A tiny baby boy kicked his way into the world yesterday morning weighing in at a mere 3 lbs. 14 oz marking the first baby of 2004.

Little Markus O'Nniel Trott, the new son of Marilyn and Lonnie Trott of St. George's, needed a little extra care and attention from the staff at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

His mother had to be admitted earlier than her scheduled due date to undergo a Caesarean section due to medical problems.

"He's a fighter, just like me," Mrs. Trott said.

"He just needs a little extra care right now," she added.

The little boy was sleeping soundly, she said, although since he is premature he must sleep in an incubator but she added he is a special treat for her and her husband.

Mrs. Trott had been expecting her little bundle of joy in February but was admitted into hospital early after experiencing problems with her placenta and baby Markus was born at 1.12 a.m.

"I wasn't expecting it to happen because he was supposed to come in February but with my condition anything can happen.

"When I realised he was going to be born on New Year's Day I said 'Oh my, I'm having a New Year's baby'. I knew it was special," she said sounding exhausted and overwhelmed with her 11-year-old sister Kathryn Alcaraz close by.

Mrs. Trott said she was doing fine and added: "This will be very special for me and for my family."