Palin family welcomes fifth child

April 25, 2008 at 9:53AM AKST

Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, welcomed the arrival of their fifth child on Friday, April 18, in Anchorage.

The governor’s labor began Thursday, April 17, while she was in Texas at the Governor’s Energy Conference where she gave the keynote luncheon address. The labor pains let up enough for her to travel back to Alaska on Alaska Airlines in time to deliver her second son.

Trig Paxson Van Palin was born at 6:30 a.m. and weighs 6 pounds, 2 ounces. The governor and Trig are both doing well and resting comfortably, according to a press release.

The family released the following statement about the baby, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome:

"Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed."

The baby joins four siblings, Track, 18; Bristol, 17; Willow, 13; and Piper, 7.