A logistics coordinator made her own special delivery in the early hours of New Year’s Day – Cayman’s first baby of 2026, a bouncing baby boy.
Little Malachi – who was a few days late – arrived at 4.06am at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital on 1 Jan.
Delighted mom Kadeen Willoughby, 29, said Malachi, who weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds, 11 ounces, was predicted to be a Christmas baby.
“He was expected to be born on December 23, but he decided ‘OK, New Year’s baby,” she said.
Kadeen, who works for courier firm NCI, added, “I was surprised because we really were expecting him a bit earlier.”
She said, “If it was up to me, he would have been born on Christmas Day or even before.
“He decided he didn’t want to be born in the old year, he wanted to be born in the new year.”
She said that Malachi would be able to enjoy spectacular fireworks displays to mark his entry into the world.
Kadeen added, “For the rest of his life, he will have loads of excitement on every January 1.”
She said Malachi was an extra special blessing because she had a miscarriage on Christmas Day 2024.
Kadeen, expected to be discharged home to West Bay from the maternity ward on Saturday, 3 Jan., said, “We have a lot to give thanks for and we appreciate it. The team here has been so amazing.”
Malachi is the second child for Kadeen and proud father Miguel Williams, whose other son is Gamaliel, aged 5.
Williams, who works at wholesaler Progressive Distributors, said Gamaliel was delighted to meet his little brother and that he had hoped the new baby would be a boy, adding. “He said, ‘Yes, Daddy, I’m going to love him and take care of him.’ It was a joy for them to meet each other. He always said he wanted a brother and he got his wish as well.”
Hospital midwife Chenique Gutierrez highlighted that Kadeen was assigned Room 1 in the maternity ward purely by chance.
She said, “It wasn’t done deliberately – it just happened to be perfect.
“I love all of the babies, but especially a New Year baby – new year, new blessings.
“People generally don’t like coming to hospital, but they do for a baby, and we’re happy to be part of that process.”