The Vineyard’s first baby of the new year is usually born in the early days, or even the early hours, of January. But Gael Palhares Oliveira, born to parents Taciana Silva and Eigon Oliveira of Vineyard Haven, did not arrive until almost two weeks into 2026.

Gael was born at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Jan. 13 at 5:15 a.m., weighing six pounds and two ounces.

“We are very happy,” Ms. Silva told the Gazette, sitting on her hospital bed with Mr. Oliveira at her side.

The couple have been Vineyard residents for six years and together for 14 years. Ms. Silva works for Sweet Bites bakery in Vineyard Haven, and Mr. Oliveira is a dry-waller for a construction company.

Baby Gael with parents Taciana Silva and Eigon Oliveira.

Maria Thibodeau

Baby Gael with parents Taciana Silva and Eigon Oliveira.

Maria Thibodeau

Gael’s birth has made Ms. Silva and Mr. Oliveira first-time parents. Ms. Silva said she found out she was pregnant just a month after the couple decided they wanted a child.

“The pregnancy was great,” she said. “I’m 37, so I’m no spring chicken anymore.”

Delivering Gael, who hardly made a peep from his bassinet on Wednesday morning, went similarly smoothly.

“There was no problem whatsoever,” Ms. Oliveira said. “No epidural, no anesthesia. Everything was fine. The baby’s fine.”

With a nursery ready to go, the couple is excitedly preparing to take Gael home. They’re also preparing to take on the joys and pressures of new parenthood.

“There’s happiness, but it’s also scary, because it’s the first time,” Ms. Silva said. “It’s a big mix of emotions.”

This interview was completed with the assistance of a Portuguese-English interpreter hired by Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.