Finchers welcome first baby of 2016

South Lincoln County’s first baby of the year was born nearly seven hours into the new year to Ryan and Heather Fincher of Libby.

Their son, Nolan Ryan Fincher, was born at 6:57 a.m. on New Year’s Day. He weighed eight pounds, 13.4 ounces and was 21 inches long at the time of his birth.

“For the staff and physicians at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, all of the babies that are born at our hospital are special, and the experience is exciting,” said Chief Nursing Officer Anita Ivankovig. “We look forward to each and every one, but there is something magical about the first baby born each year and the way that the entire community anxiously awaits the arrival.”

The first baby of the year is celebrated throughout south Lincoln County and a number of local businesses join in the celebration.

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center donated a new baby carrier along with an afghan made by a hospital employee. Glacier Bank donated a Visa gift card. Northwest Community Health Center donated a baby bouncer and Libby Clinic purchased a pack and play for the tyke.

Mom and baby were both happy and healthy and resting at home as of Monday afternoon. 

“He’s perfect,” Heather Fincher said of her son. “I’m tired and happy. It’s our first baby and we’re pretty excited. And he’s perfect. It’s pretty cool.”

Dad, who is a manager at Libby Empire Foods, took a week off work to stay home and help the new addition to his family settle in.

“Dad’s changing most of the diapers right now,” Heather Fincher said. “He took a week off to stay home and help around here.”

Fincher said she’s planning to be a stay-at-home mom to care for young Nolan.