Because today is Adam's birthday, I'm stepping out of line chronologically with these memories. They're pretty jumbled anyway, so there are no guaranties with any of this, you understand.
Because we lived off base "on the economy", as it was called, there were no guaranties about how we would find care for you in the middle of the night should we have to leave for the hospital at an inopportune time. The American Military Hospital was 40 kilometers away in Augsburg. So we asked Hans Fried to ask his parents about babysitters in the area. They were shocked, having never heard of such a thing. Extended families lived next to each other, more often in the same house, so they took depending on each other for granted. They said they would be happy to care for you, so the night before Halloween, as it turned out, we took you downstairs to stay for the evening.
We made a mad dash for the hospital and got there with half an hour to spare! Your little brother came quickly, and I was so surprised when the Dr. announced, "It's a boy!"
Coming from a family of four girls and knowing nothing about boys, I was stunned, and blurted out, "Help, what will I do?"
"Change him faster," grinned the Dr. Didn't take me long to find out why. The hard way.
I exited the labor & delivery room, traumatized by having been attended to by a grizzled old nurse in combat boots, but the joy in welcoming this precious baby to our family, to our hearts, was transcendent.
How you loved your new little animated toy, more so than the mechanical barking dog you had just received for your first birthday. In your short 12 months on earth, you had learned the art of being the consummate mother. When you were awake, he spent most of the time in your little German doll bassinet, and you'd give him the grand tour, hour after hour. You were the essence of love and compassion. And Adam had no peace. He was a patient and easygoing baby fortunately.
Things had changed in my absence, although only in the hospital a couple of days(yeah, it was the olden days). You and your Dad had forged a new stronger than ever bond, maybe because he finally had to feed you or change your diaper. You kept me at a little distance, I think because you strongly felt you were the better mother now, and diplomatically you allowed me to stay on as the maid. I always was good at laundry, so you left me to that. Good choice.
Because of birthplace, Adam was born a dual citizen, an authentic German, Bavaria style. Of all our little take home souvenirs, this oh, so cute one in the mini lederhosen was the ultimate for you. Me too.
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