1st Baby Of 2026 A Rainbow Of Joy At Hopewell Hospital

HOPEWELL, NJ — New Year's Day is always seen as a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. For the Kook-Miller family of Florence, 2026 started in the most joyful way possible with the birth of their rainbow baby.

Derek Kook-Miller arrived at 3:27 a.m. on New Year's Day, the first baby of the New Year born at Capital Health Medical Center-Hopewell, said Kate Stier, a Capital Health System spokesperson.

The little boy, who weighed in at 6 pounds, 7 ounces, is the second child of Rhiannon and Jordan Kook-Miller. The couple's first child, Mia Madison Kook-Miller, died shortly after birth in 2024, Stier said.

After Mia's death, the couple donated more than 300 baby books and beautiful crocheted blankets to Capital Health’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in October 2024, Stier said.

"Given in memory of their angel baby, Mia Madison Kook-Miller, these gifts will provide comfort and support to many families during difficult times," Stier said.

Their son's arrival has brought sheer joy, however.

"It's honestly undescribable," Rhiannon told Fox29 News. Derek arrived a few weeks early, she said. His birth on New Year's Day "made everything more special."