As the clock struck midnight and the world ushered in the new year Wednesday morning, one local family ushered in new life. Kendrick, son of Jeimi and Isaac of Victoria, became the first baby born in Victoria in 2025 as well as the one of the first babies of Generation Beta.

Born on Jan. 1 at 3:32 a.m. at DeTar Hospital North, baby Kendrick weighed in at seven pounds and measured 20 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing well as they start the new year and a new journey together.

òòò½ÊÓƵœWelcoming the first baby of the year is always such a special moment for our team. We are honored to be part of this important time in this familyòòò½ÊÓƵ™s life," saidòòò½ÊÓƵMary Claire Bradshaw, RN, Director of DeTar Womenòòò½ÊÓƵ™s and Childrenòòò½ÊÓƵ™s Services.òòò½ÊÓƵ"Itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s a reminder of the joy and hope that every new life brings, especially as we also welcome a new year. We are thrilled to share this occasion with them."

In celebration of Kendrickòòò½ÊÓƵ™s arrival and per tradition, the family received a special gift basket from the nursing staff at DeTar Hospital North, who helped care and support Kendrickòòò½ÊÓƵ™s family.

Across town on Jan. 2, Citizens Medical Center welcomed its first born of the new year, baby girl Kali Love Buckner, at 8:12 a.m. The mother, Tamia Lott, delivered her baby via C-section with Kali weighing in at seven pounds, 13 ounces and 20 inches long.

òòò½ÊÓƵœMy mom is the one who came up with the name. Sheòòò½ÊÓƵ™s named after the song California Love by 2Pac,òòò½ÊÓƵ Lott said.

Kali is Lottòòò½ÊÓƵ™s second daughter. Both mom and baby are happy and healthy after surgery and are waiting to be discharged from the hospital to celebrate the new year with her 19-month-old toddler and her new bundle of joy.

Every year, the staff at Citizens Medical Center puts together a special gift for the first baby of the new year. This year, Lott and her family will walk home with a new baby in one arm and a gift basket in the other.

Generation Beta is now officially the newest and youngest generation, defining babies born between 2025 and 2029. These babies are expected to live into the 22nd century and will never know a life without artificial intelligence. AI and automation will define their lives from school, work, entertainment and healthcare.

Congratulations to both families as they kick off the new year with an added reason to celebrate and a new bundle of joy in 2025.òòò½ÊÓƵ

Madison can be reached by email at mohara@vicad.com.

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Madison works at the Victoria Advocate as a multi-media journalist. She was born and raised here in Victoria.