Kevin's birth day--Feb 23, 195----

from kevin's baby book---Mother's Notes
(Written when you were 5 months of age)
Yours was a most eventful beginning in Life, little Kevin, starting even before your birth. At your mother's very first visit to the doctor she was told there was just a 50-50 chance of keeping the baby; and even those odds would be lower if she didn't go to bed at least four times a day and be very very careful. That was just a little difficult, since she was just beginning her year of heading the P.T.A. (as president) at San Jose School, where your twin brothers were in the second grade. Of course, Daddy and I wanted you very much, so we made up our minds to do everything possible to give our baby a chance to be born. Everything went along quite well until the end of the 3rd month. I'll probably always remember the date, (Nov. 19) for I was conducting the regular monthly P.T.A. meeting, and just as I adjourned the meeting and invited those present to stay for pie and coffee, I knew something bad started to happen. I dashed for a back door to get to our car, and before I could get home I knew my worst fears had happened- I was hemorraging badly and had every indication I was having a miscarriage and was going to lose the baby. As soon as I arrived home I went to bed and Daddy got in touch with the doctor. She told me to stay in bed for a few days unless I had any pain, then I was to go to the hospital. As it turned out I was in bed 3 months. During that time there were many discouraging moments, for twice I went to the hospital with pains and we were sure all our hopes were lost. In all, I had 5 blood transfusions, many many shots, and for a long time was taking 13 pills a day. Our doctor was pretty sure our chances of making the grade were very slim,- and she had several consultations with other doctors on the hospital staff as to what would be the wisest course. Finally at the end of the 5th month a specialist came out here, so one doctor asked me to go to the hospital for an examination and consultation with him. Dr. Carter asked me if I would consent to follow his advice. The specialist asked me many questions and finally said, "I think this young woman is determined enough to do this thing. Her baby will be born premature, but we'll hope it won't be too soon." One more month passed, and then just one day after we'd passed the 6th month I started having pains again, so Daddy took me to the hospital. When we arrived there the doctor said this time it was going to happen. Even though there was just a bare chance of your being born alive she gave orders to have the incubator made ready. I remember so well what one of the nurses, a lab technician, said to me just before I went into the delivery room. She was there to get a blood transfusion ready in case I needed it. She said, "I'm going to say a prayer for you, LaVerne. It's out of our hands now, and in the Hands of The Man Upstairs." Soon, you were born and I heard you cry, and I began to hope. However, I kept my eyes closed for I was still afraid to look at you, and then find out later you hadn't lived. After they took you out of the delivery room I asked the doctor what the baby was and she replied, "It's a boy, LaVerne, but don't get your hopes up, he's terribly tiny, probably not over a pound." However, you, too, were very determined and when, on the third day, you were still alive the doctor decided to weigh you. We were really happy to learn you were heavier than we thought- a big 1lb. 15 3/4oz. I felt funny going home from the hospital without you, but knew you were getting excellent care and besides for the next 80 days while you remained there Daddy visited you every morning and every night to take the milk that I was "manufacturing". Finally, on Mother's Day (May 9) you weighed 5lbs. 4oz. and we asked the Doctor if we couldn't bring you home. What an excited little family we were driving to the hospital to get our wee son and brother! We were so thrilled to get to hold you for the first time. Needless to say, we were afraid to take our eyes off you for several days.
You are now beginning to outgrow the colic and just the other day started smiling at us whenever we talk to you. Starting to coo and take a great interest in people and surroundings. The red clock in the kitchen and the big thermometer in the bedroom seem to be most interesting. Davie and Dickie think you are positively wonderful - even though you didn't turn out to be the girl they were hoping for. Yesterday, you were 5 months old, so Daddy weighed you and you've advanced to 10lbs. 2oz. You are now taking goat's milk formula and we're trying to get whole-grain cereal, banana, orange juice, and meat down you, but you don't like it very well.