April was born

Parent dinner 4/20/91 - toasting champagne at parent dinner in Joan's room. Stuffed pork chops, rice, salad & carrot cake.

Easter Sunday 4/18/81 - April in easter egg outfit made by hospital volunteers.

April was one hour old in the recovery room. (This was before birthing rooms.) Dad was not the doctor but was a breathing consultant and massage specialist.

Joan's labor began on Good Friday, 4/17, while she was sewing crib bumpers pads and drapes. Butch was sure the baby was going to be a boy and he was busy making a wood "CJ" wall hook.

When we arrived at West Allis Memorial Hospital at 9:00 PM Joan was dilated to 4 cm. Labor was difficult with extreme back pain - called back labor. Dr Foley delivered April at 12:15 AM on Saturday, 4/18/1981, and placed her on mom's tummy. Dad cut the umbilical cord.

Stats: 6 lb 1 oz, 20" long

Easter came the next day and she was wrapped in a pink Easter egg blanket. The first night after being discharged on Tuesday, 4/12, she slept in a bassinet in her parent's room. We were nervous parents and reacted to her every move which did not allow anyone the proper rest. After that the bassinet and April moved to another room.

Next post: Becoming a happy camper.