1 year later: Parents of Butler County’s first baby of 2024 reflect on past year, future
On Jan. 3, 2024, Amanda Kuzma and Richard Tarr Jr., of Worthington, welcomed their third child and the first baby born in Butler County in 2024 into the world. Now, nearly a year later, the family reflected on how their newest addition has changed things over the past year and looked forward to what 2025 has to offer.
Tiana Noel Tarr, whose initials intentionally spell “T-N-T,” was born at Butler Memorial Hospital on Jan. 3, 2024, at 9:43 a.m. At birth, she weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce and was 18.5 inches long.
According to Kuzma, Tiana was a very easy pregnancy, causing no morning sickness.
This pattern has not changed in the past year, as Kuzma and Tarr said Tiana has been their easiest baby yet. According to them, she is the least fussy and had less trouble eating and sleeping compared to her two older sisters.
“She’s so much more easygoing than the other two were as babies,” said Kuzma.
To the parents’ relief, not much has changed on a daily basis due to the addition of a new child.
Kuzma and Tarr decided earlier this year to invest in a larger vehicle to fit the newly extended family.
“We got a three-row SUV so we can have a bit more room,” Kuzma said.
For their eldest daughter, Zoey, 4, being a role model to her younger sisters is a great joy. Kuzma said that she still proudly holds the title of big sister, and does her best to act like one.
“She’s still really happy,” Kuzma said. “She tries to be the best big sister she can.”
Olivia, 2, was originally thrilled by the birth of Tiana. However, the adjustment from youngest to middle child has been a bit more of a challenge. Kuzma said that while she is always trying to be a good big sister to Tiana, she can struggle on occasion.
“She can be a little jealous at times,” Tarr said. “There’s a lot less attention placed on her now, and that is hard to adjust to.”
Last week, the family celebrated their first Christmas with Tiana. Her young age did not deter her from personally unwrapping some of her presents, including a fire truck toy and a bead maze.
Kuzma said that Christmas shopping for Tiana was a big challenge this year due to the number of toys that Zoey and Olivia already have.
Early in the new year, the family has already planned for a small gathering to mark Tiana’s first birthday, featuring cake, ice cream and gifts for her. Kuzma and Tarr are considering getting her a Bluey-themed cake, as she frequently watches the show with her sisters.
“When Bluey is on, she giggles and smiles and squeals,” Kuzma said. “She really seems to like it.”
For 2025, the family has no big or life changing plans in store. For now, they just want to enjoy the time they have together.
“We just want to enjoy being a family and take it day-by-day,” Tarr said.
Moving further into the year, Kuzma and Tarr are excited to see Tiana’s personality begin to shine through.
“I just hope she isn’t as much of a daredevil as Olivia can be,” Tarr said.
Despite her age, Olivia loves to take risks and challenge the rules.
However, Kuzma and Tarr’s biggest expected challenge in the upcoming year is not related to Olivia’s “daredevil” attitude nor Tiana.
Instead, they hold a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety around Zoey’s attendance of Kindergarten in the fall. Both parents felt strongly that even in trying their best, their children are still growing in the blink of an eye.
“It’s going too quick,” Kuzma said.
On the topic of expanding the family further, Kuzma and Tarr still echo the notion from the beginning of the year that their family is the perfect size.
“Three kids is where we’re comfortable at,” Tarr said.
“It’s a bit of a challenge, especially while the kids are all still so young” Kuzma added. “It may be a little chaotic at times, but it’s perfect.”
