ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Mission Hospital’s first baby of the new year was born on Jan. 1, 2026, at 3:46 a.m.
At birth, Jonah Thomas Roberts weighed 4 pounds and 10 ounces and was originally due on Feb. 10, 2026, according to the Mission Health press release. He is in the hospital’s level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and is doing well, according to his nurse, Bailey.
Baby Roberts was born to parents Shannon Jeffords and Travis Roberts of Marshall. Jonah is Jeffords’ second child, with this being the father’s first baby, according to Mission Health.
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“Thank you for being so patient and caring,” Jeffords said. “They made my birth experience stress-free.”
According to the press release, Jeffords went into labor on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 9:02 p.m., and after her water broke, she was taken to Mission Hospital via EMS, where baby Roberts was safely delivered. Following delivery, he was quickly admitted to the NICU and is now progressing as expected, according to Bailey.
JAN. 1, 2026 – Mission Hospital’s first baby, Jonah Thomas Roberts and his mother{ }Shannon Jeffords of Marshall. (Photo credit: Mission Health)
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Before the delivery, Jeffords went to Mission Hospital on Nov. 22, and she was dilated to one centimeter. The medical team intervened and successfully prolonged her pregnancy, according to the press release.
Jonah Thomas was named in honor of both of Travis Roberts’ grandfathers, known as “Papaws.”