Dryden has welcomed its first baby of the year, marking a joyful occasion for local parents. Robert Michael Williams was born at 12:09 a.m. on January 2, 2026, to Marissa and Colton Williams. The newborn weighed seven pounds, seven ounces and measured 20 inches long, arriving nearly two weeks ahead of his expected due date of January 16.
Joyful Anticipation Turns to Reality
Marissa expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m very excited. It’s funny because I joked about it a lot, especially since November.” She had playfully mused about the possibility of being the first family to welcome a New Year’s baby. “I had just joked around with even Doctor Kerri Wilson and just said to Colton multiple times, could you imagine if we end up being the first baby?” Marissa added.
The couple arrived at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on December 31 for an induction, anticipating a January 1 delivery. Marissa described the experience, saying, “It ended up being kind of a full day of labour and kind of a long, long day — as it usually is. And then, sure enough, around 11:45 p.m., I started pushing and he came out at 12:09 a.m. on the second.”
A New Year, New Beginnings
The new parents expressed surprise and joy at having their baby be the first of the year. “I never actually thought that would be the case, and here we are. We’re very excited about it,” Marissa said. Both she and Colton are looking forward to celebrating the New Year with their newest family member, cherishing the special moments of their “little newborn bubble.”
The arrival of Robert Michael Williams not only brings joy to his parents but also highlights the spirit of new beginnings that a New Year embodies. As they navigate this new chapter, Marissa and Colton are eager to embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood together.
