trying a lot of restaurants that will be new to her.

“Most of the restaurants I haven’t been to yet, so I can’t wait to try a lot of them,” she said.

“As a Newtown resident,” said Garrett Sr, “I’ve been slacking on getting her out to the local places.”