... strikingly similar, Kerry.

I was also excluded when #1 Son was born --- and #2 Son was adopted!

I was, however, my wife's Lamaze coach for the births of Only Daughter and #3 Son -- and I agree that these events were lifetime highlights.

Before my daughter was born, I jokingly told my wife that I wanted a third son and that if the baby was a girl, I would "flush her down the toilet". Within minutes after being born, my daughter fixed her big blue eyes on mine and I was sunk! Almost 26 years later, I can still feel the intensity of emotion when I remember that moment.

----- jim o\-S