BY KAREN BOSSICK
The single-digit temperatures outside weren’t particularly inviting. And Omicron, it seemed, was lurking in every corner of the world.
But that didn’t stop Eloise Varnum Klomhaus from making her debut into the world.
Eloise was the first baby born at St. Luke’s Wood River in 2022, arriving at 5:01 p.m. on New Year’s Day. She weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 18.5 inches long.
Eloise is the second daughter of Annie and Derek Klomhaus, who divide their time between Sun Valley and Austin, Texas.
“We love it here and chose to have our baby here because of our amazing doctor—Dr. Julie Lyons, the beautiful facilities at St. Luke’s Wood River and the chance to spend time over the holidays with family and friends,” said Annie Klomhaus.
Eloise has a mentor-in-waiting—her 18-month-old sister Annabelle.
St. Luke’s Wood River and St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation provided a special gift basket for the New Year’s baby, said Joy Prudek, public information officer for the hospital. The basket contained diapers, a baby blanket, book, stuffed animal, onesie, knit cap and other goodies.