UPDATE: A remarkable surge of new life greeted the New Year at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center’s Family Beginnings, where six babies were born within a stunning 12-hour window early on January 1, 2026. This extraordinary event showcases the excitement and anticipation surrounding the arrival of New Year’s babies.
Melissa Thompson, a dedicated nurse in the maternity ward, described the night as “a very busy night, a very wonderful night.” Expectant parents raced to the hospital, eagerly anticipating the turn of the calendar. “A lot of our patients, they were racing to get there,” Thompson noted.
The first baby of the year, Elias Lee Davis, made his grand entrance at 1:38 a.m., weighing 5 pounds and 13.5 ounces. He is the son of Alexis Barnette Ludwig and Jason Davis from Pomeroy, and his proud grandparents include Mary Davis, Tami Hansen, Melissa Gray, Tonnie Ludwig, and Marvin Ludwig. The excitement didn’t stop there; the second baby arrived at 3:06 a.m., followed by the third at 5:32 a.m.
The competition for the first baby of the year was fierce, with the last baby born in 2025 arriving just before midnight at 11:44 p.m. The other New Year’s Eve babies were welcomed into the world at 6:15 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the hospital celebrated the arrivals: “Welcome to the world, little ones—and thank you to our incredible Family Beginnings staff and providers! Delivering New Year’s babies. That’s why we’re here.”
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center recently earned accolades from U.S. News and World Report, being named a “2026 Best Hospital for Maternity Care” and recognized as a Maternity Care Access Hospital. This designation is awarded to hospitals that provide essential maternity care services to communities at risk of becoming maternity care deserts.
The joyful arrivals included Charlie Douglas Miller, born to Hannah Barnes and Jordan Miller of Lewiston, Debbie Danielle Dawson, welcomed by Kasey Bond and Noah Dawson of Pomeroy, Tate Jeffrey Lunceford, born to Hope and Leighton Lunceford of Lewiston, Evelynne Jean Morgan, born to Meg and Tim Morgan of Moscow, and Gradi Ann Lynch, welcomed by Molly and Matthew Lynch of Clarkston.
As families celebrate these new additions, the community is reminded of the joy and hope that comes with each New Year. This surge of births not only highlights the excitement of new beginnings but also underscores the vital role of maternity care facilities in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on these adorable New Year’s babies and their families as they embark on their journey in 2026.
