Peter and Alan in CO |
I had a very laid-back doctor, which I guess was good for the third pregnancy. He was so laid back though, that when the ultrasound likely clearly showed that we were having another boy, he causally said that "it wasn't clear". The ultrasound on the other two boys were pretty clear as to their gender, so this led me to believe that we might actually be having a girl. That summer I swelled up in the heat and humidity so much that I couldn't wear any of my shoes comfortably, even the sandals that velcroed shut.
Peter: 4 months old, TX |
Peter: A few days old |
My mother, my only help arriving into town, could only be in Slidell for three days. The laid back doctor somehow agreed to induce labor three days before the due date so that I could have the help at home I needed. At this point we were still thinking we were having a girl, and the doctor was predicting approximately 8 lb.
Alan and Peter, CO |
All the boys, 6th, 4th, and 2nd grade |
Things got going pretty quickly, as it turns out. By 11 am, things were getting going, and I'd had an epidural, and the call had gone in to the husband to go ahead and come out. We waited and waited, only due to the epidural assisting in blocking all urge to push. While we waited, it occurred to me to ask the nurse if she could see the baby's head. She responded "Yes, and there's a big head of hair." At that moment I knew I wasn't having a girl, and KNEW it was a boy. After his dad arrived, and the baby was born, it turns out the doctor was a bit off on his weight assessment too, as Peter was born a whopping 9 lb 13 oz., at 12:05 on September 9, 1992.
Alan and Peter with his broken toe |
The next day when the doctor came in to check on me, he told me that he didn't want to ruin the "surprise" for me that for the next 60 years I was going to know that I was the mother of three boys, and that's why he hemmed and hawed regarding the ultrasound.
George, Peter and Alan, May 2010 |
Peter in Texas |
Even though those early unknowing and uncomfortable days were full of trepidation and doubt and worry, the days and times since then have been even more fulfilled by having this child, as well as his brothers. I have many stories about Peter and his brothers that will come in future installments.
All the boys, CO |
Right now all I can say to Peter is: Happy 19th Birthday! I have no idea how you got to be so old so fast. I am very proud of who you are and am excited to see your life unfold in front of you one step at a time.
Peter and me, May 20 |
Mom