Olivia and Jeff Messing were ringing in the New Year at home in Libertyville with their daughter, Melanie, when their plans took an unexpected turn.
As the couple prepared to put their 2-year-old to bed on the night of Dec. 31, Olivia’s water broke, sending the family scrambling toward Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital — about a 15-minute drive away — in anticipation of their second child.
“It was not the calm evening we had planned,” deadpanned Jeff Messing, a patent litigation attorney.
Roughly nine hours later, at 4:57 a.m. on Jan. 1, Maisy Grace Messing was born, becoming the first baby delivered at the hospital in 2026.
The timing came as a surprise. The Messings had been scheduled to arrive at the hospital on Jan. 2 to induce labor, but Maisy had other ideas.
“She wanted to make her appearance early,” Olivia Messing said.
Delivered by Dr. Stuart Slaw, Maisy weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Both mother and daughter were healthy following the delivery.
The couple said they weren’t thinking about having the first baby of the year, though hospital staff mentioned it was a possibility when they checked in. With other mothers already in labor, they assumed someone else would beat them to the milestone.
That changed when hospital personnel arrived with a collection of gifts while taking Maisy’s measurements.
“I was really excited,” Olivia said. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s making her entrance early in a big way.’”
Added Jeff, “It’s very exciting. It’s a great honor.”
The gift basket included items such as a rattle, books, swaddles, and a blanket, along with other essentials for new parents.
“They will come in handy,” Jeff said.
The couple chose the name Maisy to complement big sister Melanie, keeping with the family’s “M” theme.
Looking ahead, Olivia — a marketing manager — said she hopes Maisy and her sister grow up to be close friends.
The family returned home Jan. 3 and plans to make good use of a double stroller designed for two young children.
A hospital spokeswoman said 1,623 babies were delivered at Lake Forest Hospital in 2025.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
