Annie Jane Mason was born at 7:46 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2026, becoming the New Year’s baby for Intermountain Health Sanpete Valley Hospital. She is the daughter of Spencer and Julie Mason of Sanpete County. Annie weighed 9 pounds and measured 20 inches long at birth.

The newest member of the Mason family made a memorable entrance as the fifth child, joining four older siblings — two sisters and two brothers. With her arrival, Annie also proudly earns the title of “tie breaker,” continuing the family’s alternating pattern of girl, boy, girl, boy… and now girl again.

Adding to her special distinction, Annie is the only January baby among her extended family of nieces and nephews. Her middle name, Jane, was chosen in honor of her grandmother, making her birth even more meaningful to the family.

“I want to thank my nurses and Dr. Jackson for helping to make this a great delivery,” said Julie Mason.

For Annie’s delivering physician, Eileen Jackson, MD, the birth marked a particularly significant moment. Annie was not only the hospital’s New Year’s baby for 2026, but also Dr. Jackson’s final delivery before her retirement from obstetrical care.

“I began delivering babies in 2003 and over the years have had the privilege of welcoming hundreds of new lives into the world,” Dr. Jackson said. “Since 2006, I have been honored to provide obstetrical care at Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital. My final delivery there was especially meaningful — the New Year’s baby of 2026.”

Dr. Jackson reflected on the lasting impact of her work and the relationships she has built with families throughout Sanpete County.

“This journey has been one of the greatest joys of my medical career,” she said. “Through these experiences, I have come to know so many individuals and families, each with their own stories, values, and approaches to life’s challenges and to parenting. These moments have deepened my appreciation for the resilience, hope, and diversity of the people I have served.”

She added that sharing her final delivery with the Mason family made the moment even more special.

“I am profoundly grateful that this final delivery was shared with a wonderful couple and their family, with whom I look forward to maintaining a lasting relationship,” Dr. Jackson said. “While this chapter is closing, I will continue my work as a family physician in the Moroni and Mt. Pleasant clinics, caring for patients across all stages of life.”

Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital, an 18-bed facility, has served the Sanpete community for 40 years. In 2025, approximately 134 babies were born at the hospital, continuing its long-standing role in supporting local families during some of life’s most important moments.

To celebrate the New Year’s birth, the Mason family received a special gift basket from Intermountain Health. The basket included generous donations from Utah-based baby product companies Minky Couture, Loulou and Company, and Over the Moon, along with additional gifts from community members.

For the Masons, the arrival of Annie Jane marks the beginning of 2026 with joy, gratitude, and a story they — and their community — will remember for years to come.