December 29, 2008

Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston born to Bristol Palin

Bristol Palin, the unmarried 18-year-old daughter of Alaska's governor Sarah Palin, gave birth Sunday to a boy - Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston.

From the Washington Post:

Bristol Palin is 18, as is her boyfriend of three years, Levi Johnston, a former high school hockey player. Both have dropped out of high school -- she to complete her diploma through correspondence courses, People reports, and he to become an apprentice electrician, he told the AP this fall. They have said they plan to marry in 2009. (Johnston's mother Sherry was arrested earlier this month on felony drug charges for allegedly selling OxyContin.)

Colleen Jones, who is the governor's aunt, confirmed the news of the baby's birth to People. "We think it's wonderful," she said. "The baby is fine and Bristol is doing well. Everyone is excited."

Sarah Palin released a statement in March after the pregnancy was announced - "Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned," they said. "We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support."

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy, as has always been the tradition of children of candidates," Palin's statement said.