Oldest Kid Turns 39

I love this photo of Al laying down the law to his three children. What a role reversal!

Thirty nine years ago today—I remember it well. We were pretty inexperienced parents. In fact we didn't know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies, which explains why we were driving around town instead of staying close to the hospital. We ate brunch at a famous west side kosher restaurant, which later made my answers to the admitting nurse pretty bizarre:

Religion? Catholic
Last Meal? Lox and Bagels

It was also the day of the Belle Isle Hydroplane Race, and we thought we would see what all the fuss was about, though driving over the narrow bridge to the island wasn't the brightest idea in the world.

We made it back to our apartment and from there to St. John's Hospital. We had practiced the 10 minute ride—but we got lost. And at 3:23 a.m. our first child was born. Happy Birthday, Al.