New year’s babies arrive: 2025’s first little miracles

The arrival of a baby is always a momentous occasion but it is extra special when it happens on New Year’s Day.
Fourty four minutes after midnight Tuesday at the Suva Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Mereseini Likucokocoko welcomed her baby boy, 11 days earlier than expected.

The baby weighed 2.85kilogram.

Despite the complications and pain during labour, Ms Likucokocoko expressed her gratitude to the midwives and medical staff for their care.

“It was a surprise, we did not expect him till January 11 but I thank God for this healthy gift,” Ms Likucokocoko said.

“This is a moment our family will cherish forever as we are all overjoyed by the unexpected arrival.”

Meanwhile, in Nadi, Akeneta Ranadi, 29, gave birth to a baby girl at Nadi Hospital, a surprise as her due date wasn’t until January 8.

“It’s a blessing to give birth on New Year’s Day,” Ms Ranadi said.

Her newborn daughter weighed 3.78 kg.

“This is the first blessing of the year, and I’m hopeful for more blessings in the months ahead,” she said.

Ms Ranadi lives alone with her children while her partner works overseas.

“I am so grateful for the new arrival; this is a sign of prosperity,” she said.

In the north, Senimili Duavokavoka of Ligau Village on Kia Island received her own blessing.

After being rushed to Labasa Hospital on New Year’s Eve, Ms Duavokavoka gave birth to a healthy son, Suliasi Vunibola Turaganivalu, at 2am yesterday.

Weighing 3.7 kg, she described her son as the perfect gift, completing the family.

“When I heard his first cry, I felt relief and joy,” said Ms Duavokavoka.

“This is the best gift I could receive, and I thank Jesus for blessing us,” she said.

Her husband, Seresio Turaganivlau, said it was a proud moment for him as a father.

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