With an average of 600 babies a year delivered at Vaughan Regional Medical Center, only one can be the first of 2017.

This year, Haven Cornilous Bradford was that baby.

“It’s exciting. It was a painful experience, but after all of it I’m grateful and happy for him,” said Bradford’s mom Evelyn Gary from Pine Hill.

Even though he was due on Christmas, the 8-pound 7-ounce baby boy was born at 5:25 a.m. on Jan. 1, ringing in the new year.

“I think it’s going to be a great year for everybody,” Gary said.

Gary said it’s going to be hard for her daughter, 1-year-old Angel Gary, because “she’s used to getting all the attention,” but she knows she’ll be happy to have a baby brother.

Gary said that Bradford’s father, Oscar Bradford Jr., had to be away at work, but she is excited for him to get back and meet his son.

Leah Sansom, a registered nurse at the Vaughan with 21 years in labor and delivery, said it’s always exciting to meet the first baby of the new year.

“It’s really exciting because every year we look forward to a new birth, a new year. It’s very, very exciting,” Sansom said. Sansom said her favorite part about working with moms and newborns is “bringing new life into the world and making a difference in the mom’s birth experience.”

Sansom said she has helped with thousands of deliveries over the years, but each one is still as exciting as the last.

“I love what I do,” Sansom said. “The miracle of birth is wonderful.”