New year, new life

COEUR d’ALENE — Raelene and Darrick Short of St. Maries were thrilled with the birth of their second child, regardless of the baby’s birth date.

Even so, it was something special to welcome their daughter on New Year’s Day.

“We were excited when they told us her due date,” Raelene said. “Of course, we were excited anyway.”

Lia was the first baby born at Kootenai Health in 2026, arriving at 6:18 p.m. and weighing a healthy 6 pounds, 11 ounces.  

Mom and baby were doing well when The Press checked in with them Friday.  

“She’s pretty much just been sleeping,” Raelene said.  

Though Kootenai Health sees births on New Year’s Day every year, Lia’s stood out a bit: she was the only one born at Kootenai Health this year, said Kaila Mallrie with Kootenai Health.  

Three babies were born on the night of New Year’s Eve, however, Mallrie added.  

Nearly 2,500 babies are born each year at Kootenai Health, according to its 2024 Community Report, averaging about seven births per day.  

“There’s no better way to welcome a new year than with a brand-new life,” Kootenai Health wrote in a birth announcement shared on social media. “Moments like this remind us how meaningful it is to walk alongside families at the very start of their journey.”