Cambridge Memorial Hospital delivered its first baby of 2024 just hours after the clock struck midnight to bring in the new year.
Mother Zaneera Mahmood and father Bilal Farooq welcomed their first child, a little girl named Umamah, around 2:30 a.m.
"It feels incredible," Farooq said.
"The emotions were hard to describe because it was a day we were waiting on for nine months."
Mahmood is doing well in recovery and soaking up every minute with her new little one, Farooq said.
Umamah, weighing in at 6 pounds, is the earliest birth on Jan. 1 over the past few years.
In 2023, Jaspreet and Harpreet Malhi welcomed baby girl Rehmat at 3:02 p.m. and in 2022, Jessica Aivaliotis gave birth to baby Ezra at 4:20 a.m.
"They say pregnancy and delivery time can be smooth sailing but it was definitely a roller coaster," Farooq said.
"But it's a ride that's worth it. It's overwhelming and joyous. It's like seeing your future in front of you."
As for what's next, Farooq said once Mahmood is recovered, it'll be time to get the baby home to meet her new family.
"The next step is to take her home to see the rest of the family and let her feel the energy of being a part of our big collective," he said.
"There probably isn't a better way to bring in the new year and we’re very excited."