New Year brings new babies to some Kansas City families

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – While some were celebrating New Year’s with fireworks and champagne, several Kansas City residents are welcoming new additions to their families. Several babies were born after the clock struck midnight at hospitals across the metro.

“I don’t think it’s hit me yet that I’ve had a baby,” said Jaiden Willard. “She’s my second one. I feel like it’s going to hit me soon, like oh, I had a baby!”

Willard welcomed baby Julietta at The University of Kansas Health System’s Olathe campus at 12:45 a.m. Weighing in a 7 lbs., 3 oz, Julietta joins her big sister, who turns 2 in a few days. Willard says Julietta’s older sister is over the moon.

“Oh my gosh, she came in today saying baby sister, that’s my baby,” said Willard. “She would say ‘Baby is cold’ and got the blanket to cover her up. It was just the cutest thing. She kept asking ‘Where is my baby’ and was looking around the room for the baby. It was funny.”

The University of Kansas Health System says each family received a gift basket filled with baby items from the Chiefs, Royals, and KC Current, as well as a selection of health system-branded items.

Across the river at North Kansas City Hospital, Aleacia Estrada and Bryan Diarte welcomed their first child, Jesse, at 1:06 a.m.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Diarte, “Hearing his first cries made me cry, not gonna lie. It’s surreal, still. Just hasn’t settled in.”

Diarte says his brother also has little ones and is excited to watch all their kids grow up together.

North Kansas City Hospital also gave the new parents a basket full of goodies like books and diapers.

“We got an octopus toy,” said Diarte. “This little puppet is my favorite. Definitely going to play with these with him. We got a lot of books, some Pampers, blankets.”

As parents across the metro celebrate the new year with their new babies, Willard has a special message for other moms:

“They are rockstars, to be honest,” said Willard. “Bring in labor is very difficult. Congratulations and I hope everything goes good for the rest of the year!”

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