THE GREATEST LITTLE GIFTS
WOMAN'S OWN|November 27, 2023
What better way to celebrate the big day than with a baby? Three women share the story of their arrivals
KATE GRAHAM
THE GREATEST LITTLE GIFTS

‘She was born by our twinkling tree’

Katy George, 33, lives in Luton with husband Russell, 44, and their daughters Maria, three, and Sigourney, seven months. 

Becoming a mum would be magical at any time. But to bring my daughter into the world on 25 December, and beside our very own twinkling tree, felt like a Christmas miracle.

Maria wasn’t supposed to be a Christmas Day delivery. We were hoping she’d arrive before her 21 December due date so she could play Jesus in my sister’s school Nativity. But it wasn’t to be. I didn’t mind – Christmas has always been my favourite time of the year so as her due date came and went, I happily decorated the house.

When I felt the first cramp at 9pm on Christmas Eve, I didn’t panic. I was so sure she’d be a Boxing Day arrival that I carried on getting ready to go to midnight Mass. But by 11pm, it was clear I’d be making far too much noise to be in church. We’d planned a home birth, and at 1am called the hospital to send the midwives. When two lovely women arrived, I gave them a box of Heroes chocolates. It was Christmas Day after all. With one final push, Maria was born at 9.42am, weighing 7lb 3oz.

EVEN MORE MEANINGFUL

I held her in my arms and was overwhelmed with love. Despite being up all night, my husband Russell leapt into action and whipped up Christmas dinner. I cuddled our incredible daughter and couldn’t believe my luck.

Christmas has always been such a special time for me. But as we prepare for our first with Maria’s little sister Sigourney, who was born in February, it’s even more meaningful than ever.

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