Zachary Baumler celebrated as First Baby of the Year born at Veterans Memorial Hospital


Zachary Baumler is First Baby of the Year born at VMH ... Pictured above are Liz and Dustin Baumler of Ossian, holding their newborn son, Zachary John, who was celebrated as the First Baby of the Year born at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon after his birth Friday, January 13. He and his family, which also includes big sister Raelynn and big brother Conner, will all enjoy many gifts thanks to the local merchants who helped celebrate the First Baby of the Year born at Veterans Memorial Hospital in 2023. Submitted photo.

Physicians and staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon are pleased to announce that the first baby born to an established patient at the hospital in 2023 has arrived. Zachary John Baumler, son of Liz and Dustin Baumler of Ossian, was recently celebrated as the First Baby of the Year at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Zachary was born January 13, 2023 at 12:33 p.m.  He weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces and was 21 inches long at the time of his birth. He joins siblings Raelynn and Conner at home. His grandparents are Dave and Janette Heitman of rural Lansing, Natalie Hemesath of Calmar and the late Joseph Baumler.

When Liz learned she was expecting, she established her care at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinic-Waukon, seeing Halie Ruff, Nurse Practitioner for her prenatal visits. Then, when Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife, joined the maternity services team at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Liz chose to continue her prenatal care through the actual delivery with Katy Maker.

As the First Baby of the Year born at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Zachary and his family received the following generous gifts compliments of these area merchants:
• $100 Cash from Moellers and Moellers Family Dentistry, Lansing.
• A $100 Meat Bundle from Waukon Feed Ranch.
• One-Year Subscription to The Standard from The Standard/News Publishing.
• $25 Gift Certificate from Outdoor Creations, Monona.
• Free Pedicure from the Hair, Body and Mind Salon and Day Spa, Kim Sylvester.
• $20 Gift Certificate from the S&D Café.
• $10 Gift Certificate from the Village Farm and Home, Waukon.
• Tastefully Simple Gift Basket from consultant Jan Baumler.
• $20 Gift Certificate from Sycamore Floral.
• Sterling Silver Mother/Child Pendant on 18” chain from Elliott Jewelers.
• Mini-Newborn Photo Session from Micah Lynn Photography.
• Baby Supply Gift Basket and Gift Certificate from Nightingale Pharmacy.
• Insulated Grizzly Travel Mug from Freedom Bank.
• Baby Gift Bag from Waukon Dental.
• 11x14 Canvas Photo Wrap from The Copy Shoppe.
• 10-Punch Pass from the Waukon Wellness Center.
• Hand Made Baby Afghan, Sweater, Hat and Booties from the Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital, hand made by Mary Scholtes.
• Mary Kay Hand Cream from Debbie McGeough, Mary Kay Consultant.
• Diapers, Wipes and Laundry Basket from Veterans Memorial Hospital.

All other babies born at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the year 2023 will receive a Baby Coupon Book coordinated by the hospital through coupon donations from over 60 area businesses in Harpers Ferry, Lansing, Monona, Postville and Waukon. The hospital coordinates this in an effort to assure all babies born at the hospital are treated extra special.