New Year, New Life: Meet the First Baby of 2026 Born at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
The first sunrise of 2026 brought with it a brand-new beginning for one Hockley family — and a sweet milestone for Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
At exactly 7:29 a.m. on January 1, 2026, baby girl Caroline Makenzie Skeen made her debut into the world, marking the hospital’s very first birth of the year. Weighing 6 pounds, 7.4 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long, Caroline is the first child for proud parents Kelsey and Brennan Skeen.
The couple, who reside in Hockley, chose Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital’s Women and Children’s Pavilion for their daughter’s delivery based on glowing recommendations from close friends. “I actually had several close friends who gave birth at the Women and Children's Pavilion at Houston Methodist Willowbrook,” Kelsey shared. “They really liked all the doctors and the staff and the birthing center, and I did too.”
Caroline’s arrival didn’t come easily — or quickly. Kelsey went into labor the morning of New Year’s Eve and endured a full day of labor before Caroline was finally born the next morning. “She took a while to come out,” said Kelsey. “Her dad was in the room when she was born and he got to cut the cord.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Despite the long labor, the moment Kelsey finally held her newborn daughter was one she’ll never forget. “When I held her for the first time it was overwhelming but very joyful at the same time! I had worked all that time and finally got to meet her. It was so special,” she said. “We're just glad she's here now! Me and my husband, Caroline’s dad, have been together since high school, so it's kind of like a full circle moment.”
Located in northwest Houston at 18220 State Hwy. 249, the Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Willowbrook is known for providing highly personalized and advanced childbirth care. The center offers modern labor and delivery suites that combine spa-like comforts — such as aromatherapy, massages, and ambient lighting — with cutting-edge medical support, including a Level III NICU and access to a collaborative team of OB-GYNs, pediatricians, neonatologists, and specially trained birthing nurses.
For mothers who qualify, wireless Bluetooth fetal monitoring and natural delivery aids like birthing balls and squat bar bed attachments are also available, enhancing comfort and mobility during labor. Postpartum amenities include private suites with self-controlled lighting, cable and smart TVs, bedside USB ports, and gourmet room service — plus a celebratory brunch for new parents.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Each mother is assigned a devoted labor nurse to provide one-on-one support, along with a neonatal nurse present at every birth to ensure the health and safety of the newborn from the very first breath.
As 2026 begins, Caroline Makenzie Skeen’s birth is a heartwarming reminder of new beginnings and the joy of family — a perfect note to start the year for both the Skeen family and the team at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.