New Year Brings Joy: First Baby of 2026 Born in Augusta

A couple from Lisbon celebrated a joyous milestone on January 1, 2026, as they welcomed their newborn daughter, believed to be the first baby born in Maine in the new year. Courtney Fortier gave birth to Elliot Rebecca Fortier at the MaineGeneral Health’s Alfond Center for Health in Augusta at 12:53 a.m. She weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Courtney, 33, was accompanied by her husband, Cody Fortier, also 33, and midwife Susan Lufkin-Curtis during the delivery. Cody expressed his delight, saying, “She is gorgeous. She looks very similar to her sister; she’s got her mom’s face and, I would say, her Dad’s long toes.” Courtney, a cosmetologist, described her daughter as “absolutely perfect,” adding, “She’s just been a dream — a little dream come true.”

This new addition marks the couple’s second child, with their first daughter, Kimber, born approximately 22 months prior at the same hospital. The Fortiers chose the Augusta facility for a specific reason: Cody’s sister, Cassidy Doyon, is a registered nurse in pediatrics and maternity there, having been part of the delivery team for both of her nieces. “It feels like family here,” Courtney stated.

Elliot’s birth was slightly delayed, as her due date was originally December 30, 2025. Courtney recounted her eagerness to meet her baby, saying, “I was ready to meet her, as was her sister. She said, ‘Sis needs to come out of Mommy’s belly.’” The couple arrived at the hospital around 14:00 on New Year’s Eve, and as midnight approached, the delivery began to progress rapidly.

The Fortiers were pleasantly surprised to discover later that Elliot was likely the first baby born in the state in 2026. “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 reflected.

To celebrate their new arrival, the family received a special gift basket from the maternity ward, filled with a warm blanket, wipes, diapers, and other essentials. Cody expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, noting, “That was very nice. She’s been snuggling in her new blankey all day.”

Joshua Hamel, a spokesperson for the hospital who was present during the interview, remarked on the emotional atmosphere, calling the baby “beautiful” and describing the room as “a room full of love.”

Other New Year Babies in Maine

In addition to Elliot, several other newborns welcomed the new year in Maine. A girl named Everly Hood was born at 02:39 on January 1 at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Everly weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, according to Karen Gonya, marketing and communications strategist for Northern Light.

Also, a baby boy was born at 03:20 at Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland, with details expected to be released shortly. Meanwhile, Central Maine Healthcare’s Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston announced the arrival of Amir Barow, a baby boy born at 03:35, weighing 8 pounds, 1 ounce. His parents, Aliza Padilla and Wiirow Barow, were delighted with their timely addition, as Amir arrived on his due date.

Rebecca Brakeley, MD, CMMC’s chief of pediatrics, shared the joy of Amir’s birth, noting, “Only a small percentage of babies are born on their due date, making Amir’s arrival even more special.” The family received a tote bag filled with newborn essentials and diapers to help them during this exciting time.

As the new year unfolds, these families in Maine have much to celebrate, marking the beginning of 2026 with the joy of new life.