Happy Birthday to My Wonderful Daughter

It was 37 years ago today that DD was born on a rainy day.  I was six months pregnant when I went into premature labor.  When DD was born, she weighed in at 2 lbs. and measured only 12 inches.  The joy of her birth was marred by fear and anxiety due to her early birth.  But as the days and then the weeks went by, she grew bigger and stronger until she left the hospital after three months, weighing in at 5 lbs.

I was only 20 years old and had no clue what I was doing!  Sometimes ignorance is bliss.  That’s me in the picture above … look at how tiny DD’s hands and arms were.  In the picture above, DD is about 3 months old and almost ready to come home.

Technology back then was not what it is today.  Although she was a strong baby I believe her survival was a miracle!  I also thank the doctors and nurses who took such good care of her.  I visited every single day DD was in the hospital (2x a day on weekends); and I got to know her nurses very well.  They were her angels!

Nurse Lishy – Daytime Nurse

Nurse “Granny” – Nighttime Nurse

Nurse Galleon – Midnight Nurse

Because I worked full-time, I was not able to visit during the daytime, so my favorite nurse was “Granny”.  Everyone called her “Granny” and I’m sure she once told me her name, but I don’t recall it. She was wonderful and taught me how to bathe and take care of DD. 

On a few occasions, I was able to visit during the day and Nurse Lishy was always there.  Such a caring and kind nurse, she also taught me to care of my new baby.

And on a few rare occasions, I also saw Nurse Galleon, usually on weekends.  But my folks knew Nurse Galleon very well.  My mom worked the swing shift, and my dad would always pick her up.  So, every night just about midnight, my parents would visit their first grandchild before heading home.  They adored their Little Star.

A few months old

A toddler ~ I’m sure Grandpa is behind the camera!

DD is now a busy mom to five; but she will always be my little girl.  After all, it was only yesterday …

Happy Birthday, Darling Daughter!  Love you much!