MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital welcomed the birth of the first baby born in Rutherford County at 8:00 a.m. on December 25. Baby Boy Meckley, weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and measured 20 ¼ inches long. Hospital staff shared that the family is healthy, happy, and celebrating the arrival of their Christmas baby with tremendous excitement.

The Meckley family expressed their gratitude for the care they received and the unforgettable timing of their son’s birth. Hospital leaders said they were honored to play a part in such a meaningful moment, especially on a day centered around hope, joy, and togetherness.

Adding to the festive spirit, Kroger partnered with Ascension Saint Thomas this Christmas to provide special holiday packages for new parents, offering an extra touch of cheer to families welcoming little ones during the holiday season.

Ascension Saint Thomas continues to be the leading choice for maternity care in Middle Tennessee, with one in three babies in the region born at one of its hospitals. The health system emphasizes comprehensive OB-GYN services, round‑the‑clock obstetrics emergency coverage, advanced NICU facilities, and a wide range of support programs including childbirth education, breastfeeding consultations, and postpartum care. Families also benefit from comfortable labor, delivery, and recovery suites designed to make each birth experience as supportive and memorable as possible.

For the Meckley family, this Christmas will forever be marked by the arrival of their son — a gift they say they will cherish for a lifetime.