ORLANDO, Fla. — While much of Orlando celebrated the new year with fireworks and champagne toasts, one couple celebrated with family and friends in a delivery room.
A young couple welcomed the first Central Florida baby of the new year just five minutes after midnight.
At 8 pounds, 8 ounces and 21 inches long, little Angel Nikael Laureano was quite possibly the largest baby in the newborn nursery Thursday night at Florida Hospital, but he held another title as well: He was the first baby born in Orlando in 2016.
Even though his mom, Nikatiya Reyes, spent the first moment of 2016 pushing, that doesn’t mean she missed out on celebrating the new year.
She said the fireworks helped speed up her contractions and once she checked into the hospital, she was greeted with a full house of family and friends who joined her in the delivery room.
“It was my mom, my brother, my fiance, my best friend, her mom and her sister,” said Reyes.
They stayed by her side into the new wear
“I felt so supported last night. It was amazing,” said Reyes.
Reyes said Angel is a miracle because she lost another infant who was stillborn in August 2014.
So when Angel came out crying and greeting his new family, she felt relief and joy.
“He’s huge and he’s so healthy. My family is so surprised,” said Reyes.
“It was the greatest moment of my life,” said the baby’s father, Angel Bryan Laureano.
Winnie Palmer won the baby race last year with the region’s first arrival.