Families welcome new additions

SANDPOINT - There is only one every year, and this year Sterling Archer Mills has the honor of being the first Bonner County baby of 2009.

Born at home with the help of local midwife Denise Midstokke, Sterling checked into the world at 4:28 a.m. on Jan. 1. The bouncing baby boy weighed 8 pounds and measured 19 inches.

Sterling's parents Tommy, a draftsman, and Hannah, a hairdresser, originally thought their first child might be the last baby born in 2008. Sterling's due date was set for Dec. 31, but apparently he had other plans.

Owning the distinction of being the county's first baby is sure to be a lifelong footnote to Sterling's life, but the Mills are quick to put the special birth date in perspective.

"Just having a healthy baby is what's exciting," Tommy Mills said.

While Sterling can claim the title of first baby born in Bonner County, Tristan Baker, born Jan. 1 at 10:31 p.m., was the first baby delivered at Bonner General Hospital in the new year. The healthy baby boy weighed 8 pounds and eight ounces.

Tristan's proud parents are Brandie Baker of Sandpoint and Jonathan Skaggs of Colorado.