Baby's Early Arrival Greets Returning Military Dad

Members of Tulsa's 138th fighter wing are likely catching up on sleep after returning home from Iraq on Friday -- all except for one member of Oklahoma's Air National Guard who made it home just in time for a six pound, nine ounce early arrival.

When about 100 members of Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing returned from Iraq, everyone was thrilled, especially with Thanksgiving less than a week away.

Not only did Master Sergeant Jason Strickland make it home for the holiday, he returned just in time for Shiloh Hope's big arrival. 

"We didn't think we had anything to worry about, once I knew when we were coming home. We thought we'd be ok, but I guess we were wrong," said new dad Jason Strickland.

Cherry Strickland's due date wasn't until December 1st, but Shiloh had other plans. At least she waited on Dad. 

"I'm thankful that they got home on time, and they weren't delayed or anything like that," said new mom Cherry Strickland.

Shiloh was ready, and she waited. But she didn't wait long. 

"About 11:30 that night, I was like, ‘I think I need to call the doctor,'" Cherry said.

After 27 hours on a plane, Jason had only been at the couple's house in Collinsville less than eight hours before Cherry went into labor. 

"Well she could have waited about 24 hours -- let me sleep first -- but it couldn't have been better," Jason said.

No sleep, but a lot of joy, and a lot of pride in his new baby and his wife.

"She had the rough job the whole time I was gone, not me. She's the real soldier," Jason Strickland said.

The Stricklands really thought Christmas would be her first holiday, but sometimes presents come early.

They're thankful for so much as we head into the holiday, including their earlier than expected holiday bundle of joy and some nice Thanksgiving timing.

"I think she knew he was home so, she was ready," Cherry Strickland said.

This has been quite a week for the Stricklands. Thursday was their wedding anniversary. Jason's brother returned home from a year long deployment to Iraq that same day.

On Friday, Jason returned with the 138th, and then Shiloh was born Saturday.