Rachel Solis was due to deliver a baby Jan. 5. She had experienced a few labor pains of late and had the family car packed and ready to go, just in case.
Her family visited relatives for a New Year’s Eve dinner, but Rachel never finished her meal.
Halfway through her chicken romano, Rachel told her husband it was time.
And Rachel and Tyler Solis of Irwin ushered in 2026 with a new baby. The couple welcomed Marina Rose at 12:19 a.m. Jan. 1 at Allegheny Health Network’s Forbes Hospital in Monroeville.
She is the couple’s fourth child and weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces.
Marina’s keen timing earned her bragging rights as the first 2026 newborn delivered in the Allegheny Health Network Women’s Institute, home to five labor and delivery units.
In a phone interview from her hospital room on New Year’s Day, Rachel and Tyler Solis recalled Marina’s birth story.
“I had to drive slow from Irwin because of the snowy weather. It took about 30 minutes,” Tyler Solis said. “I was praying we could get there safe, and they greeted us and off we went.”
Rachel Solis said her delivery went smoothly, and she was eager for a coffee.
“I’m a seasoned pro at this point and had a light epidural, and labor was about four hours,” she said. “I am looking forward to a cup of joe.”
Because of her New Year newborn status, Marina will receive a year’s supply of free diapers, courtesy of the Western PA Diaper Bank.
“I’m very happy and thrilled about that,” Rachel said of the free diaper gift.
The couple described Marina as their “little doll.”
“She has these big chubby cheeks, and she has been great. She’s loving mommy and seeing everyone,” Tyler Solis said.
“It’s a great way to start the New Year.”
Marina’s birth date adds her to a global and rather rare birthday group.
Being born on New Year’s Day is one of the three rarest birthdays, with Christmas Day and Leap Day (Feb. 29) rounding out the list, according to Reader’s Digest.
Marina’s older siblings are Bastian, 9, Archer, 5, and Emberly, 23 months.
Big brothers Bastian and Archer were particularly thrilled their little sister won a prize (diapers).
“They’re pretty delighted. They both got to hold her, and they’re very happy,” Tyler Solis said.
