Meet Long Island's First Baby Of 2019

Faster than you can say "Happy New Year!" to your closest family and friends, Long Island welcomed its first baby of 2019 just seven seconds past midnight.

The first baby born on Long Island and in the New York metropolitan area this year entered the world at Katz Women’s Hospital at LIJ Medical Center in New Hyde Park.

The baby, affectionately nicknamed 007 by staff, weighed in at 7 pounds and 13 ounces. Parents Adina and Eli Derdik, of Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, had a New Year's Eve celebration at the hospital, complete with glitter, streamers and party hats.

The birth of their son is also an early birthday present for Mr. Derdik. He celebrates his birthday on January 2.

“My wife always says I’m the hardest person to find a present for,” Mr. Derdik said. “This is No. 1.”

Baby 007 will receive his name eight days after his birth during a baby-naming and circumcision ceremony, following observant Jewish tradition.

The Katz Women’s Hospital at LIJ Medical Center delivers more babies than any other hospital in New York State ­­­– more than 9,300 in 2018. Northwell Health hospitals delivered approximately 39,200 babies last year.

Image via Northwell Health