First baby arrives early morning on New Year’s Day

Jan. 1, 2025 -- Waylon Cook arrived at 41 weeks to be Reid Health's first baby of the year.

His arrival came a week later than his expected Christmas due date at 5:29 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025.

His mother, Madison Fry, and father, Bradyn Cook, both of Boston, Indiana, spent New Year's Eve at Reid Health's Family Birthing Center awaiting his arrival.

Fry, a first-time mom, checked in at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 to be induced, uncertain whether her son would be the first baby of the year.

"I didn't know how long the process would take," Fry said. "It's pretty cool having a New Year's baby. It's a unique birthday."

He made his debut in the early morning hours weighing 7 pounds, 7.2 ounces and 19.5 inches long.

Sporting a red and white striped cap, Waylon spent the day napping and snuggling with his family.

Waylon's special day is shared in celebration with his aunt, Kelli Fry, and grandmother, Holly Fry, with whom he shares a special connection. Holly Fry was born on May 29, mirroring Waylon's time of birth. He also shares his New Year's birthday with his maternal grandfather, David Fry.

Fry, who has been part of Reid Health's care team for over a year as a Nursing Care Assistant (NCA) for the Oncology, Med/Surg, and Hospice units, had some concerns about labor as a first-time mom. She credited her provider, Madi Taylor, DO, OB/GYN for Reid Health, with helping her to feel comfortable and the Family Birthing Center nurses for their care.