Remembering The "I Love Lucy" Baby

Earlier this month, my assistant gave birth to a baby girl. First child. So for now I am doing double duty here in the CBS11/TXA21 Programming Department until later next month. But that triggered a memory of one of TV's most successful television shows: I Love Lucy.

On January 19, 1953, Lucille Ball gave birth to her second child, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV. And on January 19, 1953, twelve hours later, Lucy Ricardo gave birth to Ricky Ricardo, Jr. Episode #56 became one of the most watched shows in television history, reaching 44 million Americans out of a base of 72% of homes who had a TV set at home back in that day (by the way, that episode was filmed two months prior to Ball giving birth) .

In an earlier episode, Ricky (Desi Arnaz) sings a beautiful song to Lucy when he find outs that they are having a baby. Performing at The Tropicana Club, it goes like this... click here to see the video.

"We're having a baby, my baby and me
You'll read it in Winchell's
That we're adding a limb to our family tree
We're pushing our carriage
How proud I will be
There's nothing like marriage
Ask your mother and father and they'll agree
He'll have toys, baby clothes
He'll know he's come to the right house
By and by, when he grows
Maybe he'll live in the White House
Our future gets brighter
But definitely
We're having a baby
We're having a baby
We're having a baby
My baby and me"

Just beautiful all around. See you next time.