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Winfield family welcomes one of Iowa’s first babies of 2025 at UIHC
Wray Marie Unkrich, born at 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, is the first baby of 2025 delivered at UIHC and one of the earliest arrivals in the state.
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IOWA CITY — The Winfield community happily welcomes its newest resident as the Unkrich family brings home one of Iowa’s first babies of 2025.
Wray Marie Unkrich entered the world at 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, weighing 9 pounds, 4.5 ounces and measuring 22 inches long. She was born at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown, making her the first baby delivered at the facility in 2025 and one of the earliest babies born across the state to ring in the new year.
While Wray was the first New Year’s baby at the University of Iowa, other hospitals in Iowa also reported early 2025 births. MercyOne Des Moines welcomed a baby at 12:28 a.m., while Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines reported another at 2:07 a.m. In the Quad Cities, MercyOne Genesis welcomed its first baby of the year at 3:10 a.m.
Like these other families, Kerry and Hannah Unkrich are celebrating their New Year’s babies and are simply grateful for a smooth delivery.
“At Christmas, my family joked that I might have the New Year’s baby, but I never thought it would actually happen,” Hannah said. “By Christmas, it felt like I was going to be pregnant forever. But it’s very cool! And just glad to have her in our arms, safe and sound!”
Hannah, who is originally from Keota, works at UIHC’s Downtown campus in cardiac rehabilitation and Kerry is a local farmer. The two live on Kerry’s family farm in Winfield with their 2-year-old son Nile and now, with the birth of Wray, look forward to watching their family grow.
“We’re very excited to watch her and her brother grow up together,” Hannah said. “He’s already very good with her and protective, so I can’t wait to see the dynamic between them as they grow up together.”
The family’s eventful night began quietly enough, with dinner at Kerry’s parents’ house. Around 8 p.m. they headed back to their house as Hannah was having small contractions, “but nothing big.”
“When we got home, we turned on ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ and were about to put our 2-year-old to bed when my water broke at 8:30-ish, and things really intensified fast,” she said.
After that, Hannah says contractions quickly increased in intensity and the couple knew they needed to head to the hospital which is a 40 minute drive from their house. They arrived just in time for a swift five-hour labor.
“We didn’t know if we’d have a New Year’s Eve baby or a New Year’s baby at that point just because labor was going fast,” Hannah explained. “She made her appearance right at 1:30 a.m.”
Hannah expressed her appreciation for the staff at UIHC, noting that this was her second delivery at the facility. She previously gave birth to Nile there when it was still Mercy Hospital, and she found that the compassionate care she remembered hadn’t changed with new ownership.
“I absolutely love labor and delivery at Downtown UIHC,” she said. “It hasn’t changed a bit — same personal touch to the care they give, and they answer all questions and are so much help.”
Throughout the labor, “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” continued to play in the background, providing a lighthearted soundtrack to the night. Despite the festive atmosphere, the family and hospital staff remained focused on the delivery.
“We actually had ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ on the whole time up until I delivered and then after as well,” said Hannah. “But I feel like a lot of us didn’t even realize it was midnight.”
After Wray’s birth, the hospital presented the family with a baby gift basket. News of her arrival spread quickly, with friends and family learning about the birth through the hospital’s social media post.
“Everyone was ecstatic,” Hannah said. “Most of them heard about it from UIHC first with their social media post.”
As the family settles into life with their newest member, they are looking forward to the year ahead. Although Nile, who was born on Columbus Day, may not fully understand the excitement surrounding his sister’s birth date, he has already embraced his role as a big brother.
“He has no idea, but he loves her all the same,” Hannah said.
The Unkrich family feels grateful for the support they’ve received from both the hospital staff and their community as they embark on this new chapter.
“I really appreciate the staff who helped deliver her safely and quickly!” Hannah said. “And we are beyond excited to start our journey with a new year and a new addition to the family!”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
