A couple from Lisbon celebrated a joyous milestone as they welcomed their daughter, believed to be the first baby born in Maine in 2026, at MaineGeneral Health’s Alfond Center for Health in Augusta. Courtney Fortier, 33, gave birth to Elliot Rebecca Fortier on January 1, 2026, at 12:53 a.m., weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces and measuring 20 inches in length.
Courtney was accompanied by her husband, Cody Fortier, also 33, and midwife Susan Lufkin-Curtis during the delivery. “She is gorgeous,” Cody remarked, noting that Elliot resembles her sister while also reflecting her mother’s features. “She’s got her mom’s face and, I would say, her dad’s long toes,” he added. Courtney, a cosmetologist, expressed her delight, stating, “She’s just been a dream — a little dream come true.”
Family Connections and Hospital Choice
This is the Fortiers’ second child; their first daughter, Kimber, was born approximately 22 months earlier at the same hospital. The couple chose to return to Augusta for Elliot’s birth due to a special family connection. Cody’s sister, Cassidy Doyon, has been a registered nurse in pediatrics and maternity at the Alfond Center for eight years and was present for both deliveries. “It feels like family here,” Courtney explained. Cody added, “Courtney might say I was her support person, but Cassidy was my support person.”
Courtney’s due date was December 30, but Elliot decided to make her entrance later. “I was ready to meet her, as was her sister,” she said, recalling Kimber’s anticipation. The Fortiers arrived at the hospital around 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and by midnight, labor progressed quickly, culminating in Elliot’s birth just before 1 a.m.
After learning that Elliot was likely the first baby born in the state for the new year, the couple expressed their surprise. “We genuinely thought she’d be here two weeks ago, so we were very shocked to go past her due date, let alone go into the new year,” Courtney noted.
Community Celebration and Other New Arrivals
The family received a special gift basket from the hospital’s maternity ward, which included essential items such as diapers and a warm blanket. Cody appreciated the thoughtful gesture, saying, “She’s been snuggling in her new blankey all day.” Hospital spokesperson Joshua Hamel, who was present during the interview, praised the moment, calling Elliot “beautiful” and noting the emotional atmosphere in the room.
In addition to Elliot, other new arrivals in Maine included Everly Hood, born at 2:39 a.m. to parents Mackenzie and Austin Hood at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Everly weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Another baby boy was reported born at 3:20 a.m. at Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland, with additional details expected to be released later.
At Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Amir Barow was born at 3:35 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 20.5 inches. His parents, Aliza Padilla and Wiirow Barow, received congratulations from the hospital team, with Chief of Pediatrics Rebecca Brakeley noting the rarity of babies being born on their due date, making Amir’s arrival particularly special.
As celebrations continue across the state for these new beginnings, the Fortiers are enjoying their time as a family of four, cherishing the love and support surrounding them.
