UPDATE: A flurry of excitement erupted at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as six babies were born within a remarkable 12-hour span during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The maternity ward at Family Beginnings buzzed with energy, marking a festive start to 2026.
Nurse Melissa Thompson reported, “It was a very busy night, a very wonderful night.” Parents were keenly aware of the looming New Year, with many rushing to the hospital as the clock ticked down. “A lot of our patients, they were racing to get there,” Thompson added, highlighting the joyful anticipation felt by families.
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. Proud parents Alexis Barnette Ludwig and Jason Davis from Pomeroy celebrated their new arrival, with excited grandparents including Mary Davis and Tami Hansen sharing in the joy.
The competition for the first New Year’s baby was fierce, as the second baby was born at 3:06 a.m. and the third at 5:32 a.m.. A unique twist occurred when the last baby of 2025 arrived just before midnight at 11:44 p.m., adding to the night’s excitement. Other New Year’s Eve babies arrived at 6:15 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.
In a celebratory post on Facebook, the hospital welcomed the newborns: “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 was recently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “2026 Best Hospital for Maternity Care.” This accolade underscores the hospital’s vital role in the community, especially as it was also designated a Maternity Care Access Hospital, a recognition awarded to only 147 hospitals nationwide. This designation highlights essential facilities that provide crucial maternity care in areas at risk of becoming maternity care deserts.
The other newborns welcomed into the world included Charlie Douglas Miller, born to Hannah Barnes and Jordan Miller of Lewiston; Debbie Danielle Dawson, born to 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, born to Molly and Matthew Lynch of Clarkston.
As families celebrate their new additions, the community reflects on the joy and hope that the New Year brings. Stay tuned for more updates on these delightful arrivals and the ongoing celebrations at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
