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.