Elkhart General, Memorial announce first Michiana babies of 2022

By: Maura Johnson

Posted: Jan 3, 2022 2:54 PM EDT

Kim Nielson, RN and parents Katherine Caldwell and Swade Benton with baby Sage Baby Sage Fabiola Pina Lopez and Margarito Miguel Arcos with baby Emely Baby Emely

Two area hospitals welcomed two of the first babies born in Michiana in 2022, Beacon Health System announced.

Sage Dahlia Benton was the first baby born on New Year’s Day in the Michiana area.

Making her debut at Elkhart General Hospital, baby Sage was born just after 5 a.m. on Saturday.

The first child for mom Katherine Caldwell and dad Swade Benton, Sage was originally due before Christmas but delayed her appearance until the new year.

“Our perfect, precious angel,” said Caldwell. “We are looking forward to seeing the kind of person she grows into. We couldn’t be happier.”

At Memorial Hospital in South Bend, a couple welcomed the first baby of 2022 in St. Joseph County, baby Emely.

Fabiola Pina Lopez and Margarito Miguel Arcos of South Bend welcomed Emely at 11:43 a.m.

Emely is the little sister of two big brothers.