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Local hospitals welcome first babies of 2018

By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com
By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While many people celebrated the new year in restaurants and bars, some local families spent the night in the hospital welcoming their new bundle of joy.

Ben and Lindsey King, of Mint Hill, welcomed their son, Luke Benjamin King, at 12:25 a.m. New Year’s Day. He is the first baby born in Charlotte in 2018. Luke arrived at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center at 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Luke has an older brother, who is 3 years old.

(Ben and Lindsay King with their son, Luke)

Carolinas Healthcare System welcomed its first baby of the new year at 12:35 a.m. A spokesperson with CHS said the baby is Robert Muhammad Simpson. He is Assita Sylla's first child. A spokesperson said Sylla is originally from Africa, but now lives in Charlotte.

“It was a surprise. Yes. I was very excited," Sylla said.

Novant representatives said parents Michaela Gammons and Zach Taylor welcomed their son, Silas Cain Taylor, at 4:01 a.m. at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center. The hospital said the healthy boy has a sister who is 18 months old.

In October, local health officials told Channel 9 there has been a baby boom in the Charlotte region. Mecklenburg County officials said there were close to 15,000 births in 2016.

[PAST COVERAGE: Birth rates steadily rise each year in Mecklenburg County]

Novant Health expected to see 9,000 births by the end of 2017. That would be 300 more births than 2016.

Channel 9 wasn't allowed to interview families inside the hospital Monday because of flu concerns. Hospital staff want to make sure the babies stay happy and healthy.

More babies born on Jan. 1:

  • Isabella Reeves arrived at 1:36 a.m. at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.
  • Novant said a child was born at 12:32 a.m. at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, but that name hasn't been released.
  • A hospital spokesperson said another child was born at 6:45 a.m. at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. That child's name hasn't been released.
  • A spokesperson said a child was also born at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, but no further details were released.

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