January 21, 1968

39 years ago, on January 21, 1968, my youngest (who is having her own baby boy any day now!) was born.

In 3 short hours, from first twinge, she was born. I named her Greta Ann. She was just shy of 9lbs at birth. In "them those" days, birthing was different than it is now. What little I knew of birthing and the available choices, at the young age of 18, was limited. I followed orders.

Yet from somewhere... I had an inner sense that I needed to listen to my body, let it guide me. It was all very doable. If left alone... I think most would come to this inner knowledge as well.

For a moment, I will journey back to that evening in January of 1968.

If memory serves me well, it was a cold winter. And when I left the house to go to the hospital, I left our dalmation, Archie, curled before a toasty warm fire. I used that image later on to help me with the hardest of my labor. When I grew weary... yes even in a few hours, pain can make one weary... I "switched" with the dog at home. I went home in my mind and Archie-the-male-dog came to Norwalk Hospital and labored for a bit. When I felt rested... I assumed my position as "head laborer", thanking Archie for his kind service. And Greta was born.

Now for the best part of my memory of Greta's "birth"day, the very first time I saw and held her. She was an elf from the very beginning. Pixie all the way. The nurse handed my daughter to me as I was sitting cross-legged in the hospital bed (remember I was only 18 and still very flexible). Leaning forward, I gazed at her in my arms... what a beauty... what a miracle. To my surprise... there was Greta gazing right back at me CHECKING ME OUT! I know a newborn cannot see, blah blah blah. But I know what I saw.

In a recent comment on Greta and Jim's baby blog page I said this about Greta...
My little munchkin... that she was! Full of spirit and curiousity from the very get-go!

My first grandson Salvatore was born in May on my birthday. There will never be any better birthday present again.

How fitting now that Seamus is about to join us in our journey here on earth. Perhaps he will come on January 21st? What a wonderful gift that would be for Greta.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!