URGENT UPDATE: Six babies burst into the world during an extraordinary 12-hour span at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center’s Family Beginnings, marking an unforgettable New Year’s celebration. The surge of newborns occurred from New Year’s Eve through the early hours of January 1, 2026, with the first baby, Elias Lee Davis, arriving at 1:38 a.m.
Nurse Melissa Thompson described the night as “a very busy night, a very wonderful night.” The excitement among expectant parents was palpable as many raced against the clock to welcome their little ones just as the calendar flipped. “Some of them obviously delivered earlier in the day and others a little bit after, but everyone was super excited,” Thompson added.
Elias, weighing 5 pounds and 13.5 ounces, is the first known baby of 2026 in the Lewiston Tribune circulation area, born to parents Alexis Barnette Ludwig and Jason Davis from Pomeroy. Proud grandparents include Mary Davis, Tami Hansen, Melissa Gray, Tonnie Ludwig, and Marvin Ludwig.
The excitement didn’t end there; the second baby of the year was born at 3:06 a.m., followed closely by a third birth at 5:32 a.m.. The race for the first baby of the new year was thrillingly close, with the last baby of 2025 arriving just before the clock struck midnight at 11:44 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, two other New Year’s Eve babies were welcomed at 6:15 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center celebrated the joyous occasion in a heartfelt Facebook post: “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.”
This year, St. Joseph was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a 2026 Best Hospital for Maternity Care, further solidifying its reputation in the community. The hospital also received a designation as a Maternity Care Access Hospital, awarded to 147 essential hospitals across the nation that prevent maternity care deserts.
As the dust settles from this remarkable night, families are celebrating a new beginning, and the community is abuzz with joy. With six new lives ushering in 2026, the festive spirit at St. Joe underscores the hope and excitement of new beginnings.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the joyous developments from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
