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First baby of 2023 at AU Health born at 1:59 a.m. Jan. 1

Couple with baby
Written by Lisa Kaylor

Riley Simone Calloway made her much-anticipated appearance at 1:59 a.m. Jan. 1, 2023 – the first baby born at AU Health in the new year.

Her mother, Elizabeth Austin, labored 31 hours before she was born.

“I was in labor for 31 hours, too,” joked dad, Robert Calloway.

Austin said she expected Riley’s arrival Saturday night, though  many of her family members said she’d be a New Year’s baby.

She said the labor was not very complicated, despite the long duration, and their overall experience at AU Health was a good one.

Calloway said in the new year, he is looking forward to watching Riley’s first, such as her first steps.

“I’m just ready for her to enjoy her sisters and see what the new year brings,” Austin said.

Riley is the fourth daughter for the Augusta couple – the other three are 14, 13 and 6 years old and are home eager waiting to meet their new sister.