A couple from Lisbon, Maine, celebrated a joyous milestone as they welcomed their daughter, Elliot Rebecca Fortier, at MaineGeneral Health’s Alfond Center for Health in Augusta. The newborn, weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces and measuring 20 inches long, is believed to be the first baby born in the state in 2026. Elliot arrived at 12:53 a.m. on January 1, marking a significant moment for her family.
Courtney Fortier, 33, gave birth with her husband, Cody Fortier, by her side, along with midwife Susan Lufkin-Curtis. “She is gorgeous,” Cody, an electrical engineer, shared, noting that Elliot resembles her older sister, Kimber, who was born at the same hospital about 22 months earlier. Courtney, a cosmetologist, described her newborn as “absolutely perfect,” adding, “She’s just been a dream — a little dream come true.”
The Fortiers chose the Augusta hospital for a special reason. Cody’s sister, Cassidy Doyon, has worked as a registered nurse in pediatrics and maternity there for eight years. “It feels like family here,” Courtney reflected, emphasizing the comfort and support they received during the birth.
Courtney’s due date was December 30, 2025, but Elliot took her time arriving. “I was ready to meet her, as was her sister,” said Courtney, recalling how Kimber eagerly anticipated her sister’s arrival. The couple arrived at the hospital around 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and after a night of anticipation, Elliot made her entrance just before 1 a.m.
After learning that Elliot might be the first baby born in Maine for the new year, the family expressed their surprise. “We genuinely thought she’d be here two weeks ago,” Courtney said. The maternity ward presented the family with a special gift basket containing essentials like a warm blanket, wipes, and diapers. “That was very nice,” Cody remarked, noting how Elliot had been snuggling in her new blanket throughout the day.
Joshua Hamel, a spokesperson for the hospital, described the atmosphere during the couple’s interview as “really emotional” and filled with love. “It’s a room full of love and it’s really nice,” he commented.
Other Early Arrivals in Maine
In addition to Elliot, other babies were born shortly after her in different hospitals across Maine. Everly Hood, a girl, was born at 2:39 a.m. on Thursday at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. She weighed 6 pounds and 14 ounces, according to marketing and communications strategist Karen Gonya.
A baby boy was born at 3:20 a.m. at Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland, with further details expected later. Meanwhile, Amir Barow, born at 3:35 a.m. at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and measured 20.5 inches long. His parents, Aliza Padilla and Wiirow Barow, were thrilled with their timely arrival, as Amir was born on his due date.
Rebecca Brakeley, MD, chief of pediatrics at Central Maine Medical Center, remarked on the significance of Amir’s birth timing, noting that only a small percentage of babies arrive on their due dates. The family received a tote bag filled with newborn essentials from the maternity team. When a baby is born at CMMC, a celebratory chime rings throughout the hospital, sharing the joyful news with everyone.
As the new year begins, the joy of new life resonates across Maine, reminding families of the promise and hope that each new arrival brings.
