Just moments after the fireworks died down and the champagne stopped pouring, the Denver metro welcomed its first baby of 2026.

Eliza was born at AdventHealth Castle Rock at 12:21 a.m. Thursday morning, making her the likely first baby born in the area on the first day of the year, according to a news release from AdventHealth.

The newborn came in at 7 pounds 1 ounce to parents Anna and Filipe Maia. She was welcomed by her two-year-old sister, Olivia, who loving cradled her in her arms.

The hospital added that there were five babies born between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m.

“The team has been busy,” the hospital said,

But, for the city itself, the first baby was born around 2 a.m. at Denver Health downtown.

Oulahni Flores was the first baby born at the hospital Thursday morning, coming in at around 7pounds flat, according to a news release.

“Denver Health was honored to welcome Oulahni, our first baby of 2026,” said Stefka Fabbri, MD, chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Denver Health. “As the city’s most trusted labor and delivery unit, more than half of Denver’s babies begin their life’s journey with us. This is made possible by our exceptional care teams and dedicated staff, whose compassion and expertise support families every step of the way.”

Oulahni was born to parents Claudia Flores-Rios and Erik Flores. Due to being the first of the year, the parents received 2,026 diapers and a gift bag full of essential supplies as part of the hospital’s “Hello, Little One” program.

The program replaced Denver Health’s Newborns in Need initiative — which began in 2003. Along with the new-year surprise, every single family delivering at Denver Health receives diapers, a blanket, a sleep sack and other newborn essentials.

“Giving newborns a healthy start in life is at the heart of Denver Health’s mission,” the hospital said.

More than 4,200 babies were born at Denver Health in 2025, making up for more than half of the babies born in Denver County.

Now, starting with Oulahni, they’re in for another busy year.

The country is expected to see around 3,664,000 births in 2026, according to Database.earth.

If the estimates are met, that would be around 10,000 more than 2023 and 2024, but nowhere near the 4,179,497 a decade ago in 2006.