ETMC Athens welcomes first baby of the year
By Toni Garrard Clay

Toni Garrard Clay photo NEW YEAR’S BABY -- One-day-old Raychel DiLane Morgan sleeps peacefully between her parents, Amber Kindle and Anthony Morgan. Raychel was the first baby to be born in 2007 at ETMC Athens.

Anytime a baby is born, it’s a miraculous event. But there is something extra special about being a New Year’s Baby.

Little Raychel DiLane Morgan took the honor this year. She was the first baby to be born at ETMC Athens in 2007. Born Jan. 1 at 1:19 p.m., she weighed in at a respectable 7 pounds, 1-3/4 ounces and 19 inches in length.

Along with the title of New Year’s Baby came a load of gifts provided by the hospital and other businesses, ranging from a diaper bag to a stroller.

“(Those things) help a lot,” said Mom Amber Kindle, who after delivering Raychel by caesarean section was still working at recovering the next morning.

Dad Anthony Morgan kept grinning when asked about his daughter. “I’m thrilled,” he said.

Raychel’s parents have been together seven years, dating back to their high school days in Brownsboro. They now live in Murchison.

“You couldn’t wipe the grin off his face when he held her (the first time),” reported Anthony’s mom, Gail Morgan.

In fact, it was Gail who selected her grandchild’s name – a generation ago.

“She carries the name I had picked out for a girl. But I had three stinkin’ little boys,” laughed Gail. “I didn’t know anything about (the name choice) until a month ago.”

Amber and Anthony decided against learning their baby’s gender ahead of time so that it could be a surprise.

“Somebody asked him if he knew what it was going to be,” recalled Gail, “and he said, ‘Nope. That’s like opening Christmas presents before Christmas.’”

Baby Raychel, as one might expect, is spending most of her time sleeping. But she doesn’t hesitate to let her wishes be known when necessary.

“Oh, she has an attitude,” grinned Donna Kindle, Amber’s mom.

That prompted Amber to observe their daughter has “her daddy’s attitude and temper. ”

“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” joked Anthony. “Wait till she gets older.”

The New Year’s Baby gifts presented to the family included:

A diaper bag, rattle, photo package and door hanger from ETMC Athens;

A glider rocker from Lakeland Medical Associates;

A stroller and car seat combo from Anesthesia Associates;

Three pairs of shoes from Growing Family;

A baby blanket from Dr. Gregory Mondini;

An outfit, plush toy and rattle from Bullfrogs and Butterflies; and

A baby book from Mady’s Hallmark.