February 22, 1968: Double trouble?

Letter postmarked February 23, 1968 (Part 1, written the morning of February 21): The CCZCC extends its winning streak to 27.

Dear Mother and Mike,

Did I surprise you with the phone call on Sunday? I said something to Dave about calling you Friday night (after I had visited the doctor), but the Dirrs were coming over and I didn't have time. Saturday, Dave told me to call, but I was sorta depressed (the weather mainly, as it was just a dreary day.) Sunday I felt great and I just couldn't wait.

[Ok, it sounds like Mom visited the doctor on Friday, February 16. She wanted to call my grandmother with some news regarding that appointment, but she didn't call until Sunday, February 18. Let's see what happened at that doctor appointment.]

I probably confused you, but good, about the twins bit.

[I'm confused, too. Please explain.]

I'll try to explain better. I went to the doctor on Friday (just a regular visit). I told him I'd been urinating more frequently. (One night I went every 15 minutes - Dave timed me.) He took a urine specimen and said I might have a bladder infection. Then I told him there was no burning so he didn't think I had one then - he said it meant more pressure on the bladder. He took out his little tape measure, put it around my tummy, and said, "Good God, you just may have that baby here!" Next, I sat down while he gave me a map of the closest hospital.

[Ok, that might impact the departure schedule a bit.]

Then he went over with me again the date of my last period - July 3. No, no, no! - I have not made a mistake on that. Dave and I both are sure about that - it was the day Dave drove to Tyler by himself and came back. Even my neighbor Patsy remembers because she came over that day and I was sick. The doctor figured and re-figured, then said there was just no way - two weeks early, yes, but not a month early unless . . . then out came the stethoscope. That's when he asked if there were any twins in the family - I guess he heard two heartbeats and twins usually do arrive early. He said there was an x-ray that could determine for sure but that he didn't like it (it's a good thing. Dave said absolutely no x-ray to the baby or me) and that it is very expensive. Then he told me to go and see Dr. Wright, a specialist and the one that would deliver the baby if I had it in L. A.

Now to bring you up to date thus far. I called Dr. Danno yesterday and I have no infection. Then I called Dr. Wright and explained the situation to him. He told me to come in today at 2:30. So I'll finish this letter this afternoon. But if he tells what I'm afraid he will, you'll be meeting me at the airport before you get the letter.

[Now that you know a little more than my grandmother knew after the Sunday phone call, this seems like a pretty good place to end Part 1, don't you think?]