Here is the story of Boyd's birth. In a rough time line format.

December 22, 2008
8:45 arrived at scheduled Dr. appointment

9:40 Another centimeter dialated without feeling contractions. Now at 6 cm the Dr. decided it was time to induce labor. We had the choice to deliver that day or the next. We agreed "today"! As she left and said see you later, Adam and I embraced one another, took a deep breath and walked out of the office. We received well wishes from the nurse who has been with me every appointment along the way.

10:00 One quick stop at Jackie and Jonathan Hall's. We had to deliver a present to baby Samantha (born Thanksgiving and Boyd's future wife). As we held Sam and chatted with Jackie and Jonathan it set in that soon we would have one of our own and both Adam and I were beaming.

10:30 We drove to the hospital a little emotional for the two of us and a testament to our love for one another. It was a drive and series of moments I will never forget. (Oh yeah, Adam had to stop at Quick Trip for a treat on the way too- stress snack).

11:00 We were admitted and given our room Room 204 Home of the birth of Boyd Burla!

11:30 Grandma Burla and Uncle Pete arrived to join us- Grandpa Burla arrived a little later bringing Daddy some food.

12:00 They broke my water and contractions I could feel soon followed. Adam was taught how to read the machines and shared the contractions with me. Seeing me in "pain" was tough for him. He dealt with it by telling me "oh yeah, this is a big one" (I can laugh about it now- but not at the time). Daddy (Adam) and Grandma Burla were with me through labor. They were the best support team-thank you! Our labor and delivery nurse, Sandy, was the nurse who taught our class. When Adam walked in she announced, "I remember you, TROUBLE!" Time flew during this time although the contractions seemed to last forever. I'm not sure when I finally asked for an epidural but I was pretty far along. When I asked, the anesthesiologist was with another patient and boy he seemed to take forever to get done with her and over to me. I'm not sure how long we waited but "OWIE!" I am pretty sure I whined about making him come and give me the epidural a million times while squeezing Adam and Melissa's hand and trying to think about Adam's elephant costume picture when he was a kid and his black and white photo where his head is equal to the size of the rest of his body (my focus images). When I finally got the epidural the right side pain ceased but not the left. After a while we had to re-do the epidural but it was well worth it. The next thing I knew the Dr. was there and it was time to push. Adam said I had to push through for about 5 contractions- this was all a blur to me; all I know was that I wanted to meet my baby. I was offered the chance to see the baby crowning but passed it up because I wanted to see all of it. Even though Boyd was a peanut, it was still a tight fit. The doctor told me I had one or two more contractions and then she would have to use the vacuum. The mention of the vacuum made me push much harder (Adam told me he could tell). Adam was holding his breath and pushing right along with me- what a great coach. When Boyd popped out you could hear it. He also brought a water balloon explosion of fluids with him. It sprayed all over daddy and the doctor. Daddy likes to recall this moment. The cord was wrapped around his neck but the doctor calmly unraveled it and then we heard Boyd cry. I should really have Adam or Melissa write this part because they saw it all first hand. The next part made daddy's day. The doctor told daddy to look and showed Adam Boyd's balls. Adam jumped up and down. They put Boyd on my body and I asked Adam his name. Adam was in charge of the boy name and told me he would decide when he saw the baby. The look on Adam's face as he pronounced "Boyd, Boyd Christopher" was priceless. I have saved that image to mental memory. Boyd was here!!!!! 3:24
Boyd would go on to be weighed and measured, pricked, prodded, and tested. He weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces and was 19 inches long. He scored an 8 on both apgar tests. Adam and I were instantly in love.

Boyd was soon greeted by Grandma and Grandpa Burla and Uncle Pete. Later Jill came to fall in love. Eric and Patrick Margason came the next day to visit us. Eric and Adam were planning all the ways the two boys would cause trouble together like they had.

Boyd had low blood sugar at birth so for the first few days Adam was able to feed him some formula after I breast fed. We are anxious for the pump now that my milk has come in so Adam can help again with the feedings. I did not sleep for more than an hour the night Boyd was born. He stayed with me all but an hour and then I had to call him back because I missed him so much. The next night brought about about 3 total hours but each night I called him back in because I just wanted to see him. Boyd was doing great even through all his tests and circumcision. Daddy followed him to all his procedures and was proud of how tough Boyd was. We were in the hospital less than 48 hours and were anxious to go home. We packed up and were ready to go! It took us a while to figure out that silly car seat but we got it!

On the way home we stopped at Great Grandma and Grandpa Ramsey's so they could meet Boyd. They too fell in love and Great Grandma said Boyd reminded her of my dad when he was born (my dad was also tiny). When we went home to our house Adam took charge. Adam said this was his second favorite moment besides when I pushed him out. Adam gave Boyd the tour of the house explaining all the rooms and their functions. I wish I had an audiotape of their special moment. Daddy ended up going last minute Christmas shopping while mommy and Boyd hung out at home. Naturally there were several exploding diapers and pee sprays where mommy could have used 10 hands. Later Uncle Paul arrived and we all had pizza. The really hard part came at night when both Mom and Dad were too protective to sleep. Boyd ended up in bed with us although Mommy said she would never do that. At least night two was better. Mommy slept in Boyd's room next to the crib.

Christmas the the first full day out of the hospital. Boyd was the star of Christmas and the greatest gift ever. He even wore a Baby's 1st Christmas Onsie although he didn't like being posed in front of the tree. In addition to wonderful presents Boyd received plenty of love from family. Mom and Dad received an amazing camera from Grandma and Grandpa Burla. It has been well used and we will post even more images soon. On Christmas he met Martha and Tess at Grandparent Burla's. Later we went and meet more Ramsey's at Great Grandparents- Aunt Emily who took Boyd and did not share, Great Aunts and Uncles Stephanie, Shelia, Alex. Many of my cousins- Jeremy, Dante, Alexis, Marissa, Zach and Jeremy's girlfriend Stephanie and her daughter. We took a drive with Emily to drop her off to meet Brett- Emily had a hard time leaving Boyd too. Boyd bought "mommy" a movie for Christmas and it just so happens that it was a movie daddy saw previews for while we were in the hospital that he wanted to see. Boyd napped on Dad's tummy while we watched. Yesterday, Friday, Boyd had his first case of the hiccups, first pee on Daddy (a leaking diaper), first doctor's visit (maintained his weight and did not have jaundice), and first babysitters (grandma and grandpa- so mom and dad could grocery shop). Today I am just tired. I wish I slept as much as Boyd but there just seems to be so much to do. Maybe tomorrow I will learn how to sleep when he sleeps. We love Boyd!

Welcome Boyd...stay tuned

Adoring Parents of a beautiful baby boy.

We LOVE our Boyd Christopher Burla.

12/22/08

5lbs. 5oz.

19in.

No Adam Lawrence Jr.

Yesterday was Adam's 26th Birthday. I woke up at around one to go to the bathroom and Adam popped up and asked with excitement, "Are you having the baby?" I said "no" and slumped away. This time I was pouting because I knew I had 11 more hours to hold the baby in. Don't be confused I want to have this baby asap now, but if it were born yesterday and would have been a boy, my Adam would have become a Sr. and baby a Jr. Confusing, since you can't even alter the name Adam. I was sweating it out. I was in and out of bed all day since I couldn't sleep that night. Adam teased me that I was laying in bed to keep the baby from coming out, partially true. Later in the day I managed to make more form cookies. We also had an amazing Birthday dinner for Adam at the in-laws. I ate so much I was really worried that baby would be pushed out. Adam got a dart board for his birthday and late in the evening we went down to play. Lets just say I got more darts stuck in the wall then anywhere else. It's fun though. Adam is hoping even more for a boy now so maybe he will have someone to be competitive with him in darts in a few years. I guess this mommy to be was not much competition. Adam also got a book called Fatherhood is not for Sissies from his Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Pete. He will soon learn the truths included in the text. In truth, Adam may be more prepared then me. He is constantly picking up baby reading material and he is like an elephant in that he remembers everything he reads and hears. Yesterday he told me he was going to be an expert labor coach after reviewing the magazine. I sure hope so! This morning is the first day of sun since we learned I was dialated. I was hoping the sun was what this baby was waiting for- we shall see. Until then, the bags are packed and the "game day" shirt is ready.

Still 5

We went to the doctors today optimistic. Our bags were packed and ready and the car seat installed. Then we heard, "5 cm." No change and therefore no labor. I'll be honest, we were both sad. Next visit is scheduled for Monday, but Adam is hoping for a Birthday present on Saturday. For now we wait more. As my one friend George put it, "Keep incubating." Maybe the baby will end up big after all.

Also, on the 16th Adam practiced changing a diaper on one of my old dolls. I think he will be quite the pro (although he still claims that when I am gone he will just take baby over the Grandma and Grandpa Burla's to be changed). We both took turns trying to figure out the swaddling folds. I need to watch the video again. Adam is having a difficult time leaving me to work- he keeps coming home between stops and actually answers his phone! He is equally excited to welcome baby.

5 cm

One centimeter closer. Baby Burla is headed our way soon!!!!! We have another appointment on Wednesday and if we've moved to 6 cm I may be admitted. We are so excited to meet our Christmas present. We are all doing very well here. Adam is really taking charge and staying calm. He is so excited to hold his first newborn and has decided he will be the one to put Baby Burla to bed at night. Grandma and Grandpa Burla to be have also been wonderful supports and cannot wait to be first time grandparents. They have made sure I have been well fed, well read, and had company. Grandma and Grandpa Ramsey are waiting by the phone for news updates. Grandma Ramsey is telling Baby that December 16th is a good day to be born (her Birthday). Soon!!!!

Or Maybe Not

This is what Daddy does to pass some time as we wait. Video games (and tease Mommy!)

He and Grandma to be Burla also dug out the ornaments (Thank you!!!). Adam and I decorated the tree tonight. Baby don't you want to come out and see it? Am I turning to bribes already?

Below: Alright, so I am not in a red suit, but I do look about the right size to come down the chimney.

Haha, silly baby. We were tricked into thinking baby would arrive sometime Wednesday or Thursday, but still no Baby Burla. At least we got some stuff packed and laundry done. Maybe it was the full moon. I keep wondering what the progress (if any) will be at my appointment tomorrow. I had a dream last night that Adam and I went to the hospital today and they sent us home because I wasn't in labor. They did let us keep our bags and carseat there though (haha the dream was very realistic). Daddy continues to wake us up early to get an update on how the baby is doing. Unfortunately (although I secretly love it) Baby likes to keep Mommy up until early hours in the morning already, so Mommy has been trying to take naps to pass the time in the day. Yesterday Daddy woke Mommy up pretending to cry and calling, "Feed me, change me." Call it future preparation I guess. Today he woke me with one of his favorite baby toys- the laughing turtle. Five minutes later we were out the door grocery shopping. I think I was half asleep the entire trip. I will write another update tomorrow. Hopefully there will be something to report. Adam has to go to Kansas City on Tuesday if there is no labor- makes me nervous. 4 hours away is a little too far. He told me he was hoping they just induce me tomorrow. There is also supposed to be a Missouri ice storm coming. This could be a very interesting week!

Could be early!

Well, today was an interesting day. Adam and I saw Baby Burla with the tech through the ultrasound. Baby is now about 5 pounds. It was hiding its face with its hands and being silly. Then Adam left to go back to work while I waited to see the doctor. We were chatting back and forth and then it was time for her to perform my first cervical check-just to see where I was at. Surprise, 4 centimeters! That had both the doctor and I speechless. She told me that she'd be sending most women at this point upstairs to labor and delivery. Since I haven't had any labor symptoms she sent me home to rest and perhaps prepare. Needless to say, Adam and I are in shock and it suddenly hit us that baby could arrive any day. I went to buy some stuff I needed for post baby and ended up forgetting half of it, yup- distracted. Tonight after dinner (Adam's dad wants to take me out for my potential "last meal" pre baby), we had better get packed, catch up on laundry and other household tasks, and install that carseat. I see the doctor Monday if not before. Keep us in your prayers, we want baby to stay in there growing another week if possible to be considered full term.

Another story:
Yesterday, after a long day I came home to presents under the tree. One said to Mom, From Baby. My husband should win a husband of the year award. He had also used tags he cut from the "Little Debbie treat" box to label the gifts. I love him so much. Our baby is going to be so lucky, no matter when he or she arrives.

Catch up

The growing belly!!!!

The belly is often lopsided. Baby has mommy's butt, making the right side bigger than the other.

So, I might be done for the semester. My last night class is tonight; all other assignments are turned in. Adam told me to stay on campus until class since the weather is questionable. As I thought of things to do I decided to get a cup of hot chocolate and play catch up with the blog. Here goes:

Week before Thanksgiving:

Baby Burla and I took the long drive up to Wisconsin to cheer on the girl I coached this fall at the National Meet. Convenient that it was in WI. Good opportunity to spend some time with the Ramsey family pre baby. Prior to the trip we saw Baby Burla during an ultra sound. The tech said he/she was about 4 pounds.

Friday I got a surprise from the team and we ended up at Babies R Us with a gift card. Katie and Meagan helped me pick out some room decorations, special sleep sacks, and "the costume." Adam wants to bring Baby home in a costume, so we found the Snowperson costume. Check out the picture of Raggedy Ann wearing it in the crib. We love it!!!!

Saturday my dad and I went to the meet. I think he was partially there because he was afraid I might go into labor as I moved around the course like a madwoman. I will admit I overestimated my abilities; at least Meagan could hear me. I was happy with her performance and the fact that I did not go into labor during the race. We all breathed a sigh of relief for that fact.

Sunday began with a run with Emily. It was officially my last decent run. After we finished I couldn't move for several days. It was nice while it lasted. Then it was shower time!!!! My mom, Sisters, and best friend thew me an awesome shower. Good company, food, and fun. We are officially the most spoiled parents ever. Baby will have so many wonderful clothes, toys, blankets, books, babycare items, etc. It was so much fun to bring home and show Adam. We finally have things put away and arranged in the room for now. We also completed several loads of baby laundry. As I folded it and left it on the couch Adam commented, our lives are going to change really soon. It was funny to fold such tiny clothes since I am used to Adams huge tent clothes.

Since then baby continues to grow and move. Daddy can now see baby moving in my belly from across the room. It freaks him out-haha. Daddy and I have been spending lots of time cuddling and eating. Adam told me he is eating because he is nervous- I can tell. Adam put baby toys and furniture together over his Thanksgiving break. He announced, baby's toys are already taking over the house. I love it! We spent Thanksgiving with Adam's parents and spent time relaxing.

Adam told me the other day that the baby would be our Christmas present, even if it were late. Adam is going to make a wonderful daddy. We keep telling baby that he/she can arrive any time now. Especially since I am done with school stuff. I guess we have one thing left, packing for the hospital. Adam asked if I were going to go into labor the other night. When I said no, he said, "Are you sure because I don't want to be running around packing a backpack." This led to our discussion about how he is scared about the drive to the hospital. It turns out that this is why he wanted a planned C-section. So he knew exactly when baby would be born.

Adam is getting really ready. He entertained our friends baby with our babies toys the other day and frequently visits baby's room to play. He also watched the DVD Happiest Babies on the Block. He now knows how to sooth a crying baby. He practiced swaddling me in a blanket. I think he will be better at these techniques than me. He also is the genius who figured out how to post the vote about baby being a boy or girl. He was the first to post boy.

At last weeks Dr.'s appointment the doctor scheduled me for another ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid levels, the placenta, and the baby's size. That appointment is tomorrow and I cannot wait. I am hoping this will give us a better idea about when baby will decide to grace us with his/her presence.

My belly has been really sore and sleeping is getting interesting despite increased levels of fatigue. The parents at work now come in and say, "Wow" the belly has really grown in the last week. Adam and I think the same thing. PJ's and Adam's sweatshirts are now my preferred wardrobe. This past weekend we attended the annual Christmas tree party and found our tree. It will be baby's first tree whether he/she is born before or after Christmas. Enjoy the new pictures and we'll write again soon.

Baby's crib

Lots of news to report over the last few weeks. We've been in Wisconsin, had Thanksgiving here in Missouri, finished the baby's room, appointments and more! Unfortunately mommy has been working on papers for school instead of the blog. I will catch up soon. Here are pictures to enjoy in the meantime.