Home It’s a boy! Augusta Health announces arrival of first baby in 2026
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It’s a boy! Augusta Health announces arrival of first baby in 2026

Crystal Graham
augusta health first baby new year
Photo submitted by Augusta Health.

Augusta Health in Fishersville didn’t have to wait long to welcome the first baby of 2026, 22 minutes to be exact.

The first baby of 2026, Thomas Michael, was born Jan. 1 at 12:22 a.m. and weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 21.25 inches.

The boy is the second child of a Stuarts Draft couple, Katelyn and Alex. His middle name honors his late great-grandfather.

The delivering provider was Betsy Simms and nursing care was provided by Mary Frazier, Erin Schumacher and Anita Kudlyuk.

The hospital reports that both the mother and son “are doing wonderfully.”


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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]