Freeman Welcomes First Baby of 2022

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System welcomes its first baby of 2022! Baby Thyri Draper arrived at 10:39 am January 1, 2022, at Freeman Hospital West. Thyri weighed 7 pounds and measured 19.5 inches in length. Her parents, Sarah and Greg Draper of Webb City, are excited about their new arrival.

“I’ve always been one for unique names,” said Sarah. “We were pretty set on Scarlett if she was born with red hair like mine, but she has dark hair, so we went with Thyri.

The name Thyri (pronounced like theory) is of Nordic/Viking origin and was found by Greg when he was researching names. It translates to mean “Thor’s Battle.”

“I can’t wait to get her home,” said Sarah. “Her two older brothers, Bentley and Elius, are excited to have a baby sister and plan to help take care of her. We also have a dog and cat that will need to get used to her.”

Following tradition, the first baby born each year receives a special baby gift basket courtesy of Freeman Health System. Thyri will go home with stuffed animals, toys and lots of onesies.

Freeman Health System has provided maternity care to Joplin and surrounding communities for more than 94 years. Freeman Maternity Center features two obstetric surgery suites, board-certified obstetricians, certified nurse midwifes, the region’s only board-certified perinatologist for high-risk pregnancies and three full-time neonatal nurse practitioners for sick and prematurely born infants. Designed with privacy and comfort in mind, Freeman Maternity Center features home-like birthing suites and private mom and baby rooms.