Editor’s Note: All the staff here at The Augusta Press warmly wish a Happy Birthday to Augusta’s first babies of 2023.
Born at exactly 1:59 a.m. on Jan.1, Augusta University Health welcomed 2023’s first baby after the mother endured 31 hours of labor.
Mother Elizabeth Austin and Father Robert Calloway welcomed their fourth daughter, Riley Simone Calloway, following a “much-anticipated” birth.
“I was in labor for 31 hours, too,” said Robert Calloway in a joking manner. Calloway also said he was looking forward to witnessing his new daughter’s many firsts in the New Year, such as her first steps.
Riley Calloway will be greeted by her three siblings ages 14, 13 and 6, who were eagerly waiting at home.
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“I’m just ready for her to enjoy her sisters and see what the new year brings,” Austin said.
Although she originally expected her daughter’s arrival on Dec. 31, 2022, Austin said several family members predicted Calloway would be a New Year’s baby.
Despite the long labor, AU Health reported the birth to be a non-complicated one.
Meanwhile, shortly after the Calloway birth, the Doctors Hospital of Augusta also delivered a New Year’s baby at 2:55 a.m.
At exactly 6 pounds and 11 ounces, Toni Olivia Fielding was the second local baby to be welcomed into the world in 2023.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
