ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Mission Hospital welcomed its first baby of 2026 early Thursday morning.

Jonah Thomas Roberts was born at 3:46 a.m. Jan. 1 at Mission Hospital. He weighed 4 pounds, 10 ounces and was born several weeks early. Hospital officials said Jonah is doing well and is receiving care in the hospital’s Level III neonatal intensive care unit.

Jonah was born to Shannon Jeffords and Travis Roberts of Marshall. He was due Feb. 10. Jonah is Jeffords’ second child; she also has a 5-year-old daughter, Aria. It is Roberts’ first child.

Jeffords went into labor Tuesday evening. After her water broke, she was transported by emergency medical services to Mission Hospital, where Jonah was delivered safely.

Following the birth, Jonah was admitted to the NICU. His care team said he is progressing as expected for his gestational age.

Jeffords had previously been treated at Mission Hospital during the pregnancy. In late November, she arrived at the hospital showing early signs of labor, and medical staff were able to intervene and delay delivery, giving Jonah additional time to develop.

Jeffords said she is grateful for the care she and her son have received.

“Thank you for being so patient and caring,” she said, adding that the staff made her birth experience “stress-free.”

Jonah’s middle name honors both of Roberts’ grandfathers.

Mission Hospital officials said they were proud to welcome the first baby of the new year and wished the family well as Jonah continues to grow and gain strength.