I'm just sending a quick update to everyone about little Audrey. She is definitely starting to become more alert each day. Shannon and I spent about four hours with her today, and we feel very encouraged. Please keep praying that she continues to do a little more each day. They are taking out her PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line tonight so the only thing she will have left is her feeding tube. I'm including some videos of her from earlier today. Talk to you soon...........

JB

We've been doing so much talking about little Audrey that little Austin has gotten left out a bit. I have given him the nickname, Hondo, which Shannon absolutely hates, but John Wayne would love it........:)) It certainly beats calling him the little Gerald Ford that Shannon was calling him. The little guys is definitely fussy at night which is totally awesome..........I'm kidding. He has really grown in the past three weeks. Macy has really taken an interest in helping Shannon and I take care of him. We were really kind of worried about that, but she is really protective of him. I'm including a video of him getting his bath last night. Audrey continues to progress........she started becoming more alert yesterday evening right before we left, and the nurses commented to me early this morning that she is definitely more alert. She seems to be staying awake a little more with appropriate eye movements and body movements. Hopefully, the phenobarbital will continue to wear off. Everyone has really been super supportive of Shannon and I. My work has really stepped up and has overwhelmed us with support. We have been totally blown away by all the giving that they have done. We will always be grateful for everything that our friends and family have done for us whether it be a prayer, meal, or whatever.........talk to you soon.

JB

Just thought I would drop a quick line to let you know that Audrey continues to fight strong. She has been off the vent for over a week now and seems to be doing well. She occasionally cries and grunts when the nurses are messing with her so that is a good sign about her vocal cords. She definitely is moving all four of her extremities and her head when her Mommy touches her. Please continue to pray that she continues to improve. The physicians have taken her off the anti-convulsants so we are hopeful she starts to stir around more. They will begin OT and PT with her on Monday to help her with swallowing and her gag reflex. Austin is doing great other than keeping us up all night.............:)) Aunt D and cousin Bailey visited us at Duke today also so Audrey and Austin got plenty of loving. I'm including a video of Shannon holding Audrey just a little bit ago. Talk to you soon............

JB

As usual my blog posts are like visits from Haley's comet............:)) We have some great news. The twins were born on December 5, 2007 at Womack Army Medical Center. There were some complications during birth that have really turned our world upside down. Austin was born first with no complications. Shannon literally had him out in two pushes. He spent about a week in the NICU and has been home since. He is doing great and eating and growing like a horse. Our girl, Audrey, had some significant issues. She experienced a prolapsed cord during labor and went without oxygen for a short period of time. It was very scary at her birth because she was not breathing. The neonatologist in the labor suite immediately took action and intubated her airway. She almost immediately started have seizures. She was flown via helicopter to Duke University from Womack and they started cooling her body down immediately to belay any brain damage that may have occurred. It has been a long three weeks, but little Audrey has come a long way. She is moving all four extremities when she is stimulated and is breathing on her own now. She is even opening her eyes and occasionally looking around. They have performed multiple scans on her head, and they have shown some small areas of her brain that went without oxygen, but nothing too bad as it was explained to us. She is still receiving some anti-seizure medications to prevent any seizures but they are starting to wean that off now. This medicine makes her pretty stoned so its hard to see what she is really doing. The little girl needs a lot of prayer that she continues to improve. We have no idea if she will be cognitively affected by this, but we are certainly praying and optimistic that she will be alright. This journey has been an emotional roller coaster to say the least. I think I have driven to Duke just about every day which is exhausting because its about two hours one way. Christmas has definitely been different, but we are thankful for everything that we have and are continuing to pray that the Lord will take care of us. I'm including some pictures of the little ones............talk to you soon.

JB

The Burk house reached a new milestone this week. Macy started kindergarten on Tuesday. Shannon and I both escorted her to school. She really thought she was hot pants wearing her new outfit, carrying her new backpack, and her new lunch pack. It was a little sad as she walked up the sidewalk and into her new classroom. She's no longer a little baby, and we have to give part of her up as she starts to grow up. We also started the soccer season in full swing last week. Lord, grant me patience...............:)) I thought I was going crazy after today's practice. Half of them are picking their nose and the other half are playing in the grass or pushing each other. Good times............

I'm saying a special prayer tonight for my Granny as she prepares to pass on to the next life. She has been very sick and depressed since the passing of my mother on Memorial Day. She's a good woman who has lived a full life. She had a large part in raising me and making me who I am today.....................talk to you soon.

JB

Well, it's about that time a year again when I actually make a post on my blog. It's pretty funny, I think I have three posts in the past year...:)) We have some wonderful news for everyone that doesn't know........Shannon is pregnant............WITH TWINS! We are still in shock, state of disbelief, fear, and tremendously happy. Shannon is almost 18 weeks, and she is due in early in January. The doctors say that she will most likely deliver at the end of December because of the twins. I know my mother would have been crazy about this news, but I'm sure she's looking down and smiling. I'll post an ultrasound picture of the little ones in this blog.

In other news, Shannon and I celebrated or rather survived (just kidding) our 10th anniversary this past week. I surprised her by taking her to the Biltmore mansion for the weekend. We really had a good time and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We are now gearing up for Macy to begin kindergarten. It's hard to believe how time flies. She is definitely excited to start. She's also ready to start her second season of soccer with her daddy at the helm as coach. I have fully recovered from my injuries from last season's pee wee league, and I'm ready to jump back into the lion pit. Actually, it's like watching a SNL skit during every practice and game.........:)) Talk to you soon.

Ahhhhh...........Saturday morning is here! The long work week wears a brother down. Macy and I are heading to one of her little friend's birthday party while Shannon is getting her hair done. It should be interesting since I have no idea who her friend is or their parents because the little girl is a pre-school friend. We just finished watching Dora the Explorer and playing barbies...........isn't there a Man Rule about that....:))?? Macy and I recently went bowling while were at home in Tennessee. I put the gutter rails up for her and she came close to beating me. She had a blast; I'll t post one of the pics here. I need to run, I have to fix Macy's hair...........that should be interesting.

My long absence has ended. I need to make a more concerted effort to write on this thing. Winter has finally hit the Carolina's. It has been so nice here up until two weeks ago. We were wearing shorts at the beginning of the month. Work is busy as ever for both Shannon and I. I'm still pretty pumped about the Colts coming back on the Patriots last weekend. What an awesome game. Things are a lot quieter around the house these days since the passing of little Hans. Poor little guy........we miss him, but I have to say it is easier to care for one dog than two. Macy is growing by the day. I think she is about 46 inches tall now at 4 years old. Basketball for the Lady Vols may be in her future...:)) My mom is doing pretty good right now. It's up and down for her. She is still taking chemotherapy which kicks her butt about four days after the treatment. She's actually back driving again this week. That has definitely given her control back which is great. Well, that all for tonight. Later..........