The birth of Mary
CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON
“A babe in the house is a wellspring of pleasure, a resting place for
innocence on earth, a link between angels and man.”
-- Sir Charles Tupper
My husband, Jon, made a confession to me. There is another woman
in his life. I confess that there is another woman in my life, too.
There is a new little woman who entered the world two weeks ago who
has already made a special place in countless hearts and rolls of
pictures. On Friday morning, March 12, at 12:14 a.m., a precious
little girl named Mary Cynthia Callaghan entered the world, weighing
in at 8 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 21 inches. She is our first
grandchild and the first child of our daughter Kelly and her husband,
Ryan. We’ve been very impressed with the way Kelly and Ryan began and
live their marriage, seeking to honor and follow God, and they have
already shown the same dedication and determination in their short
time as parents.
Kelly’s labor lasted far longer than I wanted, but the two of them
handled it with a patient eye on the prize at the end rather than on
the pain it took to get there. Just as they trust God’s plans for
their child, they trusted the timing of his or her arrival. Ryan
instinctively knew what to do about Kelly’s contractions, when she
needed coaching, comfort, cheer or quiet. Family and friends eagerly
awaited updates, and finally we learned that Kelly and Ryan were the
proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Mary.
Mary, with a great-great-great aunt, three great grandmothers, two
great grandfathers, two sets of grandparents and a nonstop list of
family and friends, will never have a shortage of love or laps. Even
in the hospital, you could tell we were all patiently waiting our
turns to hold the little lady.
I had the privilege of staying with the young family for a few
days, and watched in awe as the young couple showed wisdom beyond
their years with their infant. Kelly lovingly fed and instantly
bonded with their child while Ryan proudly cared for them both. I
also thanked God for the miracle of life and continued to stare at
and be enamored by sweet baby Mary. She came complete with dark hair
that already shows signs of curls, a dimple in her chin, sweet little
lips and all the fingers and toes and everything else she needs. Each
tiny feature is delicate and angelic.
I’d forgotten how to swaddle babies, but I remember how to cuddle
them. Every little gurgle, wiggle, yawn, sneeze or stretch was cute,
and brought forth smiles from all of us. When she chose to show us
her eyes, we quickly grabbed cameras before she drifted back to
sleep. Of course she cries, but that goes with the territory. Thank
you God for the gift of little angelic Mary in our life.
Babies have a way of decreasing the cares of the world and
increasing singing, smiling, special names and a wellspring of
wonders. Thank you God for all children, for the gifts of joy,
laughter and the wonder of the moment that they bring. Thank you for
the many ways children creatively convey messages of love and hope
every day.
And you can quote me on that.
* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks
frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at
cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,
Newport Beach, CA 92658.
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