Anthony, Benjamin & JamesJacob playing in the grassAnthony, Samuel & JamesSamuel and JamesAnthonySamuel staring at the seaDad and boys playing in the surf (James, Benjamin, Anthony, Dad)Samuel playing in the sandJames playing in the surfBenjamin, Dad, James and AnthonyBenjaminJamesAnthonyAlex and Samuel
Benjamin, dad, Samuel, Anthony pose with ThomasRiding the train, mom, Samuel, BenjaminAnthony and dadBenjamin with ticket in hand leaving the stationSamuel receives his certificateHay mazeSomeone help mom and Samuel (in stroller)Benjamin finds a tiny place (between hay and the porta potty – be sure to wash your hands!)Anthony playing with the chalkSamuel playing with bubblesBenjamin and dad having some lunchMom and Samuel with a magician performing in the backgroundAnthony captivated by the magician’s performanceSamuel playing with the trainsBenjaminBenjamin and SamuelAnthony playingAnthony, Benjamin and Samuel playing togetherAnthony figuring it outBenjaminSmililn’ Sam
These pictures may have been used in a Mother’s Day gift or slide show. There are not necessarily from June 2006.
Mom and JamesHelping JamesAnthony playing with mom’s hair while she tries to practiceJames, mom and Anthony at the Day out with Thomas in Heber, UTVisit to Timponogos cave, mom, dad, Benjamin, James, AnthonyMom and Sam having a serious conversation
After a scary start, Samuel R Berky was born into our family on January 13, 2006 – a Friday the 13th, no less. We were expecting to have a caesarean delivery (due to placenta previa) and had it scheduled for a few days later, when Sam decided to arrive early. We had a 3am, 100 mph rush to the hospital and went directly into the operating room. They prepped LaReita and Julles made it in time to watch along with David. Dave later said, it was just like M*A*S*H. Samuel was born at 4:36am and weighed in at 6lbs 7oz.
First picture, mom and SamMom meets SamLooks like they both need some more sleep.First bath in the NICUHanging out with mom in the NICUWelcome home! Our growing family – Edible arrangement courtesy of Liz Covert (Rogers)Ben getting some mom time with his new brotherGetting some restTaking a hit of oxygen, had to have him on it for a few hours a day for about a monthAnthony took this saying, “Mom, make a funny face.”Mom get’s back to business as usual, with one minor changeAfter blessing – April 9th, 2006The whole family – James, LaReita, Sam, Benjamin, David, Anthony – Sam’s blessing day April 9, 2006Smilin’ Sam – sporting a new bib from Aunt Julles
Mommy to be for the third time struttin’ her stuff.
First picture of Benjamin D Berky.
Mom & Me
My first bath.
David & LaReita Berky Family v.4
I am the star of the show.
Benjamin D Berky was born at 9:17am, January 21st, 2004 after a thankfully short labor of love by his mother. David & LaReita raced to the hospital at 4:30am when LaReita’s contractions began to come regularly and were increasing in strength. On the way (and between contractions) LaReita chided the ever-cautious David for only driving 75 mph on the freeway. (LaReita says: After all, the contractions were 2 minutes apart and lasting 90 seconds!)
Upon arriving they found their way to the Labor & Delivery area of the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah, a 15 minute drive from home. They wandered the halls for awhile until finding a nurse on duty who could direct them to a room. LaReita was quickly prepped and was given an epidural by 6am.
Both LaReita and David were able to get some more sleep from 6 to 8:30am; LaReita in comfort from the epidural and David from exhaustion (he needs his 8 hours of sleep). Around 8:30am the nurse came in and LaReita asked for a catheter. Before the catheter LaReita was at 6cm; after the catheter she went to a 10cm. Dr. Nance was called and arrived about 10 minutes later (LaReita swears it was more like 30).
Once Dr. Nance arrived at 9:10, it only took 5 pushes for Benjamin to take his first breath. As Dr. Nance began to examine him a portion of his umbilical cord ruptured and a gush of bright red blood squirted all over the delivery room. (“Just like in ER” David was heard to comment later.) The incident posed no threat to mother or baby, but Dr. Nance was going to need some new clothes.
Dr. Nance allowed David to cut the umbilical cord and Benjamin was cleaned, checked, weighed, measured, poked, prodded, given a shot and wrapped up to be placed in the arms of his mother for the first time. Later David went with Benjamin into the nursery so he could be checked more thoroughly, given another shot (he only cried for a minute to the pleasure and pride of his dad) and then given his first bath.
Later several family members arrived to meet their new relative. LaReita’s mom, Grace Leavitt, came with Aunt Julie (David’s sister) and brought Benjamin’s brothers, James and Anthony. James couldn’t wait to hold his new brother. Anthony couldn’t wait to play with the buttons on mom’s bed.
Benjamin weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces, was 21 inches long and scored a 9 and 9 on his APGAR baby exam scores (1-10 scale).
James and Anthony are excited for their new brother to come home and play.
