I wanted to write about the day TG was born in this post, but then I realized I didn't know anything about the day he was born, so I asked his mom and she sent me an email with a lot of good information.Tagaroa Tolo Wesley was born on January 28, 1983 in Suva, Fiji. He was 6.8 lbs and 19 inches. He was born on a Friday (about 3 weeks early) and his mom, Susan, was so stressed out because she had just quit teaching at the LDS primary school and started her own preschool. It had just started that Monday and here she was on Thursday night, getting ready for their 5th day of school when her water broke (about 10pm). She called Donna and Keli Lobendahn (family friends) and they said to drop Mekeli and Russell off at their house on the way to the hospital. Donna had been baking mango bread and gave a big loaf which she put in her bag and took it to the hospital. In those days (in Fiji) you were given a long list of things you had to take to the hospital with you, including medical supplies you would think they would have, and they wouldn't admit you unless you had all the stuff on your list. Luckily Susan had all but one item which she was able to borrow from Donna, because all the stores were closed at that time of night. She had a wonderful Rotuman doctor. named Fatiaki Taukave who had delivered Russell. He is the same doctor who had just finished medical school when Hiagi (TG's dad) was dropped on the coral rocks by one of his siblings at about 2 or 3 months, and he sewed up his head; saving his life. While she was in labor he sat with her the whole time, and the one time he left he called a nurse and told her not to leave Susan's side. She said that TG was the easiest birth by far, due a lot to the doctor. He was also the pediatrician and made several house calls, charging a minimal fee. He was 7th day Adventist, so if he came on Saturday he would not accept any pay.
Anyway, TG was born in the newer hospital in Suva, not the old raunchy one in Tamavua that Mekeli was born in. She was in the "paying" ward, as opposed to the "free" ward, so there were just 3 other ladies in her room. She was a bit resistant to the "Paying" ward at first, because she thought they were saying the "pain" ward, and she wanted none of that. Actually there was no choice to get an epideral then, and labor pain was "good pain" the nurses would say. After TG was born and Susan got to her room she devoured the entire loaf of mango bread, because I was sooo hungry. She missed the day of preschool on Friday, but was teaching again on Monday.
TG was a good, healthy, happy baby that slept quite well. He had lots of hair that came down near his face and tiny little eyebrows. Everyone told his mom what a cute girl she had!
I'm so glad TG was brought into this world and was raised by such wonderful parents. I feel so blessed to have him my life. I hope you have a fabulous birthday TG. I love you!
TG with all his best friends in high school
TG at the Red Sox game
Me and TG at one of our favorite places- Chilis
