Welcome, Michael

The first baby of the new year has already been released from Greater Regional Medical Center and is home safe with his parents.

Michael Harris Anderson was the first Creston baby of 2015 — born at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Greater Regional. Michael weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long with a full head of brown hair.

Parents Greg and Stephanie Anderson — both nurse anesthetists at GRMC — said it took them until late Saturday afternoon before deciding on a name.

“We went with Michael because it’s traditional and Harris because that was my grandfather’s middle name,” Stephanie said Monday afternoon.

Michael’s grandparents are Paul and Linda Anderson of Timonium, Md., and Gary and Elaine Lawrence of Ackley. Siblings are brothers Charlie, 4, and Sam, 2.

The Creston News Advertiser visited Michael and his family Monday at their home in Creston and delivered a care package from several local businesses.

The care package included a $20 gift card from Boyd Appliance, free oil changes from Creston Automotive and Stalker Chevrolet, $25 gift card from Fareway, $20 in Creston bucks from both Tyler Insurance and Creston Chamber of Commerce, three-month subscription to the Creston News Advertiser, two packages of diapers from Creston Hy-Vee and $25 savings account from Nishna Valley Credit Union.

Michael and his parents were released from the hospital by Dr. Karen Krogstad of New Life Family Medicine on Sunday.

“Of my three children, this was the best hospital stay and OB (obstetrician) experience of them all,” Stephanie said.

She added Michael has been a “good baby,” thusfar, and is sleeping about three hours at a time.

Last year’s first Creston baby of the year was Brantlee Murphy Hallett — born Jan. 1, 2014, to parents Addy Holbrook and Dusty Hallett.