Michael, Olive Plant # Three

Having had two boys in succession we quite expected our third child would be a girl. And so we waited through the gestational period for the arrival of a daughter although we would not have frowned upon another son. Always our prayers were for a healthy child. The ultrasound, which in these days can read the sex of the baby in-utero, had not yet been perfected.

Mom's EDC or expected day of confinement or "due date" passed as usual but we packed up the two kids, toys and clothing as well, and journeyed to Winnebago in preparation for the happy event, for at that time we were living in Robbinsdale at our home then and even now. I was attending my first year of med school at the U of MN.

It was not long after our arrival for the weekend and settling in at your Grampa Paul's place that Mom began labor and checked into the Winnebago Hospital for the third time under the care of the left-handed Dr. Halvorsen.

The labor was not prolonged, and I assumed my usual position beside Dr. Halverson, trying to learn as much as possible. Mom gave the final push and, lo and behold and weighing only nine pounds, seven ounces, (therefore the puniest of our seven OPs), emerged a healthy............boy!

We named the baby Michael Joseph, little knowing at the time that children so named and growing up through the years can be contrary critters. We have checked around and have consistently found agreement with each and every parent of a child named Michael. So much for hindsight.

After the usual hospital stay of five days and visiting with all of her friends and relatives, Mom checked out with Little Mikey and we all returned to restrained bedlam at our Robbinsdale home.

Mike did not have it easy, for as number three son he had the challenge of keeping up with Joe and Peter. In frustration he would occasionally eat dirt and band-aids, (found in his "droppings"), not because he was iron deficient.

He had some tibial torsion which I treated with foot braces, a common practice then but since abandoned and rightly so. The reason the I bring this up is that we had difficulty in keeping him in his crib at bedtime. He would quickly climb out and have to be returned several times. Even with the foot brace which he wore at night. Finally, we could take no more and I obtained a restraint which would tie him safely inside the crib and yet be able to stand up and move around. Peace reigned again!

Finally, as you know, when Mom became pregnant for the fourth time, and when we went once again to Winnebago for the birthing, she directed me to build a circular wire fence around a shade tree in Paul's back yard where Mike would be prevented from escaping and and would be well shaded besides.

The other ultimatum from Mom was that Mike be dressed as a girl until the fourth delivery occurred. And so it was that this beautiful child with long curly hair, ribbons. and clothed in a cute yellow pinafore dress, spent a  balmy morning and afternoon in his enclosure in Paul's back yard. Many passersby commented on what a lovely little daughter we had!

Mercifully Mary Ellen was born and Little Mike's days of an innocent transvestite were over. The dress and ribbons were removed, he had an immediate haircut and again looked all boy again. Mom still has a lock of his hair stored carefully away.

As to Mike and his tendency to get into trouble, you all know the rest.

Happy 51st birthday!!!!!!!

Love,  Mom and Dad