While people were out celebrating the arrival of 2017, Orlando welcomed its first baby of the new year at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.
- Orlando welcomed its first baby of 2017 at Winnie Palmer Hospital
- Xander Velez was born at 12:43 a.m.
- Florida Hospital's first baby arrived at 1:37 a.m.
Early Sunday morning, Xander Velez was sleeping quietly next to his parents. He was born at 12:43 a.m., weighing 6 pounds and 11 ounces, according to the hospital.
Xander is the first baby for the Maldonado family. They have been trying to have a baby for four years.
“We are very blessed,” said Isuanet Maldonado, Xander’s mother. “My pregnancy was awesome and now that I have him he’s been doing awesome."
Xander’s arrival date was supposed to be on Jan. 1, but the Maldonado’s thought it could be sooner.
“Most of the kids never come on the due date, but he is a trooper and he said well I’m coming on that date and he actually did,” said Maldonado.
As a New Year’s baby, the family will leave the hospital with a basket of goodies.
For years, friends and family will remind them of why Xander is so special.
"He is only 9 hours or so old and he is already on the cameras," said Maldonado.
Florida Hospital said its first baby was born at 1:37 a.m. Sunday.