STEVE BIRTH MEMORIES

From Steve’s Journal:

30 September 1981:

…Of the news we have received the last few weeks, most of it has been untimely, if not downright bad.

We found out Jeanne’s mom had a malignant lump in her breast, which required a modified mastectomy.  She seemed to come out of surgery fine, but we’re still praying for her complete recovery.

We also found out that Jeanne is pregnant, which is quite difficult for us, since we didn’t plan on any more children until we got out of law school.  It has been an emotional and spiritual struggle, but now we feel at peace with God…

17 May 1982:

Yesterday was my Mother’s birthday, tomorrow is Julina’s birthday, and today our fifth child is born – Steven Matthew Lambson.  When Jeanne became pregnant last fall, our hearts were filled with anguished questions.  Now all we feel is blessed.  Jeanne’s doctor induced labor, and made the situation more comfortable with an “epidural”…a way of anesthetizing the lower extremities.  She delivered at 2:38 p.m., without much trouble.  She is fine; the baby is 9 lbs. 1 oz., and is also in good shape.  We are delighted and grateful.

24 May 1982:

Steven was born a week ago today, and continues to be a happy and healthy young nipper.  Notwithstanding our delight, the presence of a newborn with our already substantial brood of four is every bit the challenge we imagined; but our faith is that the Lord will bless us to rise to the occasion. 

In a burst of sentimentality, Jeanne wanted to change his name to Steven William.  I reluctantly gave my consent.

26 May 1982:

Today has been overcast, but there have been periods of blue sky.  The last few days have been kind of “laid back”, in the current vernacular, as we adjust to the schedule of a 9-day old baby.  It is made easier by the fact that the thrill of having a boy is yet with us.

Many people have been very kind in their concern, and many have gone beyond the call of duty in seeing to our needs…We are overwhelmed (by their kindness).  

Not included in journal:

Amusing anecdote:  During her pregnancy with Steve, Jeanne had a dream (nightmare?) that she delivered a litter of puppies (I don’t know what breed!)

     

Facts I forgot to mention between September 30^th 1981 and May 17^th, 1982:

Shortly after discovering Jeanne was pregnant, we explored our non-insurance options with University Hospital, as we had dropped our health insurance policy just before entering Law School.  They told us of a program where if we would deposit $100.00 per month for the 9 months of the pregnancy, the total cost would be: $900.00.  That was a great deal, even 35 years ago.  I can’t begin to tell you what peace of mind that brought, with other challenges we were facing.  We considered it a heaven-sent miracle.