Joanna: Everything you said is just the way it was for me, too! My kids were born a lot earlier than yours but I have to say, Dr. Spock was my Bible. And I tried "natural childbith" according to Grantly Dick somebody ( I can't remember his last name) Oh, I know, Reed - and I got as far as the head crowning when I begged for "something" Please! and they gave me an anesthesia of some kind. But I tried! And this was 1948, guys! I recently asked my middle child if I could have the baby books back ( I had given her the three I did for my three kids) so I could look at them again Maybe having the greatgrandbaby made me want to relive those olden days!! I kept three of them faithfully. Hair samples and all!