Vera Louise Austin, b. March 30, 2023

Now I have motivation to continue with my genealogy research in earnest!  Vera was born last week and has totally stolen my heart.

She will have a pretty complete family tree from her father's ancestry. Now I will also extend my research on her mother's side. 

What a precious little DNA package she is! ;) 

"Vera" was chosen by her parents because they simply liked the name. It is unique - not heard of very often these days. "Louise" came from a song that was special to her parents; also, it has a French origin which her father likes.

She is already showing her personality. She is strong, determined, and active (prominent traits from both parents). She has a generous amount of brown hair (again, from both parents). Long toes and fingers. 

Flashback to 1988:

On February 17, 1988, Dr. Frederick Wirth, a nationally-known neonatologist, did Jonathan's newborn exam in my presence and spent a lot of time explaining everything from head to toe. He sat and rocked Jonathan in the corner of my hospital room for 45 minutes, marveling at Jonathan's perceptiveness about his surroundings. I watched and listened from my bed as the doctor narrated his impressions of my baby. He noted that Jonathan is quiet, alert, controls himself well (disciplined), very visual (stripes in the curtain, etc.).

Dr. Wirth declared himself very "impressed" with Jonathan and offered to do the Brazelton Infant Personality Assessment Test at 2 and 4 weeks for Jonathan for free! (Dr. Wirth had worked with Dr. T. Barry Brazelton, who created the assessment and was considered the "Dr. Spock" of my generation). I welcomed the idea of doing something different - something I hadn't experienced before - with this third child.

Dr. Wirth's advice after the Personality Test:

Jonathan is strong-willed and determined. His energy must be intentionally guided in positive directions. 

Reduce stimuli during fretful periods. Use quieting techniques, trying them in this order - hold one hand, hold both hands, swaddle baby tightly, roll onto tummy and rub or pat back, use a pacifier; pick up and hold on shoulder; hold and rub back or pat bottom. Use only one stimulus at a time - his nervous system is discharging and can't handle more than one added sensation. 

Treat baby as an intelligent, sensitive human being!

I think there was a letter from Dr. Wirth, but will take some time to find it.