Newborn Christina brings a 2nd reason to celebrate Mother's Day

David L. Dye, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·2 min read

May 10—FARRELL — When Mother's Day comes this weekend, Christina McIltrot will have two reasons to celebrate.

At 9 p.m. Thursday in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, Christina and her husband Collin McIltrot welcomed their second child into world — a son, Mario Joseph McIltrot.

"It wasn't easier, but I wasn't as nervous as the first time. I think he was probably more nervous than me," the New Castle resident said of her husband.

Mario was born at the Birth Place in UPMC Horizon, part of UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services.

Christina gave birth to the couple's first child on April 6, 2022 — a daughter named Maralina.

While the couple joked about the lack of sleep parents experience for the first year or so after a child is born, they also added that Maralina's birth showed them firsthand how precious a child is to its parents.

"When you have a child, you have to become selfless, because everything in your life needs to be about your kid," Collin said.

Mario's birth came during National Nurses Week, which is observed from May 6 through May 12 and recognizes nurses nationwide, according to the American Nurses Association.

When it came to the nurses and staff at UPMC Horizon who assisted with the birth, Christina said they were "a dream."

"They were so sweet and professional, you could tell they had done this before," Christina said.

Christina also recommended that expecting parents should come up with a plan of some kind before the day comes.

"I think he got me to the hospital around 12 or 1 in the afternoon, so we were here and ready by the time Mario was born," Christina said.

Depending on how a few tests went, Christina and Collin were hoping to go home Friday evening — giving them a chance to introduce Mario to the rest of the family.

"Maralina's only a couple years old, so I don't think she really understands what this means yet," Collin said.

In honor of Mother's Day and spring, infants born this weekend at UPMC Horizon will receive colorful onesies with pale yellow floral hats, handmade by staff.

Like David L. Dye on Facebook or email him at .

Like David L. Dye on Facebook or email him at ddye@sharonherald.com.