New parents Liz Raimann and Xavier Heeder welcomed their first child into the world on New Year’s Day 2026.
(ABC 6 News) — New parents Liz Raimann and Xavier Heeder welcomed their first child into the world on New Year’s Day 2026.
It wasn’t just a first for Raimann and Heeder, but their son Xaden was also the first baby of the year to be born at Mayo Clinic.
“Not only are we walking into a new year, you know everyone kind of restarts every year on the first, and now we are restarting our life with a whole new little human to join us, and it’s just amazing,” said Raimann.
Raimann and Heeder say they knew there was a chance they’d either have the last baby of 2025, or the first of 2026. Xaden was born at 11:11 a.m. on January 1, 2026.
The new parents are back home with the newest addition to their family, and say they are excited to watch him go through all kinds of “firsts,” especially playing outside in the summer.
ROCHESTER, January 1, 2026 — A new decade began with a tiny arrival: Xaden Heeder, born at 11:11 a.m. on New Year’s Day, became the first baby of the year delivered at Mayo Clinic. The momentous birth marks a fresh start not only for the hospital, but for his parents, Liz Raimann and Xavier Heeder.
A New Year, A New Life
The arrival of Xaden Heeder signifies a hopeful beginning for his parents and the medical center.
Raimann and Heeder knew the possibility existed that their son would be either the last baby of 2025 or the first of 2026. “Not only are we walking into a new year, you know everyone kind of restarts every year on the first, and now we are restarting our life with a whole new little human to join us, and it’s just amazing,” Raimann shared, her voice brimming with emotion.
What happens when a baby is born at 11:11 a.m.? For Xaden Heeder’s parents, it meant a particularly auspicious start to the new year, filled with symbolism of new beginnings and good fortune.
The overjoyed parents are now home, eager to experience all of Xaden’s “firsts,” with a particular excitement for warmer days and outdoor adventures. The family is settling into a new rhythm, embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood as they embark on this incredible journey together.
- Xaden Heeder was born on January 1, 2026, at 11:11 a.m.
- He is the first baby of the year born at Mayo Clinic.
- His parents, Liz Raimann and Xavier Heeder, are thrilled with his arrival.
- The family is looking forward to experiencing all of Xaden’s firsts.
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