Baby Trig joins 1st family early

MAT-SU — Trig Paxson Van Palin’s early arrival may have upset the schedule of his mother, Gov. Sarah Palin, but the family reports mother and son are doing fine.

The newest member of the Palin family arrived at 6:30 a.m. Friday at Mat-Su Regional Hospital. Governor Palin returned to Alaska from Texas, where she was attending a conference for governors.

Trig, who weighed in at 6 pounds 2 ounces, arrived about one month before the governor’s due date and only about a month after the governor announced she was expecting her fifth child.

The Palin family released the following statement about the birth:

“Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged a God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for a good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed.”

No details have been released as to the nature of the special challenges Trig will face.

Trig is the fifth child of the governor and her husband, Todd Palin. Trig joins Piper, 7, Willow, 13, Bristol, 17 and Track, 18.

Palin’s labor began while in Texas, but she was able to board an Alaska Airlines flight and return to her home state before giving birth, according to a spokeswoman.

Sharon Leighow, the spokeswoman for Governor Palin, said the big news was a big surprise.

“It was certainly unexpected,” Leighow said.

Although details were not released about how long Governor Palin would need to recuperate, Leighow said she expects the governor will return somewhat soon.

“She’ll likely ease back into state functions sometime next week,” she said Friday.

Palin, a former Wasilla mayor, is the second U.S. governor to give birth in office. Former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift gave birth to twins in 2001.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.