LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Lima Memorial Health System welcomed the first baby born in Lima in 2026 early Thursday morning.
Hazel Helstad was born at 12:51 a.m. on New Year’s Day, weighing 5 pounds, 11 ounces. She was born to parents Desiree and Coty Helstad.
Hazel is Desiree’s first child and Coty’s fifth. Desiree was scheduled to be induced next week, but after experiencing medical issues, the couple went to the hospital, where Hazel was delivered earlier than expected.
The Helstads said it was a long journey to welcome their daughter.
“it took me a long time to get here because I had to do special treatment or IVF and all that stuff. So happy that I finally got there after like, three or four years. I'm just grateful that it worked out after all this time trying,” says Desiree Helstad.
Hazel has four siblings who are eager for her to come home. Two of them also have January birthdays, making the month especially busy for the family. Hazel also shares her birthday with her aunt, who was also born on New Year’s Day.
