Christmas eve babies bring joy for two families

Christmas Eve became an unforgettable day for two families after two baby girls were born, turning the festive season into a celebration of new life, gratitude and hope.

For Saleta Vavalagi of Drekeniwai, Navatu in Cakaudrove, the pain and long hours of labour were quickly forgotten when she welcomed her daughter into the world.

Her baby girl, Miliana Tulaba, was born at around 1pm on Christmas Eve at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH). Ms Vavalagi was admitted at 5am and spent the entire day at the hospital.

“It was hard and painful, but it was all worth it,” she said.

Although she spent Christmas in the hospital, Ms Vavalagi said she felt happy and blessed.

“My baby arrived healthy, and that made me very happy,” she said.

Miliana is the couple’s third child. They now have two daughters and a son.

Her husband, Sailasa Vatudau of Delaidamanu in Naitasiri, said welcoming a daughter on Christmas Eve was the best gift he could ask for.

“This is the best Christmas present,” Mr Vatudau said.

“I am grateful that the Lord has given us another daughter.”

Mr Vatudau recently graduated from the Fiji Police Academy and was among the 149 recruits who passed out last week.

He said celebrating both his graduation and the birth of his daughter in the same month made this Christmas extra special for the family.

In another joyful Christmas Eve arrival, Adi Arieta Ranadi of Dravo, Bau in Tailevu gave birth to her first child in the early hours of the morning.

Her baby girl, Adi Unaisi Naqiri, was born at 3.54am on Christmas Eve.

“I was expecting to give birth before Christmas,” Ms Ranadi said.

“I am very happy that my baby arrived on Christmas Eve, especially as this is my first child.”

Both mothers said they were thankful for the care provided by the hospital staff during their deliveries.

The two mothers and their newborns were discharged from hospital yesterday and are now home with their families.

As families across Fiji celebrate Christmas, the births of Miliana Tulaba and Adi Unaisi Naqiri serve as a reminder that the greatest gifts do not come wrapped in paper, but arrive with new life, love and hope, making this Christmas truly one to remember.

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