Baptist Health welcomes its first 2026 baby

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Baptist Health is ringing in 2026 with a brand-new arrival.

According to a release from Baptist Health Lexington, the health system’s first baby born in 2026 arrived early New Year’s Day. Meeko Ray Haggins was born at 4:34 a.m.

Baptist Health says Meeko weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 21 inches long at birth.

Meeko was born to Autumn and Chayse Haggins of Willisburg, and the hospital says his birth continues a meaningful family tradition. According to the release, both parents were born at Baptist Health Lexington, along with the couple’s two other children — a 3-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.

Autumn Haggins shared her excitement about bringing Meeko home to his siblings.

“I think they’ll be excited to have a new little brother,” she said in the release. “I’m pretty sure my 3-year-old’s going to think he’s a baby doll and want to play with him all the time.”