Two Treasure Valley babies share the exciting title of the first babies born in the New Year across St. Luke’s eight hospitals – one was born in Boise, and the other in Meridian. Both New Year’s babies are girls who were born at 12:32 a.m. and welcomed by their two families.

Nevaeh Lilly was born to Britney Ballou and Josh DeLaune at St. Luke’s Boise and Ella Rose was born to Ashlee and Jazmane at St. Luke’s Meridian.

Nevaeh’s birthweight was 8 pounds, 1 ounce; Ella’s birthweight was 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

Both girls will be welcomed home by siblings. Nevaeh’s four siblings range in age from 2 to 14 years old, and Ella has one proud big sister.

Baby Nevaeh’s mom said that both she and dad cried when first meeting their new baby, though DeLaune jokingly insisted it was just dust in his eye that made him tear up.

Both families are excited and grateful to have had their babies arrive and are happy to share them with everyone.

“All three of us are super excited to have her (Ella) here, safe and she is so, so loved. We are very grateful for our doctors and nurses we have that have been amazing and very attentive to all of us,” Ashlee said.  

St. Luke’s Nampa Hospital welcomed its first New Year baby at 4:30 a.m. At the time of this release, St. Luke’s Elmore had not yet welcomed a New Year baby but has had a busy last 48 hours with at least five babies born before the new year. 

The first baby of the year born at each of St. Luke’s eight hospitals receives a gift basket that includes a variety of baby items provided by St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, the Auxiliaries, or the Hospital Foundation.

Magic Valley celebrates its first arrival of 2024

Element Moon Baker arrived at 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 1, the first baby born at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in 2024. Weighing 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long, Element opened his eyes to take in the world around him right away, responding to the familiar voices of mom Tylar and dad Ja’Ron.

Element wasn’t due until Jan. 12. On the trip to the hospital in the early morning hours, Tylar realized her baby would have a New Year’s Day birth, but didn’t think she’d be the first to deliver in Twin Falls.

“This is so fun, I can’t believe it!” she said of the gift basket and First Baby of the Year certificate.

Element may be the first baby of the year, but he’s not the first baby in the family — he’ll join big brother, Reason, at home in Twin Falls.

“Reason was a calm and relaxed baby so we’re hoping he’ll be the same,” Tylar said of baby Element, “but we know that might not be the case!”

The family also knows others may find their choice of names unusual, but explained they wanted to choose strong words as names for their boys. Tylar chose Reason for the first baby and Ja’Ron chose Element.

The family was presented with a special gift basket filled with diapers, diaper bag, baby blanket, quilt, stuffed animals and other goodies. Baby items were provided by St. Luke’s Magic Valley Health Foundation and the hospital gift shop.

— By Kelly Franson, Magic Valley public relations manager

St. Luke's Wood River's first baby also arrives Jan. 1 

The first baby born at St. Luke’s Wood River (SLWR) in 2024 was a boy, Maverick Robert Davis. Maverick arrived at 9:37 p.m. on Jan. 1, weighing 8 pounds, and 20 inches long.

Maverick’s parents, Ashley and Brandon live in Hailey. They expressed their gratitude saying “We just want to thank the entire mother/baby unit at St. Luke’s Wood River for their dedication, with special thanks to Arrie, Tera and Amy, they are incredible nurses.”

Brandon added a special note to Ashley: “My wife showed incredible resilience during a marathon delivery, and I couldn’t be prouder of her and the beautiful baby boy that resulted.” When asked if they have other children, they replied, “Not yet!”

St. Luke’s Wood River provided a special gift basket for the first 2024 baby with diapers, baby blankets, a stuffed animal, onesies and other goodies. 

— By Joy Prudek, Wood River public relations manager

St. Luke’s McCall’s welcomes first baby Jan. 6

Benjamin Wentz arrived at 5:18 a.m. on Jan. 6., the first baby born at St. Luke’s McCall Medical Center in 2024.

Jillian and Mike Wentz of Council welcomed their newborn son at 5:18 a.m. on Jan. 6. He is the first baby boy born at St. Luke’s McCall in 2024. Baby Benjamin weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces and was 17.72 inches long.

Dr. Katrina Mckellip, St. Luke’s Clinic – Payette Lakes Family Medicine delivered baby Benjamin with the support of labor and delivery nurses Shelly Garriott, Rickey Hyman, Kaitly Jenkins and Aylee Swift. A special gift basket from the St. Luke’s McCall Auxiliary was presented to the family to celebrate Benjamin’s arrival.

— By Laura Crawford, McCall public relations manager