My first D was in 1960 and the second 1963. There were already two young step-children and the girl who was only 9 at the time was a proper little motherly figure who was good at making tea and toast and both children looked forward to a new brother or sister.
I was determined that the two little helpers weren't put on in any way even though it was hectic at times as I got them ready for school but everything fell into place.
New baby and I were in hospital for just over 10 days as baby was jaundiced and was a lovely " tan " colour so stayed under the light in the ward nursery.
Once home and with a stock of Milton for nappy-soaking and Persil for boiling I started to feed her myself as it was advised back then but there was a supply and demand problem as she was a hungry child so I had to use an expensive supplement ( cheaper from the clinic if I could get there ) Boiled,cooled water between feeds.
Baby spent most of the time outdoors in her pram ( Royale ) a huge model but so comfy and warm as well as roomy. I always put baby on her side in case she choked. I did it with both of them it was the safest bet and still is to my mind. At 4 months it was Farex and the odd taste of gravy with the added meat juices and veg water then our dinners mashed up by 6 months onwards. No eating problems with either.
Both short labour easy no-fuss births. Gas and air---yes.
I was 21 bringing up 3 children then 23 when the 4th was born. I managed okay and played a lot of games with the 2 older children which we enjoyed.
Stepdaughter married at 20 and had a prem baby-under 3lb and was kept in hospital for a good two months until it was 5lb. Few difficulties because SD was too afraid of handling such a small baby ( breech too ) so I took over until SD felt confident enough to take her. I was a busy bee all my life really and that little "scragg " of a child is now in her late 40's and has been nursing all her working life,still is, at our local hospital. A big strong girl who knows me as nan. We'd need a church hall to all get together with offsprings galore, a large family who've all grown up around me.
Stepson ? That's another story as sadly he hasn't spoken to me since his father died in 1994. His loss I'd say as I didn't treat either SC any differently to my own. He doesn't bother with his sister/s either,just cut himself off.
Do you still wear you original wedding and engagement ring
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