SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) — Spencer Hospital’s Birth Center welcomed its first baby of 2026 in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Kyden Finley Heath was born at 1:19 a.m. on January 1 to Kyla Heath of Spencer, earning the distinction of being the hospital’s first baby of the year. Kyden weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 20.5 inches. His middle name, Finley, honors his great-grandfather.

The delivery was handled by Dr. Amy Jochims of Avera Medical Group Spencer. Kyden joins his mother, grandmother Carmen Heath, and siblings Noah, Nevaeh, Novah, Alexandria, and Izabella.

To celebrate the milestone, Spencer Hospital Auxiliary volunteers presented Kyden with a gift basket filled with baby items, including books, toys, and a holiday-themed blanket.