Alysia (left) and Joe Moldaschel (right) hold baby Bradley (center) after he was born Jan. 1 at 7:19 a.m. After labor pains started at 4 a.m., Bradley was born within 30 minutes of Alysia and Joe reaching the hospital at 6:50 a.m.

NEW ULM — The first New Ulm newborn of 2024 came seven hours into the new year.

Bradley Carson Moldaschel was born at 7:19 a.m. on Jan. 1 at the New Ulm Medical Center. He was born to Joe and Alysia Moldaschel, weighing five pounds and 13 ounces. Joe Moldaschel is the Sporting Goods Manager at Runnings New Ulm, and Alysia Moldaschel is a Hairstylist at the New Ulm Great Clips. They both live in New Ulm, with Joe originally from Sleepy Eye and Alysia from Comfrey.

The birth of Bradley ended up being quite the experience. He was originally scheduled to come Jan. 13. Joe and Alysia Moldaschel weren’t sure initially if the pains she started experiencing at 4 a.m. were from labor. When her water broke at 6 a.m., there was no doubt. After Joe called the babysitter, Alysia said everything fell into place quickly.

“He helped me walk to the ER and I was in so much pain I had to go in a wheelchair,” she said. “The nurses could tell right away I was in labor so I was rushed to a delivery room. I didn’t get a gown’ they didn’t even get the baby monitor on. My OB-GYN came in 5 minutes, and it took three pushes to have my baby without an epidural. It was around 20 minutes from when I was on the table to when I had Bradley.”

Alysia Moldaschel said the pain laboring at home was worse than anything at the hospital, which went by quickly. After Bradley was born, Alysia said all of the pain and anxiety melted away.

“It’s a joy to have him here,” she said. “The way he came out was a blessing. If it had been any earlier, I could have had him on the floor of my home. He’s a healthy part of our family now and I’m so happy.”

Joe Moldaschel said there were worries when they found out Bradley was due in January. He said the time is common for sickness and poor weather. Fortunately, the weather was good and the sickness stayed away.

Bradley has an older brother, three-year-old Connor. Joe said Connor has been handling having a new sibling very well. He said Connor understands Bradley is his brother and tries to help Mom and Dad when he can.

“Connor still tries to get the attention as well, which is very much to be expected,” Joe Moldaschel said.

Alysia Moldaschel said she can tell Connor cares for his new younger brother from his reactions.

“When he first met him in the hospital, he came right up to me and said ‘Mommy, my baby brother is here. He’s out of your belly,'” she said. “He knew what was going on and was very excited about it. When we got home we told him we had a surprise and he excitedly said ‘Is it my baby brother?’ We can tell he loves him.”

If there will be future additions to the family, the jury is still out. Joe said he’s always wanted two kids and isn’t sure about having more. Alysia said she’s always wanted three and would like to have a girl.