Local couple parents of first 2006 baby
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

It took three days for the first new arrival to make his appearance in Ripley County's Margaret Mary Community Hospital.

Hunter Ryan Barrett, son of Jamie Brandner and A.J. Barrett of Osgood, was born at 5:10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3. He immediately became Ripley County's first born of 2006 at the Batesville hospital.

Hunter Ryan weighed in at 7 pounds and is 20 inches long, according to hospital personnel who announced the birth.

A.J. Barrett, the father of the little guy, says the natural birth didn't take too long, and he was there the whole time to assist in the birthing procedure.

"It feels good," Barrett said concerning how it felt to be a brand new father. He and Jamie are eager to take the baby home probably Wednesday evening or Thursday.

"Home" for the couple right now is close to the Hopewell Baptist Church. However, A.J. and his father are building a log home for the family in Switzerland County, and A.J. explains they are finishing up the inside work before they move.

A.J. and his father Alvin Barrett are owners of a landscaping business called "Al's Landscaping." The family-operated business also includes an older brother Gordon, who is crew chief.

As the first Ripley County baby of 2006, Hunter Ryan received several baskets of gifts as well as gift cards and free photos.

Although he didn't divulge the choice of the name, other sources tell us A.J. is quite a hunter and a fisherman himself, and the name could possibly reflect that he hopes his son will continue in his footsteps.

When asked how the couple met, A.J. explains that Jamie is from Kentucky. Their first meeting was at Florence Mall. The rest is history.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

A.J. Barrett and Jamie Brandner celebrate the birth of their son Hunter Ryan, the first baby born in 2006 at Margaret Mary Community Hospital. The 7-pound, 20-inch young man made his appearance at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday, January 3.