UPDATE: A joyous moment unfolded early on New Year’s Day as the first baby of 2026 was born at MaineGeneral Health’s Alfond Center for Health in Augusta. At precisely 12:53 a.m., Elliot Rebecca Fortier made her grand entrance, weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 20 inches long, bringing immense joy to her parents, Courtney and Cody Fortier, both 33 years old.
This heartwarming event marks a significant milestone for the Fortier family, who are thrilled to welcome their second daughter. “She is gorgeous,” Cody, an electrical engineer, exclaimed, noting Elliot’s resemblance to her older sister, Kimber, born just 22 months prior at the same hospital. “She’s got her mom’s face and, I would say, her Dad’s long toes.”
Courtney, a cosmetologist, described her newborn as “absolutely perfect,” expressing her delight: “She’s just been a dream — a little dream come true.” The couple chose the Augusta hospital for a very special reason: Cody’s sister, Cassidy Doyon, has been a dedicated pediatric and maternity nurse there for eight years, providing invaluable support during the delivery.
The couple arrived at the hospital around 2 p.m. on December 31, 2025, and while Courtney’s due date was initially set for December 30, Elliot took her time, keeping the family in suspense. “We genuinely thought she’d be here two weeks ago,” Courtney said, reflecting on their surprise at the timing. The family received a warm welcome from the hospital staff, who celebrated the occasion with a special gift basket filled with essentials like blankets and diapers.
Hospital spokesperson Joshua Hamel, who witnessed the family’s emotional moment, described the atmosphere as “a room full of love.” He called the baby “beautiful,” highlighting the significance of such joyful beginnings.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Earlier on New Year’s Day, Everly Hood was born at 2:39 a.m. to a couple in Pittsfield at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, weighing 6 pounds 14 ounces. Additionally, a baby boy was welcomed at 3:20 a.m. at Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland, with more details expected soon.
In a delightful coincidence, Amir Barow made his debut at 3:35 a.m. at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, weighing 8 pounds 1 ounce. Dr. Rebecca Brakeley, chief of pediatrics at CMMC, pointed out the rarity of babies arriving on their due dates, making Amir’s timely birth extra special.
As the Fortiers celebrate this new chapter, the warmth of family and community shines through, making this New Year’s Day unforgettable. Their story is a reminder of the joy and hope that new beginnings can bring.
Stay tuned for more updates on these joyous arrivals as the celebrations continue across Maine.