Tiana Lenae Kilmer, the first baby of 2018 for Moniteau County, was born at 2:50 a.m. Jan. 5, at Community Wellness Center in Barnett.
Born 10 days earlier than predicted, Tiana, who weighed in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 19-inches long, joins her parents Arnold and Minerva Kilmer, and older sisters Julie, 5, and Nyla, 4, on the dairy farm near Latham. Local grandparents are Eli and Edna Martin, of Versailles, and Rufus and Martha Kilmer, of Latham.
The local business community provides gifts to the first baby family, including a six-month subscription to the California Democrat. Other participating businesses include A Good Hair Day, Burgher Haus, Bond Pharmacy, Brockes Tire & Auto, Cal's Supermarket, Hawthorn Bank, Midwest factory Outlet, Nathans Tire Service LLC, Orscheln's Farm & Home, Sakelaris Ford of California, Sonic, Taylor Tires LLC, The Flower Shop and Windmill Ridge Funeral Chapel.
The Kilmers met at their local church youth group, at a Groffdale Conference Mennonite church. They have resided on the farm for more than five years. They milk 47 dairy cows and grow much of the feed on their own farm.
With two girls already, their mother said the arrival of the new baby, "this one is not an earthshaking event," but said she will still be life-changing. The new baby has a bassinet for the immediate future.
"They are really excited about their baby sister," Minerva said. Growing up on the farm, "they know a lot more about dairy farming than I did at their age." Both parents agreed the two older girls know how to play in the dirt and their little sister will join them when she is old enough. Julie will start preschool in the fall.
Minerva said she was especially looking forward to delivery of the the solid oak rocking chair, which is a gift from the Windmill Ridge Funeral Chapel.