Leighia MacDonald of Manteo welcomed son Omari White, the first baby born in 2022 at The Outer Banks Hospital, on January 4 at 7:58 a.m. The hospital made the announcement Friday evening, January 14.

Weighing nine pounds, 10 ounces, baby Omari has two brothers: Tyson Barco, 9, and Dequarez “Quez” White, 2.

“Quez is really into it,” said Leighia, smiling. “He loves to help — he tried to put on his [Omari’s] pants this morning.”

Mom offered a shout-out to Dan Dwyer, MD, and the nurses. “They were awesome. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “It was a great experience.”

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