UD’s ‘California Baby’ celebrates first birthday

Tina Callahan helps baby Andrew get a taste of his first birthday cake at the Blue & Gold Club party held to thank those who helped and have supported the Callahan family over the past year.

10:18 a.m., July 28, 2004--“The California Baby,” Andrew Callahan, celebrated his first year at a big birthday bash, with music, food and a birthday cake at the Blue & Gold Club on July 17, hosted by his parents John and Tina Callahan.

Family, friends, coworkers and Andrew’s day-care teachers all were invited to the celebration as a thank you for the help and support the family received since Andrew was born prematurely on July 11, 2003, in San Diego where his parents, both Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists at UD, were attending a conference.

Andrew’s story is about people joining together and giving of themselves to help a young family, a continent away from home, through a difficult and anxious time.

Tina developed pre-eclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and infant death, while in California and had an emergency Caesarean delivery at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center.

Doctors and nurses were supportive during the Callhans’ ordeal, and the hospital social worker arranged for the couple to stay at Bannister Family House for families of patients who lived far away so they could visit their tiny son around the clock. Family arrived, and UD employees from Information Technologies attending another conference in San Diego, where UD President David P. Roselle was keynote speaker, gathered around.

As Andrew’s condition improved, the couple wanted to take him home to Delaware. Thanks to President Roselle and MBNA, a private plane was arranged, and the family flew home, accompanied by Amy Johnson, assistant professor of nursing and a neonatal specialist.

A mere three pounds when he was born, today Andrew weighs in at 19 pounds, and is “wonderfully healthy, with no apparent lasting effects or problems from being born prematurely,” according to Tina.

On June 14, Andrew started attending UD’s newly opened Early Learning Center and is a “social baby who wants to be where the action is,” Tina said. He loves walks in his stroller and waves to people as they pass. Other favorite activities are playing peek-a-boo and trying his hand at playing his father’s guitar. He’s on the brink of taking his first steps.

“We had to be watchful and shelter Andrew from being around too many people during his first few months, so many people did not get to meet him, and others haven’t seen him for a while.

“The birthday party was our way of getting together and thanking all who helped us. It’s the least we could do!” Tina said.

Article by Beth Thomas and Sue Moncure
Photo by Duane Perry

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