Parents Tiffany Ayala and Billy Salinas with New Year's Baby Ayala

McAllen, TX – Rio Grande Regional Hospital welcomed its first baby of the New Year, Baby Ayala, into the world at 9:59 a.m. on January 1, 2024. Baby Ayala, the daughter of Tiffany Ayala and Billy Salinas, surprised her parents on New Year’s Eve with her arrival. “Although she is here early, we are so excited to meet her already,” said Ayala.

Obstetrician Gholam A. Kiani, M.D., delivered the healthy baby girl. Baby Ayala was 19.5 inches and weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces.

“All deliveries are exciting, but there’s something extraordinary about New Year’s Eve,” said Laura Disque, chief executive officer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. “There’s a special energy in the hospital, and we all look forward to seeing who will be the first to ring in the New Year. Congratulations to Tiffany Ayala and Billy Salinas, and a special thank you to our labor and delivery and nursery team for the compassionate and quality care you provide to our delivering moms and their babies.”