FOX 5 NY (NEW YORK) - With the anticipation rising, a major milestone was finally reached this week at Stony Brook University Hospital.
Baby Luca Michael Picarella came into the world Tuesday making him the 100,000th baby born at the Long Island hospital.
A celebration and special send-off was held for Luca and his parents on Thursday.
In mid-July, hospital staff realized they were heading towards a monumental moment and decided to host a party for the lucky 100,000th baby and its parents.
Katie and Mike Picarella of Rocky Point, were awarded scholarship money for Luca along with toys and other baby products, according to Stony Brook officials.
The couple also has a daughter, Gianna, 5.
In recent days, the hospital had tweeted a photo of an article in Newsday of the first baby born there, Jeff Solomon.
The now 34-year-old was born in May 1980.
Nearly 4,000 babies are born each year at Stony Brook.