NEW HAMPTON -The mother of a 12-day-old infant who died in 2008 from alleged shaken baby syndrome gave an emotional account of the girl's final days during the trial of her accused killer.

Annette Eilderts, now living in Waterloo, testified that Aliya Blanchard - her newborn daughter - was a cheery baby who cried only when she was hungry. But on the morning of Feb. 6, 2008, Aliya was quiet and cold, Eilderts said.

Doctors later said the baby had a skull fracture and bleeding in the brain.

"I didn't believe it at first," she said. "I didn't know what was wrong with her, but I didn't think she was hurt."

Aliya's father, Randy Blanchard, 32, of Nashua, is standing trial in New Hampton for first-degree murder for the killing of Aliya, who died Feb. 12, 2008. Blanchard is accused of shaking her and slamming her down on a table.

Blanchard has admitted to authorities that he shook the baby after she began to fuss when he was feeding her. Eilderts said Blanchard told her a similar story at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where the girl was being treated before she died.

"He eventually told me that he may have shook her a little bit," she said.

"How are you feeling?" asked Denise Timmins, an assistant attorney general.

"I am in shock, I didn't know what to think," Eilderts responded.

Eilderts is pregnant with her third child, but Blanchard is not the father. She also has a 6-year-old son that Blanchard also did not father.

Testimony continues in the case. The case is expected to last through Wednesday.

Blanchard has waived his right to a jury trial and the case is being heard by Judge Richard Stochl, who will issue a finding later.

Contact Josh Nelson at (319) 291-1565 or at josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com.