Adina and Eli Derdik, of Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, really know how to celebrate the new year in style. The proud parents of 2-year-old Azriel rang in 2019 by welcoming a baby boy into the world, just seven seconds after midnight at Katz Women’s Hospital at LIJ Medical Center.
Baby Derdik, affectionately nicknamed 007 by staff, appears to be the first baby born on Long Island and in the New York metropolitan area in 2019. The newborn will receive his name eight days after his birth during a baby-naming and circumcision ceremony, following observant Jewish tradition.
Adina Derdik said the birth of her baby was an exuberant celebration, replete with glitter, streamers and party hats – along with the cheers of a joyous staff. And, at seven seconds after midnight, their healthy, 7-pound, 13-ounce son was born.
“It was an amazing moment,” she said. “We had a cheering squad while the ball was dropping in the background.”
The birth of their son was made even more special due to the fact that Eli Derdik celebrates his own birthday on Jan. 2.
“My wife always says I’m the hardest person to find a present for,” he said. “This is number one.”
The Katz Women’s Hospital at LIJ Medical Center delivers more babies than any other hospital in New York State – more than 9,300 in 2018. LIJ and 10 other Northwell Health hospitals with maternity programs delivered approximately 39,200 babies last year – about 17 percent of all newborns in New York State and 1 percent of the nationwide total.
