Fergus family welcomes New Year's baby at Groves

FERGUS – On New Year's Day the Molinary family of Fergus welcomed the first baby born at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in 2026.

Six-pound, 11-ounce Carter Hayes Molinary arrived on Jan. 1 at 5:55am to loving parents Keith Molinary and Melissa Featherstone.

Carter was also welcomed by two-year-old sister Mila, who seems to be warming to her new sibling.

“It’s a huge adjustment for her (Mila), but she likes looking at his little feet and his little hands, and making silly faces at him,” Featherstone said.

On New Year's Eve, Carter's due date, Featherstone said she laid in bed wondering when he would be born. Her daughter had arrived early.

Featherstone wouldn't have to wait long for the answer. Around midnight, she went into labour.

"It's very surreal that we now have a baby boy, and that he's the first baby of the new year," she said.