2 Big Island hospitals announce the birth of the first New Year’s Day babies

Hospitals in Waimea and Hilo announce the birth of the first New Year’s Day babies at their facilities.

The first was born at 12:22 a.m. at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital to Teighen Lindsey and father Micah Lorenzo of Waimea. Their baby boy, Kahilikaimana Lindsey-Lorenzo, weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces.

According to hospital officials, the parents were surprised baby Ka ̅hilikaimana waited until 2024 to make his appearance as Lindsey started labor over 24 hours earlier.

The second New Year’s Day baby was born at Hilo Medical Center at 4:50 a.m.

Jack Lipp was born to Mary Ott and Gavin Lipp of Mountain View and weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 inches.

“I was really hoping for the New Year baby,” Ott said. “He kept on turning like a huli huli chicken that caused a lot of back pain.”

Grandma Laree Ott noted the sweet coincidence: “Mary was supposed to be a New Year’s baby when she was pregnant with her.”

The family received a gift from the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Keaau, baby bags loaded with baby gear and a $100 gift card.

“The gifts will go a long way and is hugely appreciated,” the new parents said.

The parents have big hopes for their son.

“He’s going to rule the world!” said Lipp.

“I hope he’s the biggest one in the canoe,” Ott said.

Dr. Celeste Adrian and the staff delivered the first baby of the year. Both parents were grateful for the care, saying: “We received excellent care. The team was really supportive and did an excellent job.”

This story has been updated.