DRYDEN — The first baby of the year has been born in Dryden, marking a joyful arrival as families celebrate the start of 2026. Robert Michael Williams entered the world at 12:09 a.m. on January 2, 2026, to parents Marissa and Colton Williams. Weighing in at seven pounds, seven ounces, and measuring 20 inches long, Robert’s early debut surprised his family.
Marissa expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m very excited. It’s funny because I joked about it a lot, especially since November. I’ve just kind of been throwing it into the atmosphere because I wasn’t actually due until January 16, so he’s a good two weeks early.” She had playfully speculated with her partner and their doctor, Kerri Wilson, about the possibility of having the first baby of the year.
Unexpected Arrival
The couple arrived at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on December 31 to begin the induction process, planning for a New Year’s Day delivery. However, the day turned into a lengthy experience, as Marissa described, “It ended up being kind of a full day of labour and kind of a long, long day — as it usually is.” After a day filled with anticipation, they began pushing around 11:45 p.m., leading to Robert’s arrival just after midnight.
Reflecting on the unexpected timing, Marissa shared, “I never actually thought that would be the case, and here we are. We’re very excited about it.” The couple expressed their eagerness to celebrate New Year’s with their new addition, cherishing the “little newborn bubble” they have created.
As Dryden welcomes its first baby of the year, the community joins the Williams family in celebrating this new beginning. The birth not only signifies a personal milestone for the family but also adds a touch of joy to the festive spirit of the New Year.
