First Unscheduled Birth at Fitzgibbon Hospital in 2024

January 16, 2024

Fitzgibbon Hospital has helped welcome its first babies of 2024. Traditionally the hospital helps celebrate the first unscheduled birth – rather than a scheduled C-section or induction – with a variety of gifts.

The first little “unscheduled” FitzBaby was celebrated as Jeriah and Kelli Kropf welcomed their first child into the world at 6:22 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 8.  Little Emerson Paul weighed 8 lbs., 4.2 ounces at birth and measured 20 ½ inches long. The baby was delivered by Certified Nurse Midwife Deanna Donnell, of Marshall Women’s Care.

The young couple lives in Pettis County and were so excited, though they did acknowledge some nervousness at welcoming the new child into their household.  Kelli has provided care to numerous nieces and nephews, so she is prepared. But she admitted that she is approaching care a bit differently because the baby is their own.

As the first unscheduled birth at Fitzgibbon Hospital for 2024, the Kropfs received a new stroller and other goodies to celebrate their new addition to the family.  We wish the Kropfs well as they experience the miracle of life. As members of the Mennonite community, the couple declined to be photographed, which is traditional for celebrating the first unscheduled birth of the new year.