Franciscan Health’s Family Birth Centers in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs welcomed the first babies of 2026 on New Year’s Day.
Jacob Robert Patrick Kelly Jr. was born to Mattie Tengdin and Jacob Kelley of Crown Point at 1:29 a.m. at Franciscan Health Crown Point, making him the first baby born at the hospital in 2026. He weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19.7 inches long.
Across the state line in Illinois, Sofia Aylani was born to Maria Navarro and Danis Avila of South Chicago Heights, Ill. at 9:02 a.m. at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, making her the first baby born at the hospital in 2026. She weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Families with the distinction of having the first baby born in the new year at the Franciscan Health Family Birth Centers receive a gift basket containing items to help parents during their first weeks at home with their newborn.
More information about the Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Crown Point is available online or by phone at (219) 757-6330 and more information on the Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Olympia Fields, including a virtual tour, is available online or by calling (708) 852-2600.
Caption: Jacob Robert Patrick Kelly Jr. was born to Mattie Tengdin and Jacob Kelley of Crown Point at 1:29 a.m. at Franciscan Health Crown Point, making him the first baby born at the hospital in 2026.
