Family shares story of delivering baby along I-25 in Colorado Springs

Baby Katriana made her entrance into the world on Friday, shortly after 6:39 p.m. It happened a way her parents say they’ll never forget.

“About halfway down the trip, I said we’re not going to make it. These contractions are too close together, they’re too strong,” said Amanda Evanson, Katriana’s mother.

The couple were traveling from their home in Canon City to Memorial North Hospital in Colorado Springs, when the mother went into labor. They were 10 minutes away from the hospital when her husband, Marc, pulled off at exit 150 on North Academy Boulevard – one exit away from the hospital.

While on the phone with 911, the father flagged down Sgt. Keith Wrede, who was driving by. Just moments later, a woman pulled over to help. Little did the family know she was a doctor.

“She was trying to reassure me saying it’s OK, you’re going to have a baby and she tried to talk me through it,” Amanda Evanson said.

Dr. Susan Miller was traveling from Pittsburgh to visit her daughter at the Air Force Academy. Miller pulled over and asked if her help was needed. That’s when she told the family she was a doctor and helped Wrede safely deliver the baby.

“Thank God there was a doctor there. Just what are the odds of that happening? The odds of a police officer being right there? And a doctor who takes care of babies,” said Evanson.

Katriana’s original due date was Sep. 2nd, but she was born five days early, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long.

It’s the third addition to the family and a moment they say they’re lucky to share.

“I guess labor just takes over, when they say you can’t stop it, it’s real you can’t,” said Evanson.

Doctors say the baby is healthy and will be able to go home with her family Sunday.