First Baby of New Year

The Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital joined proud parents Elsa Ruiz and Miguel Romero in welcoming their new baby Ariel Leilani, the first delivered baby of 2025 at Miller Children’s & Women’s.

Ariel Leilani arrived just in time to become the first baby born in Long Beach at the Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in 2025. Coming into the world at 7 lbs. 12 oz. at 12:01 a.m., Ariel is the second child of Elsa Ruiz and Miguel Romero, residents of Inglewood.

“Ariel came out doing cartwheels when she was born, she was so excited to come into the world,” said Miguel. “We didn’t expect Ariel to be born on New Year’s Day, since she was due on January 20, but we couldn’t be more thrilled! It’s an amazing way to kick off 2025 with our beautiful baby girl.”

In celebration of having the hospital’s first baby of the year, Elsa and Romero received a special “First Baby Basket” – filled with onesies, beanies, receiving blankets, bathing items and diapers – from the care team at Miller Children’s & Women’s.