After 41 weeks’ gestation, Waylon Cook was the first baby known to be born in Wayne County in 2025.
His arrival at 5:29 a.m. Jan. 1 at Reid Health in Richmond came a week later than his expected Christmas due date, according to a news release.
His mother, Madison Fry, and father, Bradyn Cook, both of Boston, Indiana, spent New Year’s Eve at Reid’s Family Birthing Center awaiting his arrival.
Fry, a first-time mom, checked in at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 to be induced, uncertain whether her son would be the first baby of the year.
“I didn’t know how long the process would take,” Fry said in the release. “It’s pretty cool having a New Year’s baby. It’s a unique birthday.”
He made his debut weighing 7 pounds, 7.2 ounces. He was 19.5 inches long.
Waylon spent the day napping and snuggling with his family.
Visitors included his aunt, Kelli Fry, and grandmother, Holly Fry, with whom he shares a special connection.
Holly Fry was born on May 29, mirroring Waylon’s time of birth. He also shares his New Year’s birthday with his maternal grandfather, David Fry.
Madison Fry, who has been part of Reid’s care team for over a year as a nursing care assistant for oncology, med/surg and hospice units, had some concerns about labor as a new mom. She credited her provider, Dr. Madi Taylor, with helping her feel comfortable and Family Birthing Center nurses for their care.
A version of this article appeared in the January 8 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.