A Christmas Baby: Our Sprinkle Birthday Story

My daughter’s birthday falls right in the thick of the Christmas season. At the time I was certain having a baby so close to the holidays was a questionable plan — definitely not something I would have chosen — but now I can’t imagine it any other way. Having her born during the holidays makes that time of year even more meaningful to our family.

She was originally due at the end of January, so when she arrived in late December I was surprised. Even being early, I never imagined her birthday would land so close to Christmas. A few warning signs along the way hinted it might happen sooner than expected.

The first indication came the week of Thanksgiving, when I was placed on strict bed rest because of high blood pressure. I remember making my doctor promise he wouldn’t let me deliver during the week of Christmas. He smiled and assured me he would do his best.

By the week of Christmas my blood pressure was still elevated and I began to have chest pains, which prompted my doctor to admit me for an induction at 35 weeks. Induction when your body isn’t ready is rough: long hours of pitocin, intense contractions and two epidurals that didn’t seem to last. After eighteen hours of labor, I was exhausted and felt like a cesarean was the only practical option. When they finally administered my spinal, the relief was immediate. Minutes later I met my beautiful daughter for the first time.

Seeing her was the most incredible moment of my life. All the months of high blood pressure, bed rest, discomfort and surgery were worth it in an instant. Although she didn’t cry immediately because of some fluid in her lungs, the medical team quickly weighed her and took her to the NICU for observation. Before she left, they placed her tiny, slicked-for-birth face next to mine so I could kiss her — an unforgettable, slightly awkward moment of raw new motherhood.

Recovering from a C-section also felt unusual. After surgery I was taken to a recovery room and had to lie flat on my back for an hour while my partner escorted family members to meet our daughter one by one. It was strange to be the one who gave birth yet not be present for those first family introductions.

The first days were a blur of learning newborn care and making frequent visits to the NICU. Our daughter spent Christmas in the hospital, and that year a heavy snowstorm made travel difficult. We were fortunate to live nearby and have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which allowed us to visit even when roads were treacherous.

I’ll always be grateful to the NICU nurses who stayed through the storm because their replacements could not get to work. They missed their own holiday plans to care for my baby, and their dedication still gives me goose bumps. They truly felt like angels to our family during that time.

After about a week in the hospital, we were able to bring our daughter home. She weighed under five pounds and was so small and delicate. The first year was hectic and full of learning, but every challenge felt worthwhile. Parenting has been the most demanding — and most rewarding — experience I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As she’s grown, her development has amazed me. She began communicating and understanding the world around her at an astonishing pace. (As her mother, I may be biased, but watching her pick up language and humor has been delightful.) She surprises me with things she repeats from daily life — sometimes a phrase she heard when I didn’t expect it — and I find those moments both hilarious and humbling.

Her favorite toys are Doc McStuffins dolls and accessories; stuffed animals fill her bed and keep her cozy through the night. Mealtime can be a challenge unless she’s offered steak or her favorite fast-food chicken nuggets, but she snacks constantly and has a healthy curiosity about food textures and flavors.

She has warmed up to preschool, even naming baby dolls after her teachers during the holiday break, which made me smile. Lately she’s been asking to return to “school,” so I know she misses her classmates and the routine. Personality-wise, she’s sweet and determined, and while she occasionally throws a tantrum like any toddler, overall she’s an easygoing child who brings so much joy to our home.

For her first birthday I chose a sprinkle-themed celebration — simple, colorful and sweet. I’ll share party details soon, but for now I’m just reflecting on how blessed we are to have her. She is a gift who made that Christmas unforgettable.

I’m profoundly thankful for my daughter and for everyone who supported us during those first days — the doctors, the nurses, and family who stayed close. Motherhood has reshaped my life in the most wonderful ways. Happy Monday, and happy birthday to our little Christmas baby.