First 2025 Panama City baby born at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital

Panama City, FL (WJHG/WECP) - In 2024, 2,649 babies were born at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital in Panama City.

There can only be one first-born for 2025, and at 12:57 a.m. early Wednesday morning, baby Taylor made her debut.

“It’s kinda crazy, because I had always been told that I couldn’t have kids. Then as soon as I had the positive test, I was like ‘wait a minute, something’s not right.' So, it was an immediate shock and then excitement after that,” said Courteney Whitman, baby Taylor’s mother.

“It was a surprise at first, we didn’t think we could have any kids together. A little miracle popped up,” baby Taylor’s father Jacop Whitman said.

Coming in at 6 pounds and 11 ounces, baby Taylor had an unprecedented and historic arrival.

Her parents didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye at first when it came to what they should name her.

“Finally, we came up with Taylor. It was simple enough for him and cute enough for me,” Courteney said.

“Little Taylor Sue Whitman,” said Jacop.

Her parents were hoping for a Christmas Day arrival. When that didn’t happen, they were rooting for their anniversary day, December 27. However, their baby girl had different plans.

“We weren’t sure she was gonna be a New Year’s baby at first. We figured maybe 6:00, 7:00 on New Year’s Eve. Then at 12:57, here she comes. New Year’s, here we go,” Jacop said.

Taylor’s parents say she is already taking after her dad.

“She acts like she has my appetite, she is eating constantly, so, she gonna be a good girl,” said Jacop

“And she’s definitely fussy,” added Courteney.

“I want her to know that she’s loved, and she has a family that cares. As long as she always has that, she’ll always have somebody,” Taylor’s parents said.

As far as Taylor’s future, her parents look forward to watching New Year’s fireworks with her.

“Yep, the whole world is celebrating your birthday, baby girl,” Jacop said.

“That’s what we’re gonna tell her every year,” said Courteney.

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