It's A Girl: First Baby Of 2018 Born At Northwell Health

NEW HYDE PARK, NY – The first baby of 2018 was born at Northwell Health on New Year's Day.

The maternity team at Katz Women’s Hospital at LIJ Medical Center delivered the 5-pound, 10-ounce girl named Aziya Dream Shingler to proud parents 24-year-old Tamari Gardner, and 25-year-old Aaron Shingler, both of Hempstead at 12:19 a.m.

Gardner said she was up all night and decided to call for an ambulance at 6 a.m. December 31. After more than 17 hours of contractions, she gave birth to her fourth child – all girls.

“I thought I was having a boy this time,” she said. “It turns out it was a dream that she was a boy. That’s why I named her Dream.”

Gardner's other daughters are 7-year-old Ariya, 4-year-old Anila, and 2-year-old Aniya.

The New Year’s Day surprise also arrived three weeks early, but she and her mom are in good health and spirits.

We are proud to have delivered the first baby in 2018 and offer our congratulations to the Shingler family," Margaret Murphy, Chief Nursing Officer at LIJ said.

Image via Northwell Health