As the city of Chicago celebrated the dawn of a new year, two families welcomed their bundles of joy, marking some of the first births of 2024, NBC Chicago and FOX 32 Chicago reported. The first reported newborn of the year, named Ocean, was born at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge to Emily and Wes Ortman of Wheeling. The baby arrived at 3:18 a.m., weighing in at a light 5 pounds and 2.4 ounces, and measuring a delicate 18.75 inches long.

While the city's skies had just cleared of fireworks the celebrations continued in the form of new life, Ocean wasn't alone for long as another family marked the year's commencement with a addition, baby Rue entered the world at 5:05 a.m. at Advocate Christ Medical Center born to Kiara and Robert Rhodes of Crete at a healthy 4 pounds, 9 ounces and stretched out to 17 inches from head to toe. Rue is ready to take on the world with two older brothers waiting at home, Robert and Kityi ready to show him the ropes.

Both Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center have a tradition of announcing their New Year's births, highlighting the positive start to the year with new life and hope for the future said the reports.