One Lucky Girl: the BIG 3-OH!!!

Craig Robert Dell is 30 years old! Oh my!!! How on earth did that happen? Time definitely flew by when we were having fun! And 'fun' is the word that described him from an early age! I think if he had his way he would have been born laughing! He certainly has made us laugh over the years!

Here are some interesting facts about his 'birthday'...

Craig was due on May 20th, but since we were moving to California (Pat having graduated from BYU a few weeks earlier) my OB was willing to have him born on May 6th - as long as the amnio turned out well.

As I was checking into Utah Valley Hospital on May 5th (they had run the amnio that morning) the admittance lady came and asked me to go with her, just prior to my being checked in... and she had some unexpected, and at the time, unwelcome news for me. The amnio showed that he was not quite fully developed - something to do with his lungs, they needed a little bit longer to cook.

Craig and Mommy
May 13, 1981
I know, I look awful!

I was heartbroken, literally. I was so close to holding my new baby, and suddenly it was snatched away from me - devastation describes quite accurately what I felt.

The Dr. got on the phone with Pat and told him to take me out to dinner. Pat was knew me so well he said to the Dr., "You don't understand that is not what she wants." He then proceeded to tell Pat that I could have the baby in two weeks, that they would check in a week, but in two weeks he was positive I could have him. No way! Pat explained that I would have the baby in a week and that all would be well. I loved my Dr. and I knew he was looking out for me and Craig, but I knew in my heart that everything would work out just fine.

We went home and I immediately crawled into bed, sobbing my heart out. After an hour and a half of crying and feeling sorry for myself the Spirit whispered to me that this is a good thing, that I was getting exactly what I had been praying for - a healthy baby. So, I needed to stop my pity party and begin counting my blessings. That I did...not that I was ecstatic about it, but I was accepting.

A week later I checked into the hospital expecting for Craig to be born around 10 AM...hours later, just after 4 PM he was born. (Two of my Dr's patients decided to go into labor that day, he was a little busy.) Craig happened to be born on the day that the assassination attempt on the Pope's life took place. Needless to say, nothing much on TV (no cable back then, videos or DVD's), it was a bit boring.

When Craig was born all of his pipes were working - his lungs were nice and loud and he pee'd all over the nurses! A lot!

It was so wonderful to finally have him here, where I could see him and hear him. It would be hours before I could hold him because of having a c-section.

Craig weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz., and was 20 1/2" long. He was such a happy baby and remained happy throughout his growing up years. He was quite the stubborn one - always wanting to choose his own clothes, and wear whatever article of clothing he was in love with at that time constantly! He loved all of his siblings and got along with all of them while growing up. He did not like sports, but he did love anything Star Wars, Super heroes or Legos. We figured he would eventually do something with his hands since he loved putting things together and figuring things out. Looks like that is what he will be doing with his IT degree! He was very tender hearted and giving when he was younger also. He was just a joy, I am grateful for him.