Seasonal & Holidays
Ocean County's 1st Baby Of 2026 Born In Manahawkin
Baby girl Ellie Rose came into the world hours after midnight at Southern Ocean Medical Center.
MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A West Creek family welcomed Hackensack Meridian Health's first Ocean County baby of 2026 hours after midnight on New Year's Day at Southern Ocean Medical Center, the medical network announced in a news release.
Parents Victoria and Nick Rekosik welcomed baby girl Ellie Rose, born 6 pounds, 4 ounces at 4:33 a.m. Jan. 1.
Ellie Rose joins Hackensack Meridian Health's first baby of 2026, Nova Nicole Norton, the daughter of proud parents, Naomi and Ezra Norton of Somerset, New Jersey. Baby Nova weighs 6 pounds and 3 ounces and was born at 1:05 a.m. at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair.
Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The arrival of the first babies of 2026 is a joyous and exciting moment for all of us at Hackensack Meridian Health. It's a powerful reminder of our mission: to provide the highest quality care to every mother and child,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “My deepest thanks go to our outstanding team members for their unwavering commitment, and we send our warmest congratulations to the proud new parents. We wish all our communities a vibrant and healthy new year."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
