Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Shortly after midnight, one of the newest members of Suffolk made a grand entrance.

Brixton Walston was born at 12:25 a.m. at 7 pounds and 7 ounces. He was welcomed by first-time parents Hannah Downey and Matthew Walston. The couple lives in Suffolk, which is the hometown of Walston. Downey is originally from Smithfield.

“This is something that has been super unforgettable and life-changing,” said Downey during a phone interview. “The whole experience was just perfect.”

Brixton was not only the first baby born in 2022 at Sentara Obici Hospital but, according to Sentara Healthcare, he was the first in all of Hampton Roads at Sentara hospitals.

Brixton arrived a little over a week before his original due date on Jan. 9. His parents were prepared for an early arrival, as Downey was scheduled to be induced on Jan. 3. However, as the couple rushed to the hospital on New Year’s Eve, their family wondered if Brixton might end up sharing a birthday with his dad, who was born on Dec. 31.

“We were very surprised,” said Downey about Brixton’s early arrival. “We thought he was going to come on his dad’s birthday, but he decided to hold out for the New Year and one-up his dad.”

According to Downey, the pregnancy and the delivery went much more smoothly than she expected. The family is now home, with both mom and baby doing great as they prepare for an unforgettable year.

“We are very excited,” said Downey.