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Sixteen Christmases ago, my husband and I were expecting our third child, who was due any day.

Our friends joked that we would be the laughingstock of Albany if we had another child born after Dec. 31 and missed the tax write-off again: We'd already had a boy and girl born in late January.

Frankly, we didn't care about the IRS. All we wanted was a healthy, happy baby for Christmas.

This was my third time being pregnant during Advent. Being with child during this special time in the liturgical calendar is a very humbling and moving experience. As we prayed in the pews at St. Teresa of Avila Church, I found myself connecting with Mary in a different way, because this baby's due date was closer to the day we celebrate Jesus' birthday.

I tried to imagine Mary's excitement and nervousness as she waited for her son's birth. I had similar feelings, which helped me become closer to Mary and to God.

Dec. 25 came and went that year and no baby arrived. However, on Dec. 30 the Lord blessed us with a little girl we named Cailin Noelle - "Noelle" meaning "Christmas" in old French.

Each year, we make sure to celebrate her birth in a big way and with a Christmas theme, which she loves. Cailin enjoys sharing her birthday during this holy season. This year, she turns 16.

(12/23/10)[[In-content Ad]]

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