Friday, January 7, 2011

43 years ago today ...

I was born, and it was the coldest day on record, according to my parents. For as long as I can remember, I've heard about this -- either from Mom or (more recently) Dad. And sure enough, Dad called this morning to wish me a happy birthday and tell me about the weather on that long ago day.
Your humble blogger, aged 1 year

It was so cold, he told me, that I had to be put in an incubator to warm up. It's kind of neat to hear the story about the day I was born, but Mom never really shared more about that day. I don't know if it was a difficult labor. I was a pretty big baby -- 8 pounds, 10 ounces -- but I was her fourth. (Weird fact about my family: My oldest brother was premature, weighing just 4 pounds, 13 ounces, but the next two weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces and 8 pounds, 9 ounces. I guess she was building up to her big baby.)

I don't have any sisters so I don't really have a female relative to ask about her labor. My sisters-in-law had a mixed bag of experiences -- and I blame my nieces' and nephews' big heads (oh, it's fine, they know I love them). I really wish I knew more about my mom's experiences. I know that drugs were different back then. Mothers weren't really supposed to experience childbirth, so maybe it wouldn't help to know what she went through.

Mostly, I just wish I could talk to her today and thank her for going through it for me.

5 comments:

  1. Happy, happy birthday, Pam!

    Amber

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy Birthday, Baby!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy belated birthday, Pam. I'm sorry I missed sending wishes on the big day.

    What a cute little girl you were ... and still are.

    My babies increased in size, too: 6 lbs, 10 oz; 7 lbs, 14 oz; 8 lbs, 3 oz. The last one seemed perty darn big. So glad I didn't have more!

    ReplyDelete
  4. happy belated birthday, pam.
    i am sure your mom would have loved to have been with you through this, and in some way, she most certainly is with you.

    ... and whatever it was happened on your big day, your own childbirth experience is going to be uniquely your own. oh, man, and are YOU IN FOR IT!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Happy Belated Birthday!! Hope you had a great one!

    ReplyDelete