June

Okay, so I am a little behind.  June was busy to say the least.  Not only did we have a brand new baby but we also had tons of visitors.  It was great to have so many people excited to meet Bailey and travel so far to spend time with us.  Dan's parents left about ten days after Bailey was born but by the weekend of my birthday we had house guests again.  My brother Dustin was suppose to just drive through Friday night but unfortunately he blew up the engine of his car on the way here from Vegas and was lucky enough to stay with us with a newborn.  Fortunately for him, he can sleep through anything.  Sunday my sisters got here to visit and get to know their new niece.  All three of them were here until the following Tuesday.  It was fun to all be together although Ryan was missed.  It was an impromptu Burningham reunion but it wasn't complete with just four of us.  About a week later Dan's sister and her family came to visit.  We headed to Sedona one day and ventured out to Slide Rock for the first time.  Getting in a swim suit two weeks after having a baby wasn't my idea, but we had a great time.  We also went to Out of Africa again- Despite having been with Dad and Grandpa the week before and the extreme heat Shad was just as excited to go this time.  Bailey was a trooper and a very good baby although she had to be woken up to eat similarly to Shad.  It was much easier the second time around and when she woke up she was definitely more alert and interactive.  After our visitors were gone we just spent time together as a family adjusting to live as a group of four and Dan being home for the summer.  One other big event  . . . Shad learned to ride his two-wheeler. . .without training wheels.  He is still too short to start on his own so we hold the bike while he climbs on and then he takes off.  He could ride for hours and has amazing balance and control although he does occasionally forget to watch where he is going.

The Whole Story

So, I had intended on doing a post about the birth story right after Bailey was born, but after reading Dan's post I felt he pretty well covered the important parts.  However, I have since had several people tell me they want more details, so here goes.  Disclaimer: if you don't like birth stories skip this post.


I will start by saying that I had absolutely no signs of labor prior to the 21st.  In fact at church the day before I had commented that I didn't think this baby was coming any time soon.  And truthfully, I really thought she would make it to being a June baby.  I had no cramps, back aches, anything.  That morning I woke up feeling awesome.  I slept better than I had in months and felt so refreshed.  I had a random thought that maybe I should pack a bag for the hospital that day but wasn't too stressed about it since it had been on my mind for a while.  About nine thirty that morning I had my first contraction.  It was completely bearable- more like cramps really and I figured with nearly a month until my due date and this being my second baby maybe it was just Braxton Hicks.  Never mind, that I never had a single cramp or contraction until real labor with Shad.  If not, this is exactly how my labor with Shad started and it lasted over twenty one hours so I really wasn't too worried about it. Dan was getting ready for a seven hour bike ride and I just mentioned to him I had a few contractions and make sure to answer his phone and he headed out.   The contractions continued about every five minutes for about an hour. They were not getting intense by any means so I still wasn't worried but I was realizing this was more likely labor than Braxton Hicks.  However, they weren't bad so I didn't tell Dan to come home just yet and continued to do what I had been doing which was painting the letters for above the crib and chatting on the phone with my older sister who was definitely more concerned than I was.  A little while later I decided I better tell Dan to come home since he said he was two hours away and I started making calls to try and arrange a baby-sitter for Shad if we in fact needed one.  I still wasn't too convinced since as I had previously mentioned this phase of labor lasted forever last time.  As I was still just going about my day I had the overwhelming impression, "Go get Dan now!"  It seemed a little weird since nothing had changed and I was still completely able to deal with these contractions no problem, but I figured I better follow the impression anyway.  I threw some things in a bag for the hospital in case I needed it, grabbed Shad and headed off to meet Dan outside of town.  I called him to let him know I was coming to get him and he told me he was at Snowbowl which is about twenty miles  away on a curvy slow road and takes about thirty five minutes to get there from our house.  On the way I coordinated with a friend in the ward to have her teenage daughter meet us in about an hour at our house to watch Shad still feeling like we had time and timing my  contractions they were still three minutes apart and only about thirty seconds long, nothing was changing.  About two minutes later I had a pretty intense contraction and felt a painful pop and felt a little damp.  This is when things got interesting.   I was pretty sure my water had broken.  With Shad this actually slowed down my labor so it never occurred to me the opposite situation could take place.  However, it did.  My contractions took a 180 degree turn for the worse and started being much longer and closer together as well as excruciating.  Driving suddenly didn't seem like such a great idea, but luckily I was only minutes from meeting Dan.  I pulled up at 12:59, opened the door and said, "I'm pretty sure my water just broke."  He responded, "are you all wet"  to which I said, "no, but I will be when I stand up."  Fortunately, we keep a blanket in the car because I effectively looked like I had wet myself the moment I stepped out of the car.  The contractions were continuing to get worse so I told Dan we probably only had time to go home and change his clothes (I didn't think to bring any of course) but not actually shower.  He pointed out we were passing the hospital and thought it would probably be better to get me checked in and then he would run home.  All I could think was that I didn't want to be left alone but seeing as I was moaning in pain and unable to hide it from Shad anymore and it was getting worse I agreed to head to the hospital. I tried to call our friend to tell her never mind, meet us at the hospital but she wasn't answering.   Unfortunately, because we had Dan's bike on the car we couldn't park in the labor and delivery parking garage so we had to walk across the parking lot.  It was a long slow walk during which I froze in a cross walk as a contraction hit.   All I could think was, "stay standing because if you go to your knees in the middle of the street you might get hit by a car."  We made it to the elevator and I was desperately on the phone with our friend telling her to get to the hospital now and leaning against the wall through contractions.  Dan ran ahead and told the check in nurses his wife was in labor and needed a wheelchair but they weren't in too much of a hurry.  I hobbled in on the phone, told them I was having transition contractions and proceeded to crouch on the ground in pain.  They responded by asking me to fill out some forms.  (What is the point of all that pre-registering then?!?!)  I started swearing as they handed Dan a clipboard to hand to me while I was on all fours in the hall. I overheard a nurse say,  "yeah, she definitely is. . ."  and figured she meant that I was going to have to go natural because it was too late for the epidural so I pulled myself up to tell them I had intended to go naturally anyway and she said "No, you are definitely in labor"  SERIOUSLY?!?!  I told you that! I leaned up to tell them I had my last baby natural and wasn't exaggerating but they still didn't take me seriously.  The next contraction hit as I fell to all fours and it seemed the only thing keeping me from having her right then and there was sheer will and my shorts.  I yelled "I'm going to have this baby in the hall!"  Finally someone came around the corner to get me in a room.  We skipped triage thankfully and rushed into a delivery room where I proceeded to start ripping my clothes off.  The nurse checked me the one and only time I was checked this pregnancy and confirmed that yes I was indeed beyond ready to deliver.  Luckily, my doctor was already in the hospital for another reason so he rushed right in and told me to push.  Dan was in the hall with Shad so I hesitated through that contraction not wanting to have the baby without him.  The next contraction hit and the doctor was a little more forceful when he told me to push this time so I followed orders.  They told me she had a lot of hair and Dan walked in and grabbed my hand as I pushed the second and last time.  She was born at 1:34,  a mere thirty five minutes after I quit driving.  It was definitely more intense and dramatic than I had ever intended but I should have known better since I transitioned and delivered Shad extremely fast too despite the long labor.  A few minutes after I noticed I had a missed call from my sister and a text asking if I was actually in labor.  I called to tell her "not anymore" and she thought my labor had stopped.  Bailey got here before we even had a chance to let anyone know she was on her way. Fortunately, she was healthy and we made it to the hospital with a whole twelve minutes to spare and our neighbor got there just in time for Dan to be there for the delivery.  It was definitely one for the books.  If you want to hear it get even better ask Dan what happened next.

Family Life

Well we have a few more photos of Bailey for those of you that are anxiously waiting.  Most of these photos are from last week and she is even bigger now and not as yellow.  She has been doing really well but does like to be up at night.  Other than that she is eating really well and is pretty content most of the time.  Having a 3 year old boy makes and infant daughter seem like a piece of cake.  

Shad hasn't been sitting around quietly.  He has been riding a balance bike for more than a year now but just learned how to ride a peddle bike this week.  He often rides his balance bike on local trails and talks about taking his pedal bike "mountain biking".  People we run into on the trail think its pretty funny to see a 3 year old out there and every time he sees a mountain he talks about mountain biking.  He likes to watch mountain bike videos and I'm pretty sure he thinks he's doing the same 15 foot drops and steep downhills as the riders on the videos.

Shad and Bailey have both been doing really well!  Shad has been really excited about his new baby sister and likes to give her hugs and kisses.  He talks about how cute she is too.  His excitement is a big relief and hopefully it stays that way.  

Mikaela is doing well.  She has been really active.  She has been baking and we even went to Sedona with the family.  My parents who were nice enough to come help out came and it was nice to get out.  Mikaela looks like she's ready to ride her bike already but we'll hold off on that for now.     

Welcome to the world Bailey!

Apparently Bailey was in a hurry to get here and she arrived on Monday, May 21st.  Not only was she over three weeks early, she also came just minutes after getting to the hospital.  Impressively, Mikaela was driving just a half an hour before Bailey's delivery.  I was in the waiting room with Shad after Mikaela was checked in while a generous neighbor was on the way to pick Shad up.  A nurse came out to say that I needed to go into the room if I wanted to see the delivery.  Right then our neighbor came out of the elevator and I passed Shad off not a moment too soon.  I walked in to the room just in time to see Bailey.  We checked in at 1:22p and the delivery was complete by 1:34p.  She weighed 5 lbs and 15 oz and was 18 3/4 inches long.  She has been pretty sleepy but is doing really well.  Mikaela has been remarkably active and seems to be feeling well although she says that she would prefer not to have a close call like that again.  We are very lucky to have a healthy baby and mom!!!

Shad's Three!

Shad's birthday was a few weeks ago and he was pretty excited this year. In the week or so leading up to his birthday he was getting cards and packages in the mail. He began to expect something in the mail and would say "birthday cards!" whenever I brought the mail in (even when there weren't any birthday cards). He also was excited to have some neighbor kids and cousins come over for a party. This was his first year blowing out the candles (or trying to at least). His friends and family were more than generous with gifts and he was excited about everything he got except for his main gift from his parents. No surprise, it was a new bike with pedals. Fortunately, it has grown on him and now he can be obsessed with riding it up and down the hall.

This was a big year for Shad with a lot going on! He went through his second move but his first to another state. He learned to ride his Kinderbike and also went "Mtn Biking" on trails for the first time. He got a lot better with words and being able to communicate what he wants. He moved on to big boy pants and and a big boy bed. He further developed his fascination with trains, trucks, cars, jeeps, tractors, and just about anything that has a motor. He flew his first remote control helicopter. He broke his first remote control helicopter. He got a second remote control helicopter. He drove his first remote control truck. He broke his first remote control truck. He also loved playing sports. He got his first basketball hoop. He learned how to get in a football stance, say "hike", and throw the football at anything and everything. He started being able to dribble a soccer ball. He went on countless hikes, bike rides, and even rode a few horses. If you can't tell, he is a very energetic and active kid!

Shad is a great kid who can be both quiet/loving and loud/obnoxious. He still likes to snuggle and will often say something is cute (ie cats and mom's clothes). He also loves to run from one place to another and wrestle with the dog. It took us a relatively long time to decide to have kids and we lucked out in so many ways with great kid like Shad. Happy Birthday Shad!!!

The Post You Have All Been Waiting For. . .

Everyone has been asking forever now for me to post a belly picture, but since I only took one my entire pregnancy with Shad I thought I might as well do one at that same time. This is me at 24 weeks with both pregnancies. I put the same shirt on for a more accurate comparison. I will let you guess which pregnancy is which.

A:B:

I am feeling massive, but baby is doing great and that is the most important thing. (repeat to self fifty times per day to try to be convincing. . .) I have been feeling really well physically although nesting hit full force somewhere around week seventeen I believe and hasn't gone away. Closets have been reorganized multiple times in one day. Under Shad's bed where the crib is being stored has been cleaned out and then put back to the same exact way it started since there is nowhere for the crib to go, and I have been doing everything to keep myself from moving furniture around that will have to be arranged to set the crib up. I recognize this is completely irrational and I am going nuts but then blame hormones. We definitely don't need a crib up for a baby that won't use it for another five months minimum. However, that storage space is just so appealing when we have so little of it. (Imagine four bikes, no garage, a single hall closet, and no closet in the third bedroom.) Just thinking about it now makes me want to move it. Fortunately, there is a two hundred pound armoire that needs to be moved or Dan might be surprised to find it done by this evening. Also thankfully, the armoire has to be moved down the hall which is tile so I won't be attempting that. If it were carpet it would probably have happened already. This same armoire with matching dresser and crib were moved by me at eight months last time, so I can't put it past myself. Once again, good thing about that tile. This last week I did crafts like crazy to channel all of this energy, but I am sure my husband and son wish I would put it towards giving them more TLC. I try to remind myself that this baby girl is going to steal enough of my attention when she is born that I really should focus on the child that needs me to be mentally attentive, but the brain just wants to keep getting things done for the baby. This week, I vow no baby related projects. It could be tough.

Shad is doing awesome with potty training and is wearing underwear at night now too. He has yet to wet the bed but I am anxiously expecting it anytime. Fortunately, the first night he went to sleep in underwear Dan didn't tell me so I was blissfully ignorant and relaxed until I took him to go potty in the morning and was surprised to find him still in underwear. Fortunately, they were dry. It seems there is a light at the end of the potty training tunnel. His birthday was last week and we had a great time but I will do a separate post for that.

My Valentines

This year I decided to continue my tradition I started last year of writing Valentines to Dan and Shad for my Valentine's Day post so. . .here goes:

Dear Shad,

Where do I start? You are such a sweet, good-natured kid and I am so very grateful for that. I especially love your enthusiasm and your imagination. Lately you have been talking about alligators and sasquatch wherever we go and it is hilarious to hear what is going on in your little mind. You also have a funny new habit of saying, "cute!" any time I get dressed or try something on. I have no idea where you picked it up since neither Dad or myself do this, but you sound exactly like my sisters and it cracks me up. Despite the fact you also think a yellow shirt looks good with blue and red plaid shorts, it is a nice pick me up for a ever-growing pregnant mom to hear she looks cute every day. You are doing so great with your potty-training, even staying dry at night despite having a diaper on, I am so proud of you. I love how quick you are to smile, laugh and give hugs and kisses, even if we have been having a rough day. You are so quick to forgive and sensitive, I hope that never changes. Despite that you are definitely all boy, and can wrestle and run around crazy with the best of them. You love to be outside and to take Solo for hikes or ride your bike. You also still loved cars and trains and watch for the train anytime we are in the car. You built great things with your blocks and I am impressed by your creativity and inventiveness, even if sometimes I can't figure out what you are trying to get me to help you build. I love you so much and I am sure you are going to make a great older brother and watch out for your little sister. We are lucky to have you in our family and hope you know how special you are!

Love,

Mom

Dear Dan,

I won't make this too personal since it is online and you are a private person. But I wanted everyone to know how much I truly love and appreciate you. The last year brought a lot of change we hadn't expected and through it all you have been the one steady thing I can always count on. Even if that meant packing up the house alone, or catching a flight with a two year old with only a few hours notice, or picking up ALL of the slack when I was sick, sad and non-productive. I can't imagine having anyone else by my side. You are an amazing Dad, you make parenting look effortless and that playing blocks would be the best thing in the world even when I know you really want to be out riding your bike or something. I also can't express enough what a hard worker you are. I wish (and you probably do too) that I had half your drive. Thank you so much for all you do and the kind, patient, supportive husband that you are. I am so grateful I get to spend not only the rest of my life, but forever with you. I would have never guessed nine years ago that we would end up in Arizona and loving it, but I am grateful for the blessings we didn't see coming.

All My Love,

MK