PENN WYNNE, Pa. (WPVI) — Hospitals across the Philadelphia region welcomed new bundles of joy as the new year began.
For Kim and Jason Sarnoff of Media, Delaware County, the start of 2026 brought more than fireworks and resolutions – it brought a baby.
Their son, Elliott Jude Sarnoff, was born at 12:22 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Lankenau Medical Center, weighing 8 pounds, 3 ounces.
“We saw the fireworks right after he was delivered,” Kim Sarnoff said, recalling the moment her son arrived as celebrations lit up the sky.
Family members traveled from overseas to welcome the newest Sarnoff.
“My brothers come from the UK, we’ve come from Ireland,” said Kim’s sister, Jaimee Lee Hunter. “We’ve all been flying up and down. We’re very excited.”
Though only hours old, Elliott already has big plans. His mother says international travel is in his future once the paperwork is complete.
“He’s definitely going to be a world traveler,” Kim Sarnoff said. “We’re going to get his passport as soon as we get his birth certificate.”
The Sarnoffs were not alone in starting the year with bottles and blankets.
Across the Delaware Valley, hospitals welcomed several New Year’s babies.
At Temple Women and Families Hospital, Ezekiel Hall was born at 12:10 a.m. to mother Natalie Rivera.
At Penn Medicine Doylestown Hospital, Henry Schamp arrived exactly at midnight, marking the first baby of 2026 for parents Sarah and Ryan Schamp.
Healthcare workers say moments like these make holiday shifts worthwhile.
“It’s neat to see babies born first of the year,” said Ally Torregrossa, a registered nurse at Lankenau Medical Center. “And even though I have to work on the holiday, it is nice to say ‘Happy New Year.'”
As for the Sarnoffs, Elliott’s arrival has already made 2026 unforgettable.
“We had such a smooth delivery,” Kim Sarnoff said. “They said we’re welcome back anytime.”
For this family, the new year didn’t just begin – it was born.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.