Even though New York Army National Guard Maj. Michael C. Costello of Guilderland was on duty 6,128 miles from home, he didn't miss seeing his new daughter right after she was born.
The 42nd Infantry Division soldier had expected he'd miss the birth while serving in Kuwait. He also expected his wife Kate would give birth in a hospital.
Those expectations changed in big ways when their second child, Siena Jude Costello, couldn't wait for a hospital trip and was born in their home.
Michael ended up seeing the daughter and mother via a video chat application on his smartphone, said Maj. Jean Kratzer, 42nd Infantry Division spokeswoman.
His mother-in law had a significant role in the child being born at home.
Kate had arranged for her mother, Mary Lou Hubly of Clarks Grove, Minn., to stay with her during her husband's deployment.
A plan called for Hubly to go to Guilderland to watch her grandson while one of Kate's friends brought her to St. Peter's Hospital in Albany and also stay to help with the new baby.
Just before the birth the major's wife was talking with him via video on her phone as she was preparing to leave for the hospital and said she would call back. After there was no call back and Kate didn't pick up a follow-up call, he checked his home security cameras via his smartphone and saw EMS, police and neighbors in his front yard. But his anxiety eased after Kate's friend picked up the phone and told him she was about to bring Kate to the hospital.
On that day, May 25, Siena Jude arrived so early there was no time to go anywhere.
Fortunately, being a mother of eight grown children, Hubly knew what to do. So she took charge and delivered the baby. "Delivering little Siena Jude was a gift and a grace," Hubly said. "We are still savoring that precious experience. It was a very easy and wonderful birth."
"When I realized that we weren't going to make it to the hospital, I didn't have any anxiety since I knew Mom was there," Kate said. "Even after the EMS arrived, they let her continue to help since they saw she had control of the situation."
Minutes after the birth of Siena Jude, Michael was able to connect via video chat and see his wife and healthy new baby girl.
With a 2-year-old at home and a newborn, Kate said she is incredibly grateful for her mother's help.
"My mom has made all the difference during these first few weeks. Michael's family and our neighborhood have been so supportive," she said. "I'm learning every day to accept the help that is so graciously given and for which I am so grateful."
"I am blessed and grateful to have the support of my mother in-law," Michael said. "She has been a godsend to help our family during this deployment. Every day I get daily photos from my wife.
"We are making good use of FaceTime, and Siena already recognizes his voice, and she gets calm and curious when she hears him," Kate added.
Graham, their 2-year-old, was at home for the excitement when the Guilderland Police Department and the Guilderland Emergency Medical Service showed up to assist Kate and take the newborn to St. Peter's Hospital.
Baby Siena and mother Kate are healthy and are now doing well at home.
New lieutenant colonel
Josh Heimroth of Albany has been promoted to lieutenant colonel in the New York Army National Guard.
Heimroth, who currently serves as executive officer to the adjutant general of New York, was promoted during a ceremony at the New York National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters in Latham.
He has been reassigned to command the New York Army National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
Heimroth enlisted in the Army in May of 1997 and served in the field artillery. In 2006, Heimroth earned his commission as a military intelligence officer.
Heimroth had his new rank pinned on by his grandmother Sally and daughter Shayna.
He previously served with the Recruiting and Retention Command, the 42nd Infantry Division and 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, along with a deployment to Afghanistan where he served with Special Operations during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Heimroth holds a bachelor's degree from Siena College in marketing and management, as well as a master's degree in human resources management from Webster University.
He has earned a Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a Senior Parachutist Badge and an Air Assault Badge. He has also earned parachutist badges from the French and German militaries.
News of your troops and units can be sent to Duty Calls, Terry Brown, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany, NY 12212 or brownt@timesunion.com.
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Officer in Kuwait gets to see his new child via smartphone - Times Union
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