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Monday 21 December 2015

The Best Christmas

She was tiny, just over five pounds when we brought her home from the hospital. It was Christmas Eve, her birth a few days before had been quick and uneventful, though the maternity floor was crowded. I spent several hours in labour on a bed in the corridor because rooms were unavailable. 

Being so close to Christmas, mothers were anxious to go home, many with other children waiting for them. Then, after a flurry of activity on Christmas Eve morning, mothers left with their babies. Fathers, some new to the title like Rick, were delighted though anxious as they escorted their families out of the hospital. Their journey as a family had begun.

My brother, Frank was with us as we started our journey home to Buchans, Newfoundland. He came to Grand Falls to see his niece. That night, he stayed with Claire as we went to Church at midnight, a family tradition. Claire did not wake while we were gone.



Within days, Claire's grandparents, from both sides of the family, visited and found her in a carrier under our Christmas tree, waiting for them. That was our best Christmas in spite of the anxiety of new parenthood. This baby, like all children, was an incredible gift and she continues to be a blessing. Now we are grandparents to two sweet little girls. The wonder continues.

Happy birthday, darling daughter. We never could have imagined the joy you would bring to our lives. 

18 comments:

Unknown said...

She's grown into a wonderful mother because of you and Rick.She is a blessing. Happy Birthday dear Claire!

ADRIAN said...

Amazing to see a pretty baby. My son looked like ET with black hair. He is now in his mid twenties and looks much the same. His mother and grandmother think he is wonderful and I think he is middling good.
Merry Christmas.

DJan said...

What a sweetheart! Born at Christmastime and quite adorable. Thank you for sharing your sweet Claire with your blogging friends. :-)

sousca said...

Such precious memories, and what a wonderful Christmas present.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Aunt Marie.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. ET was always one of my favourites! Merry Christmas.

Marie Smith said...

Merry Christmas, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

Great memories indeed. Merry Christmas, Sousca.

Anvilcloud said...

My daughter had a birthday yesterday, and she came home on Christmas Day. Granddaughter and I have just looked at some photos similar to this one.

Marie Smith said...

It must have been a special Christmas for you too. How wonderful!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

A Winter Solstice baby! Very special -- happy birthday to your daughter.

Marie Smith said...

She is special too. She brought light!

Shammickite said...

Ah, that`s lovely, a brand new baby for Christmas. And a sweet baby girl.... with HAIR! My 2 children and all of my 4 grandies were mostly bald when they arrived.... just a tiny glow of white fuzz on top. Lovely picture.

Marie Smith said...

One of our granddaughters didn't have hair for over a year. She was too busy to grow hair I think. Amazing how some have a headful

Mage said...

Happy holidays to you all. :)

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Mage. Happy holidays to you too.

Jackie said...

Warms my heart to the fullest!
What a beautiful post.
Love abounds.....

Marie Smith said...

Christmas and babies. What could be better?