Welcome to the Farm

Boyd in his camo sleeping on Daddy.

Boyd talking to his Auntie Em.

Four generations of Burla's.

Boyd smiled for the camera. I dropped the camera and exclaimed, "Boyd's smiling!" I was so excited he was saying "cheese" that I almost missed capturing the moment.

Boyd wearing his Little Squirt Outfit. Very fitting.

Lounging on his transportation quilt.

Does this count as a smile? Shows off how cute Boyd is either way. I love him!

For those of you who haven't met Boyd yet, I warn you he is quite the charmer. Perhaps it is his good looks, wide array of facial expressions, or his farm noises that attracts you to him. Does anyone know of any nocturnal farm animals? I think Boyd might be related. Last night Boyd was making animal sounds the majority of the night. When I would check on him he would have his eyes closed-how tricky. Therefore Mommy was up all night. Perhaps he got the idea to be a sneaky animal from the children's books I read him, Giggle Giggle Quack and Click Clack Moo. Lack of sleep and snowy weather has mom a little cranky. Nevertheless, as I snuggle with Boyd and post this one handed, I can't help but smile. What a blessing he is. Maybe I'll end up an animal person after all.

One Month Doctors Visit (a day early)

Boyd enjoyed being held for hours by Great Grandma Burla.

Moving his hands as he tries to stay sitting up with the support of the couch pillows.

One of my many faces.

Hanging out on the couch with Dad. Aren't I a big boy?

Stretching out on his Very Hungry Caterpillar Quilt. He is similar to the character.

Holding Daddy's finger.

I cannot believe how time flies. Boyd has been in our family for a month tomorrow. He has added a whole new meaning to my life. I love him so much and I love being a mom. I don't think I will ever tire of watching him. His repertoire of facial expressions continues to grow along with his sound effects. Boyd is big into grunting and making a goat noise-such a funny boy. As of now, he is perfect. He has the sweetest temperament, he sleeps well and anywhere, he barely cries, he tolerates his crazy mom playing with him, conversing with him and singing to him, and he is adorable! He has captured the hearts of every person he has met so far. He showers his family and friends with love, and if you're lucky, some pee. Right Grandma Burla and Uncle Pete? On that note, Adam has still managed not to have to change a diaper. Although a diaper change would have solved the problem of a crying baby a week ago which led to a couple voicemails to mom saying, "Come home right now he won't stop crying and I am holding him and tried to feed him." Since Dad still dislikes seeing Boyd upset, maybe next time he will check the diaper. This past weekend Boyd had a terrible stuffy nose. I felt like I had the booger ball up his nose trying to help him breathe half the day. It turns out the source was too deep. After sounding like a freight train all day, an evening sneeze brought about the biggest booger I have ever seen. I could not believe it fit out of Boyd's nose. I had to show dad and Grandma. Once it was out, he was breathing normally again and back to his normal self. I was relieved. Despite thinking about it, we did not document the booger on film. Boyd has spent more time with his eyes open the past week which has been fun. I just wonder what is going through his mind as he takes in the world around him.

As for this mornings doctors appointment, Boyd is healthy and growing. We knew he was gaining weight by the folds in his legs, but neither Adam nor I predicted how much. He gained 2 pounds. Boyd now weighs 7 pounds 5 ounces. He is 20 inches long. Almost as much as I was at birth. He is in the 3rd percentile for length and weight, 5th for head circumference. Adam called him a shrimp, I think he is a little peanut. I am in no hurry for him to grow up too fast- just a healthy rate. The doctor said he would spend the next few months playing catch up. He also had his second hepatitis shot. He has a Snoopy band-aid on his leg and was easily comforted. He is looking like his own little self these days, less newborn and more Boyd. You just have to love him. We are blessed with this little guy and thankful that he is healthy and strong-must be all the love and attention he gets. Until next time-take care and enjoy the pictures.

The joys of a new baby

Playing in his bouncy seat and looking around.

Under the jungle gym looking like he is fencing, or swinging from branch to branch. He is starting to move around more, strengthening his muscles.

Boyd is too cute. Here he is in one of his swaddles. This is a must have item. Boyd loves his as they keep him comfy and warm in the night and help him sleep longer. When without the swaddle at night, he fights with his hands and wakes up.

Burrito Baby. Don't let him fool you, he is actually awake. I love this picture taken around midnight while playing with mommy before bed.

Daddy giving Boyd a surprise kiss on the head. A surprise ambush.

Boyd and Samantha's first playdate! What a cute couple. Eventually Boyd opened his eyes to admire her beauty. It was just as much fun for mom. Jackie and I have been on the same timeline for major life events since college. I am lucky to have her as my friend. There will be many dates to follow. Come Spring/Summer the four of us will be running around town- we can't wait.

Boyd and Mommy posing for a picture

The "Costume!" It kind of eats him.

So cute and he is actually awake.

Reaching for the camera. Probably to try and make the flashes stop.

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!