Two Sisters Share the Spoils of Maternity

Lake Geneva, WI. - Boy, am I popular - at least with a couple of people.
When I packed to come to my parents' lakeside summer home for an annual family gathering, I gathered play clothes for warm weather, sweatshirts for cool nights, swimsuits for everyone, one good outfit to wear to church or restaurants, the tennis rackets, the camera, the water wings and the baby stroller.
But it was my maternity clothes that have made me so popular.
I am what doctors call a grand multipara, one who has given birth several times. That means among other things, I have accumulated a substantial wardrobe in the maternity line.
Two of my sisters who are visiting are, as we say in polite company, "in the family way." And since my family is just in the way instead of on the way, I offered to give my sisters my maternity clothes.
Due to their timing, they have to share the spoils of my pregnancy labors. Luckily, there's plenty of selection.
Many women never want to invest much money to clothe themselves during what they consider a temporary condition. Even some of the women who seem to be in this temporary condition permanently are hesitant.
I, however, have been a good customer at the expectancy shops. On baby No.5, I rationalized that it would be my last pregnancy, so I may as well go out in style.
With No.6, I convinced myself that the expenditure was worthwhile to boost my morale. For No.7, I just elaborated on that thinking.
My maternity wardrobe turned out to be more stylish than my non-maternity clothes.
Now, with morns-to-be Sheila and Mary Pat ready to tender an offer in the friendly takeover of my stock, I have decided it has been a sound investment.
But how should the sale be accomplished? I suggested an auction -Mary Pat and Sheila could write down all the nice things they could do for me, and I would select from their lists. As I selected, they could choose a garment.
Then Barbara, another sister, became involved. "Mary Pat, didn't you spend quite an extended time in Omaha and Washington babysitting for some little redheads?"
And "Sheila, haven't you made a few travel arrangements for the Cavanaughs?" (Sheila's a travel agent.)
As the realization set in that past favors might outweigh my stack of clothes, Barbara told me, "I think you'll have to go shopping."
I decided the recipients could settle it between themselves.
So Mary Pat made piles on the picnic table according to categories - nice dresses, casual things and work clothes. She said that since I had on my bathing suit, I could model the clothes.
We had such a fun time - I was especially enjoying myself because, as I told them, it was the last time I'd ever be dressed like that.
To which they said, "Sure, and my baby will always sleep through the night."
I hope they have triplets.
August 28, 1985