Newborn Charlii Kile-Meyer decided to wait a week before arriving in the world.
Born just 17 minutes after midnight on New Year’s Day to Markie Kile and Aaron Meyer, of Albany, the baby’s due date had been Christmas Eve. Benton County’s first baby of 2025, born at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, measured 20 inches in length and weighed 9 pounds, 1.4 ounces.
The baby’s mom, who works in the Environmental Services department at the hospital, praised the staff’s support during delivery.
“The staff was really nice,” she said. “They were encouraging and supportive throughout the birthing process.”
After resting, the couple shared the news with Charlii’s siblings. The blended family includes Myrah, 11, Josiah, 9, Isabella, 7, and Oliver, 5, who were all excited to meet their new sister.
The baby’s unique name was inspired by “Charlie the Unicorn,” a YouTube short film both parents had watched years ago.
“We were trying to think of a nickname because we had been calling her ‘Dyno Nugget,'” Markie explained. “We thought Charlii would be a cute nickname and it ended up staying.”
To celebrate the first baby of 2025, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center presented the family with a gift basket containing stuffed animals, a baby blanket, sparkling cider, wine glasses, chocolate, a baby book, onesies, a stocking, slippers and a birthstone keepsake.
Charlii’s dad, Aaron, works at the Lowe’s Distribution Center in Lebanon.