Wasilla's mayor gives birth

WASILLA — The population of the city of Wasilla edged up by one on Monday, when Mayor Sarah Palin gave birth to a daughter, Piper Indi Grace Palin, at 11:37 a.m.



Wasilla City Hall reported Wednesday that the mayor didnot officially take leave for the birth of her baby, who arrived punctually on her projected due date. "Not only is she so perfect and amazing, but she's so convenient," Mayor Palin said Wednesday. "She's right on time and she's just every thing that we dreamed of."



The mayor said she had been to work Tuesday, but only to redirect e-mail and phone messages to her home.



She plans to use some of her sick leave, but otherwise would not be taking much time away from her duties. Deputy Mayor Judy Patrick and Deputy Administrator John Cramer would fill in as needed, she said.



Piper joins her brother, Track, and sisters, Bristol and Willow, in the growing Palin family. Reached at home Wednesday, the baby's father, Todd Palin, described his youngest daughter in two words: "just perfect."



Palin said Piper's name was in keeping with Alaska and sports theme names she and her husband have given their children. Besides, "I've always loved the name Piper," she said. Indi isn't just a snowmachine name, but an abbreviated form of "independence."



Todd Palin revealed the meaning behind another part of the youngest Palin's name. Grace, he said, was "for the grace of God."



The mayor said the busy family was going to slow down and "savor" the first few days with Piper, because after three children they know how special and fleeting time with an infant can be.