'Overjoyed': Cleveland Clinic, Southwest General welcome first babies of 2025
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Rafi Allen was born at 12:27 a.m. Wednesday at Fairview Hospital, 23 minutes behind Hailey Michelle Sokol at Southwest General.

CLEVELAND — As Northeast Ohio celebrated the start of 2025, two of the region’s newest residents also made their big debuts!

Cleveland Clinic confirmed that one of its first babies of the year, Rafi Allen, was born at 12:27 a.m. at Fairview Hospital on Wednesday. Rafi’s family resides in Westlake, and the hospital reports that both mother and her “super cute baby … are doing great!”

Rafi wasted no time getting his year off to a big start. However, he was just beaten to the bunch by another little bundle of joy.

Meanwhile, in Middleburg Heights, as confetti likely settled in Times Square, Southwest General Health Center greeted Hailey Michelle Sokol at 12:04 a.m. Hailey, born to Grace and Peter Sokol, now joins their daughter Emma as a proud big sister.

“We are filled with joy to welcome Hailey Michelle into the world and express our gratitude to the exceptional team at Southwest General for their attentive care,” remarked Grace Sokol.

Congratulations to both families as well as all others celebrating the births of their little ones this new year!


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