Toddler celebrates first birthday, father still in Iraq
by NICHOLAS J. PRIMERANO Ken-Ton Editor

Nicolette Honor Grant had her birth videotaped by the staff at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and e-mailed to her father, Cpl. Kevin Grant who was stationed in Iraq at the time. Monday, the staff invited Nicolette and her mother, Sarah Grant back for a one-year birthday celebration.

One year ago, Kenmore native Sarah Grant welcomed into the world her daughter, Nicolette Honor Grant, while her husband, Marine Cpl. Kevin Grant was on maneuvers in Iraq.

With the proud papa in a foreign land, defending the nation, the staff at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville opted to tape the event and send it to him on a live video feed so that he could witness the birth of his first daughter.

But, when Nicolette was ready to be born, her father was in the thick of it all so the staff recorded the birth and e-mailed it to the corporal.

This past week, the Millard Fillmore Suburban staff welcomed Nicolette back with a birthday bash, complete with balloons, streamers, cake and of course, presents.

The pig-tailed toddler laughed and squealed as the staff sang "Happy Birthday." The nurses who delivered her were on hand as well.

"He was very appreciative and happy to receive the e-mail of Nicolette's birth," said Sarah Grant of her husband Kevin, who has since returned to Iraq on his third tour. "I believe every family should be able to witness the birth of their first child - or any child."

Six weeks after the birth of Nicolette, the family moved to California, because Kevin was stationed at Camp Pendleton, north of Oceanside.

He is currently west of Baghdad, fighting with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

"He's a Marine and he tries to be as tough as he can about it, but it really eats him up inside," Sarah Grant said. "He just tries to keep a positive mind about it, and look forward to him being home for the next three years."

The Grants plan to have another child when the soldier returns home from his third deployment.

Chris Lane, president of Millard Fillmore Suburban, said that it was a pleasure for the hospital to be able to do this for the Grants.

"When Sarah was pregnant with Nicolette, Suburban really embraced the child," said Lane. "We were able to do this and thank both Nicolette and Kevin for making this sacrifice for our country."

Lane said that he has heard through the family that Kevin Grant is extremely grateful for the hospital's generosity.

"Some of the gifts that we've bestowed upon Nicolette really embrace the Buffalo sprit," said Lane. The hospital gave Nicolette an autographed football and several articles of Sabres' and Bills' clothing.