Wait For It

My mother gave birth to seven children... four boys and three girls. Each of us weighed at least eight pounds.

I am the oldest born in 1947. My youngest brother was born in 1962.

When Mom started having babies it was common practice to put the mother to sleep during delivery. They said it was to spare the mother any pain. I think it was easier for the doctors. Mom was anesthetized for the first six of us.

Before she was awake Daddy had time to hold the baby and then call to let people know the baby was born. Then she would be sick. She did not tolerate anesthesia well.

Mom was thrilled when she learned that she would be allowed to stay awake for baby number7. She told the doctor that she was to be the first non-medical person to see the baby.

She joked and said that if she went into a coma for six months no one could see the baby before her.

Needless to say Mom got to see my little brother first. She got to hold him first. And all before Daddy even knew he was here.

Fathers were still not allowed in the delivery room. He had to wait. Mom was satisfied.