Chase Dean Bunker

Once upon a time there was a little baby lump,

Who grew and grew into a baby bump.

Well, that bump (due Jan 16) had quite a mind of his own,

So early December at 4:40 am his parents had to grab a phone.

They arranged for sitters and told the hospital to prepare

Since a ready epidural was his mother's only care.

With her water breaking and contractions 3 minutes apart,

Off to the hospital in the dark they did excitedly dart.

After speeding down the freeway for the agonizing 30 minute drive,

Both were grateful they made it to the hospital alive.

At 6am they arrived at the labor and delivery floor,

An emergency c-section delivered him 17 minutes later, not a minute more

For the past 33.5 weeks this little baby was thinking life was a beach

As he comfortably laid in a position that was breech!

Shocked as they were, his parents were thrilled,

And once again their hearts were definitely filled.

Still, 6 1/2 weeks early, this boy gave those around him a fright,

And NICU nurses watched him constantly to make sure he was alright.

And thus Chase Dean Bunker was born on the 2nd of December,

A whirlwind day that will always be remembered.

Family members came to welcome the little 5 lb 8 oz man,

Though the NICU rules kept him from seeing the whole under-age clan.

The story continues while in the hospital Chase did stay,

With his parents counting every minute that they had to be away.

For 2 weeks they juggled schedules and sitters and tried as best they could

To be in as many places as they knew that they should.

So after making sure Chase was being attended to in his hospital bed,

Gingerbread houses were created and tummies with sugar were fed.

And between watching Chase take his car seat test,

His mom watched Avery get an award for being the best of the best.

Christmas traditions continued like helping others who had a lot less

And they reminded Chase's family that they really were blessed.

The juggling continued for 16 straight days,

As long as the fun activities continued, the older kids didn't seem fazed.

Though their mom admittedly, will be the first to confess

That leaving Chase at the hospital, left her an emotional mess.

Admittedly, some things were neglected but Avery helped out with that,

And Santa wasn't forgotten and they had the chance to chat.

The story continues with family helping out a ton,

And friends making sure that our dinners each night were done.

Until on that wonderfully happy, joy-filled December day

When Baby Chase FINALLY came home to stay.

Where he officially met his big brother and sis,

Who couldn't help but smother him with hugs and more than one kiss.

(Gramma and Kailee too!)

And so this last Christmas, Chase became the best present of all

Surely better than anything you can find at the mall!