Mike and Danae Leahy had some great plans for New Year's Day, including a 4 p.m. dinner reservation at Glen Eagles, but fate stepped in and canceled those plans.
"We had planned to go to dinner that day but instead we found ourselves at Carson-Tahoe Hospital at 2 p.m.," said Mike. "Our plans changed in a hurry."
That's because Kylar Cherie Leahy decided it was time for her to make her appearance on this earth.
"It took a little over six hours and then Kylar was born," said a smiling Mike. "We still haven't been to dinner yet, but we will."
For the record, Kylar was born at 8:14 p.m. Coincidentally, she weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces. She was also the second baby born in the new year at Carson-Tahoe and since the first baby born always gets some publicity and goodies from the community, and being the curious sort I am, I thought we'd visit with the second baby born, who almost always goes unnoticed and ungifted.
"That's really OK with us," said Mike. "Really, we're happy the way things turned out. We never thought about the first baby. At that hour we just assumed a baby or two was already born at the hospital, and we do get your story in the paper so it isn't like we didn't get something."
After telling them what my "story" is worth, I asked Danae, who had just brought the baby over, how things went during the delivery and how close they came to becoming the first baby of the year.
"The first baby was born an hour and 45 minutes before Kylar was born," she replied. "I came home the next day. Kylar is healthy and happy and that's what counts."
The proud father had something to add.
"She's a great addition to our family," he said quietly. "I lost my sister Erin to diabetes 22 months ago. She was only 26 years old. We can never replace her, but having Kylar helps ease the pain a little."
Mike is 35 and was also born at Carson-Tahoe Hospital. Danae is 32 and was born in Susanville, Calif. They've been married 11 years. Their son Connor is 2 1/2 years old and he too was born at Carson-Tahoe. They were married at the home of Rev. Gordon Millard by him.
Mike's parents (Lorraine and Don) are divorced and both live in Carson City.
"Dad is retired after working for 30 years for the state and Mom works for the State Welfare Division," said Mike. "I have one brother, Pat, who is 32 and lives here. He's a computer analyst for the state."
Danae's parents (Deanna and David) live in Las Vegas. She has one brother, Darin, who is 28 years old and lives in Vegas too.
THEY DIDN'T KNOW
The couple didn't know the sex of Kylar or Connor before they were born and they like it that way.
"We didn't know the sex beforehand but both of our kids were planned," said Danae. "Kylar was not planned for the millennium or first of the year baby. She came 10 days early. She was due on Jan. 11 and that's why we had plans for New Year's Day. Even our regular doctor, Sandra Koch, wasn't available as she had plans for that day. So, Dr. Amy Hayes delivered Kylar."
Mike said that Sandra was disappointed she wasn't available due to the holiday.
"Danae wasn't supposed to have the baby that quick," added Mike, who was laughing. "I was there for every minute and I must say it was an adrenalin rush and a high for me. I was there for Connor's birth too."
Mike works for the State of Nevada as a water technician at the Marlette Water Treatment facility and Danae works for Employer's Insurance Company of Nevada.
"I've been with them 14 years," noted Mike. "And Danae is set to go back to work on March 1."
FUN STUFF
While visiting with them in their Carson City home, Mike and I were also watching a football playoff game and he admitted he's a fan of the game.
"I play a lot of golf too," he said. "I carry a 4-handicap. We spend a lot of family time together and we like to travel too."
Danae keeps active when not working.
"I'm still going to school," she said. "I go to WNCC. I'm taking business management courses. Between that and work and now two kids, that keeps me busy."
They are also heavily involved in church and are members of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church on King Street.
"Connor will start preschool there this year," noted Danae. "And Kylar will go there too when the time comes."
Well, the time had come for me to depart and I asked if they had anything to add.
"Just that we're blessed, very blessed," they answered, almost in unison. "We're happy!"
And that's what it's all about, wouldn't you say?
ALAN ROGERS is a Nevada Appeal columnist. His message phone is 887-2430, ext. 402.
