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New Year's babies celebrated at local hospitals

Posted at 5:26 PM, Jan 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-01 17:33:18-05

The start of the new year marks new beginnings for some local families who are welcoming home newborn babies.

Evelio Velasquez was the first baby born in 2016 at St. Mary's Medical Center.

He arrived at 12:54 a.m.

"It's a big baby. It's a 9 pounds, 13 ounces baby boy and is doing well. It's nice and healthy," says registered nurse Lily Marvinney.

Evelio is the first child for his parents who live in Lake Worth.

His family crowded the hospital room to welcome him into the world.

Nurse Lily says she's just as excited as Evelio's family.

"It's wonderful. I feel so privileged. I feel like a special nurse," she says.

Lily says the baby will likely have a big party next year when he turns one.

"I think it's awesome. You have the New Year's party and then the baby's birthday party. He's going to get lots of gifts," she says.

LaBria McDowell was the first baby born at Good Samaritan Medical Center in 2016.

Her mother, Abrianna Miller, delivered her at 5:15 a.m.

"New beginnings, new baby in the home, new year, new everything," she says.

The baby weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces at birth, and will be welcomed home by her seven siblings.

"They're always happy. Each kid I have, they always get happier and happier every time I go into labor. My family just expanded," Abrianna says.

While it was a long night for baby and mom, it appeared that the newborn's dad was the most exhausted one in the hospital room.

"And I don't see why. He didn't do none of the work. He didn't do none of the pushing," Abrianna says.