The first baby of the year has been born in Dryden, marking a joyful occasion for local parents. Robert Michael Williams arrived at 12:09 a.m. on January 2, 2026, weighing seven pounds, seven ounces and measuring 20 inches long. His parents, Marissa and Colton Williams, expressed their excitement about welcoming their son earlier than expected.
Unexpected Arrival
Marissa Williams shared her thoughts on the early arrival, noting that her due date was originally set for January 16. “It’s funny because I joked about it a lot, especially since November,” she said. “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?”
The couple had planned to be induced at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on December 31 for a delivery on January 1. Marissa described the process as a long day of labor, stating, “It ended up being kind of a full day of labour and kind of a long, long day — as it usually is.” She began pushing around 11:45 p.m. on January 1, and Robert was born shortly after midnight.
Celebrating the New Year
The surprise of having the first baby of the year was not lost on Marissa. “I never actually thought that would be the case, and here we are. We’re very excited about it,” she remarked. The Williams family plans to spend the New Year immersed in the joy of their newborn, cherishing the “little newborn bubble that we created ourselves.”
This delightful event has brought a sense of celebration to the community, reflecting the joy that new beginnings can bring. The arrival of Robert Michael Williams not only marks a personal milestone for the family but also adds to the spirit of hope and renewal associated with the New Year.
