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Like her grandmother, Gracie Rose arrived on New Year's Day

Morgan and Levi Kendall of Fletcher, North Carolina hold their newborn daughter, Gracie Rose Kendall. Gracie is the first baby born at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville in 2026.

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 3, 2026

The new year began with the arrival of the first baby of 2026 at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville.

Gracie Rose Kendall was born at 7:52 p.m. on New Year's Day, weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Her parents, Morgan and Levi Kendall of Fletcher, were thrilled to welcome their first baby earlier than expected. Gracie was due on Jan. 13.

For the Kendall family, her New Year’s Day birth carried deep personal meaning.

“This was a long and hard labor, but through it all I learned I am a lot stronger than I thought I was,” said new mom Morgan Kendall. “My grandmother was a New Year’s Day baby, and she passed away two years ago. Losing her was very hard on our family. Gracie being born on New Year’s Day felt like an extra special gift. My aunt told me she believes Grandma was holding onto Gracie in heaven and let her go so she could arrive and share her birthday.”

New dad Levi Kendall shared how proud he is of his wife and expressed his deep love for their baby girl, saying the experience has meant more to him than he could have imagined.

The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville provides personalized, compassionate care designed to support families during one of life’s most meaningful moments.

“Welcoming the first baby of a new year is always a special experience for our team,” Baby Place director Chloe Harden said. “We are honored to care for families as they begin this next chapter and to help bring new life into the world with compassion and love.”

AdventHealth Hendersonville’s labor and delivery team offers comprehensive maternity services focused on whole-person care for mom, baby and family. For more information about maternity services visit AdventHealthHVL.com.