New Year’s baby

Mom Ariel Robbins holds baby daughter Willow River Song, while Dad Roscoe Robbins looks on.

LUDINGTON — Willow River Song Robbins came into the world Saturday morning, January 4, as the first baby born this year at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital.

Willow and her parents, Ariel and Roscoe Robbins, live in Hart. Baby Willow weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. and was 20 inches long when born at 7:03 a.m.

The hospital’s Birthing Center was anticipating the arrival of the first baby of the year early in the week of January 6. However, when Ariel visited obstetrician/gynecologist Margaret Gustafson, MD, for her regular appointment on Friday, Dr. Gustafson determined that it was time to prepare for the birth. She checked in to the hospital late Fridayafternoon

The parents collaborated on the name for their new daughter. Ariel has long considered “Willow” as a name, as the graceful willow is her favorite tree. Roscoe said “River Song” was inspired by a character of that name in the British TV series “Dr. Who,” a family favorite.

This is Ariel’s second child. Willow joins sister Nevaeh Fife, who is three. Roscoe has two daughters, Cheynne, 13, and Savannah, 11.

Willow was delivered by Dr. Gustafson. The new baby’s pediatrician is Tamara Buckles, MD.

Birth announcements are brought to you by ABC Kidz/Purple Monkey of Ludington. Check them out on Facebook by clicking here.

We are happy to share your newborn pictures as well. Please email them, along with information, to editor@masoncountypress.com.