Texas Children’s Hospital welcomed its first babies of 2026 just hours into the new year, celebrating two sweet arrivals and a joyful start to 2026.
HOUSTON — The new year rang in with more than fireworks at Texas Children’s Hospital, it also came with two very special birthday celebrations.
Hospital officials announced the first babies of 2026 arrived just hours into the new year, bringing plenty of smiles, happy tears, and brand-new beginnings.
The very first baby of the year was Elina Abuasab, born at 1:42 a.m. to parents Amal and Tareq. Elina made quite an entrance, measuring 21 inches long and weighing in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Talk about starting the year strong!
Not long after, another New Year’s baby joined the celebration. Hannah Harper was born at 3:40 a.m. to parents Jessica and Tyler. Hannah also measured 21 inches long and weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces. She arrived dressed for the occasion, complete with red slippers and a onesie that proudly read, “It’s a New Year Baby!”
Both babies were delivered at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a specialized facility focused on high-risk pregnancies and one that delivers about 7,000 babies each year.
Texas Children’s Hospital is the largest pediatric hospital in the nation and is consistently ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the country, including being named the top children’s hospital in Texas.
A brand-new year, two brand-new lives, and plenty of reasons to celebrate, congratulations to the Abuasab and Harper families on the perfect way to welcome 2026.