UPDATE: The first baby of 2026 has been born in Maine, creating a wave of joy and emotion for a Lisbon couple. 12:53 a.m. Thursday marked the arrival of Elliot Rebecca Fortier at the MaineGeneral Health’s Alfond Center for Health in Augusta, as confirmed by hospital officials.
In an exhilarating New Year’s moment, Courtney Fortier, 33, welcomed her daughter, weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measuring 20 inches long, into the world. Her husband, Cody Fortier, also 33, was by her side, sharing in the happiness of this significant milestone. “She is gorgeous,” exclaimed Cody, who noted their newborn bears a striking resemblance to her older sister, Kimber, who was born at the same hospital just 22 months earlier.
The couple chose MaineGeneral Health for a deeply personal reason; Cody’s sister, Cassidy Doyon, has served as a registered nurse in pediatrics and maternity at the facility for eight years. “It feels like family here,” Courtney remarked, highlighting the bond that made their choice even more meaningful.
Courtney, a cosmetologist, described her newborn as “absolutely perfect,” expressing relief and joy after a longer-than-expected wait. “We genuinely thought she’d be here two weeks ago,” noted Courtney, who arrived at the hospital around 2 p.m. on December 31, 2025. Despite her initial due date of December 30, Elliot decided to make her entrance just after midnight, delighting her family.
The Fortiers received a special gift basket from the maternity ward, which included essentials like diapers and a warm blanket. “That was very nice,” Cody shared, as their new daughter snuggled in her new blanket. Hospital spokesperson Joshua Hamel praised the emotional atmosphere, calling Elliot “beautiful” and noting the room was “full of love.”
In an exciting start to the new year, other babies also made their debut in Maine. Everly Hood was born at 2:39 a.m. at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Additionally, a baby boy arrived at 3:20 a.m. at Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland, with further details to be released shortly.
At 3:35 a.m., another baby boy, Amir Barow, was born at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, weighing 8 pounds, 1 ounce, the timing of his arrival being particularly special as it coincided with his due date. Dr. Rebecca Brakeley, chief of pediatrics at CMMC, expressed joy over Amir’s timely arrival, noting that only a small percentage of babies are born on their due date.
As families across the state celebrate these joyful arrivals, the Fortiers’ experience serves as a heartwarming reminder of new beginnings. Stay tuned for more updates and details about Maine’s newest residents, as the joy of the new year continues to unfold.
