URGENT UPDATE: Chicago has joyfully welcomed its first newborns of 2026, with hospitals celebrating an influx of healthy arrivals just minutes into the new year. According to local reports from ABC 7 Chicago and CBS News Chicago, the excitement across the city is palpable as families rejoice in these miraculous beginnings.
At 6:41 a.m., the first baby of the year, Brandon Alexander Whittington, made his entrance at Sinai Chicago Hospital. Son of Shaniqua Jones and Brandon Antwon Whittington, he weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds 13 ounces and measured over 20 inches long.
Not long after, at 1:46 a.m., UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook proudly announced the birth of Matthew Mindru, the first child of Ana and Serghei Mindru from Yorkville. This little boy weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and stretched to 19.5 inches, solidifying the family’s joyful start to the year.
Meanwhile, Advocate Healthcare celebrated the arrival of Winona LaCount at 12:50 a.m. at Christ Medical Center. Parents Olivia Gorney and Ryan LaCount welcomed their baby girl, who weighed an impressive 10 pounds 6 ounces and measured 22.5 inches, marking a robust beginning to their journey as a family.
The celebrations continued with Noah Robert Garcia, born at 3:43 a.m. at the same facility. Parents Gino Garcia and Samantha Scuito of Joliet welcomed their son, who weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and spanned 20 inches. Currently, the family has chosen to keep baby photos private, but they join the chorus of new parents reveling in their joyous news.
As 2026 begins, these newborns symbolize hope and renewal for the Chicago community. With every arrival, families and friends are filled with joy, celebrating new lives and the promise of a fresh year ahead. Congratulations to all the parents on their new arrivals, and may the new year bring health and happiness to all.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to follow these heartwarming stories of new beginnings in the Windy City.
