Not long into the new year, Sunderia Steptoe, of Amite, celebrated the arrival of not one but two babies.
At 3:19 a.m. on New Year’s Day, girl Amira Washington was born; one minute later, her twin brother Amir Washington was born. The twins share the title of “Baby New Year 2023” as the first babies born at North Oaks Medical Center in 2023.
Amira and Amir were due Jan. 4, but they decided to arrive early on Jan. 1 to ring in the New Year with their family. The twins were delivered by obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Kimberly Hodge.
Amira weighed 4 lbs., 10.7 oz. with a length of 17½ inches, and Amir weighed 5 lbs., 1.4 oz., with a length of 17½ inches.
The North Oaks Women & Children Services team presented the family with a double-sized welcome basket filled with baby care essentials and supplies, including books, growth charts and receiving blankets; Lion lovies, rattlers, and booties; as well as hats knitted by North Oaks volunteers.
Steptoe is thrilled about the arrival of her double bundle of joy and was surrounded by loved ones to welcome them. “It was a shock finding out we were having twins, but we were through the roof with excitement," she said.
“It’s a blessing because we haven’t had twins in my mom’s family in 28 years. My mom had two sets of twins — a set of girls and a set of boys — and sadly, she lost them both. So, I feel like my brothers came back, and my sisters came back in my baby boy and girl,” Steptoe said.