Christmas Rundown 2012

Well, this is just a little post to keep for the kids so when Sam is 20, he can look back at this and realize just how awesome Christmas was as a kid, even if we didn't have tons of money.  Here's hoping that maybe when Sam is 20, we WILL have tons of money....but I won't hold my breath!

On Dec.22nd we had Christmas with my family at our house.  We did just a small lunch with lunch meat, chips, and cookies!  The kids were super excited to open presents b/c my brother had shown up the week before and left all his wrapped presents at our house.  My beloved children had to see those presents under the tree for an entire week before they were allowed to open them. So when everyone arrived, we opened presents first.  That's not something we usually do but I couldn't stand making them wait longer.  Sam got a drumset and camcorder from my parents, a hexbug from Becky, and Joe and Karrie got him Pokemon Conquest for DS and $5!  Isabel got a doll, a pram for the doll, an Ariel bathset, an Ariel playset, and a Princess Cupcake game.  Kalen got a Hotwheels Bike, several Big Boots figures/vehicles and a Mickey Mouse DVD!  The best response was when Dad brought in his bike and Kalen exclaimed "For me!?  I love my motorcycle!"  That is now what he calls it!  Sam also jumped up and down repeatedly screaming "oh my, oh my, thank you!" for the drumset!  It was a fun day indeed!  Zeke got a box of diapers and some little things here and there.  Kurtis got a Sam's club membership and I got a lava lamp!

Christmas Eve was spent with Kurtis' family.  The kids and some adults went carolling after dinner and as tradition, Grandpa Eber read the birth story of Christ from scriptures.  We really enjoyed our time with them.  Sam got a new card game called Skip Bo, Isabel got a Ariel Play Dough set and Kalen got some airplanes!  Zeke got another box of diapers and we're super excited about that!

On Christmas morning we were shocked that the children slept until 8am!  Even Izzy came and climbed in bed with us.  I asked her if Santa came and left presents and she said "yeah, I saw them on my way to your room"  and then she curled up next to Daddy and went back to sleep.  When the boys woke up, everyone went out to the tree.  By the time I got out of the bathroom, Isabel had opened everyone's stockings....including mine!  They were so excited!  Sam really made out with "Skylanders Giants for Wii", a Bakugan Dragonoid, a Star Wars Lego carrying case and the present he's been begging for: an R/C Air Hogs helicopter!  The funny thing was that Kurtis couldn't get the helicopter to fly until he gave Kalen a turn to try and sure enough, the 3yo figured out how to make the thing fly!  Izzy got a Cinderella Castle dollhouse that looks just like the one in DisneyWorld, a giraffe blanket, a Christmas dress with matching dress for her American Girl doll, and Dora Gymnastic video!  Kalen got a talking dumptruck, a Lego set for his age, a HotWheels semi that carries other Hotwheels and shoots them out the front, and a Chase Transformer.  He spent most of Christmas morning going from gift to gift shouting "open this!  open this!"  Zeke finally got some toys from Santa!  A doggie blankey, a mirror that lays on the floor for when he practices belly time and a music box that connects to his crib!  Daddy got a Brooklyn Nets t-shirt and Jason Mraz CD and Mommy got a Notre Dame t-shirt and a t-shirt that says "Aggies!" on it (you have to know the story behind that one).
After we opened our presents and got ready for the day, we went to Springboro Police Dept and had lunch with Papaw, Mamaw and Aunt Fern.  My dad had to work for the holiday and it was so nice to just go and spend a little time with him.  Kalen loved seeing the Police cars and seeing Papaw as a police officer!  They even turned on the lights and sirens on the cruiser!!!  It may be a new family tradition.  My dad often talks about how the older officers would work on Christmas morning so Dad could be there with us when we were younger.  And now he does it for the other younger officers!  I'm so proud of my dad for that.  I was also proud of my kids for being willing to give up "play time with our new toys" to go spend time with Papaw!  It really is the best part of the holidays!

words of wisdom by Sam

Daddy told Sam that if he made the Naughty list by Santa, he would only get coal for Christmas.
Sam: "I'm okay with getting coal for Christmas!  Wanna know why?  B/c then I can put it in my rock collection!"
He's ever the optimist!

While Kalen chases him around the house, hitting him with a plastic sword:
Sam: "it doesn't hurt me when he hits me with the sword...unless he hits my head....or my neck...and my hand!"

who says girls are the only ones who dress for the holidays?

When you have a baby at the end of November, you tend to receive  A LOT of Christmas outfits!  Here are just a few that Zeke has received this year or as hand-me-downs from Kalen who was also born at the end of November:)  More will be forthcoming!

This is an outfit from Sheri Blunck!

This Santa outfit is from Cindy Floyd.  There are Santa faces on the feet and tush!

This is from Sheri Blunck

This is an outfit that Penny DeFino bought for Kalen.  It is super warm!

Zeke's first bath

Gotta embarass him when he's older:  Zeke's first bath was Thursday.  He slept for five hours afterwards so from here on out we will be bathing him at like 10pm!

On my own....

It's been a little over two weeks since Zeke was born and I am spoiled.  Since Sammy was a c-section (and all my other children have been born by c-section), Kurtis has always taken two weeks off of work and stayed home with me.  Part of it is to allow me to heal and part is b/c I'm not supposed to drive for two weeks.  It's hard to get around when you can't drive.  It is so nice to have my husband around for two whole weeks after giving birth esp. since I have a hard time moving the first week at least.  I know I'm spoiled.  Most women don't get this luxury!  But I find that when it's time for the hubs to go back to work, I'm scared out of my mind!
As of Monday, Kurtis goes back to the daily grind and I find myself now fully responsible for four kids without my tag team partner.  Now the positive is that Sam and Izzy will be at school for part of the day but even that is only for three days before they are on Christmas Break!  I will now be responsible for picking up and dropping off for school and managing the rambuncitious three year old and newborn!  Can I do it?  Probably.  Will it kill me?  Let's hope not!  Will I pass out from sheer exhaustion by the time Kurtis walks in the door at night?  Most definitely!  But I am thankful for the time I've had his help.
Allow me a moment to brag about my husband's unbelievable-ness!  Not only has he taken the two weeks off of work.  Not only did he stay in the hospital with me the entire four days.  Not only has he helped me in and out of the shower.  Not only has he taken Kalen everywhere b/c I'm not allowed to pick him up.  Not only has he done the grocery shopping and household chores.  Did I mention that I have yet had to feed the baby in the middle of the night b/c Kurtis has gotten up with the baby for EVERY nighttime feeding since he was born?!  He's just unbelievable!  He's for sure and certain a keeper and yes, I'm spoiled!  I know it!
So let's be honest..I'm the mom of four beautiful children and I have a hot and hunky husband who does way too much for me!  I must've done something right in my life to be soooo blessed:)

Today's Isabel-ism

Isabel, while coloring, "hey Mom, is this Nico?" 
Mommy: "is what Nico?" 
Isabel: "you know, Nico! in the rainbow!!" 
Mommy: "you mean 'indigo'?"
Isabel: "wait!  Nico is ingo?  how do you say it?"
Mommy: "In-di-go"

flying through the air with the greatest of ease!

So Kalen has shown a tremendous amount of interest involving Zeke. I've tried to encourage it b/c we were worried that Kalen would be jealous, etc.  Every single day he asks to hold the baby at least once.  He'll say things like "baby's eyes open" and "he likes me!"  All which make me laugh at his enthusiasm.  Last Friday Kalen asked to hold baby and I said yes.  He assumed the position on the couch with his legs sticking out and his arms outstretched ready to hold the little guy.  I stood in front of him for when he got tired.  But even as I stood there, I was not prepared for Kalen to say "I done!" and then proceed to fling his little (one week old) brother into the air!  Luckily, Zeke rolled over onto the couch cushion beside Kalen instead of landing on the floor in front of the couch!  The truly sad thing is that had this happened to my first child, I would've been mortified.  As this is my fourth child, I laughed it off, grateful that Zeke landed on the couch and I was nearby to rescue him immediately.  I'm learning quickly not to sweat the small stuff.  After all, kids are made of nerf!

Zeke the old man

Isabel says that when Zeke wrinkles his forehead he looks like an old man.  "But he's not really an old man; he's just a baby.  But he looks like an old man."  She's right; he kinda does:)

favorite sayings from coming home from hospital

Isabel: "mommy, your belly isn't big anymore." 
Mommy: "no honey, they took the baby out of it."
Isabel: "it's still bigger than mine but not so big."

Kalen: "I just miss you Mommy!"

the Grand Finale of the Kurtis Eber family!

November 29, 2012--
Kurtis and I were on our way to Miami Valley South Hospital at 4:30am, I checked in at 5:30am, and my c-section was scheduled for 7:30am.  Everything actually ran on time and a healthy baby boy was born at 7:45am.  My OB/GYN actually commented on how solid he looked and was sure he was a chunky baby.  With my baby history, we thought he might be right.  The baby measured in at 7 lbs. 13 oz and Dr. Imbody said "really?  he looks bigger!  Are you sure it's not 8 lbs. 13 oz?"  Very funny.  The baby was actually crying as soon as his face was showing.  Once they got his head out, he really started squalling!!  He didn't calm down until he was dressed and in Daddy's arms but he didn't open his eyes (it's very bright in the OR) until Mommy talked to him!
My blood pressure had dropped repeatedly during the surgery so it went in waves-one minute I would feel great; the next minute I was certain I was going to faint.  It was very rough in that aspect.  Once the drs started my tubal ligation, things got very rough for me.  My blood pressure dropped considerably and the medication wasn't working fast enough to keep me from throwing up on the operating table.  You know those tubes that they use at the dentist--the ones that suction up your spit as they clean your teeth?  Well, when you are throwing up on an operating table while assuming the "crucifix position", they use a much bigger suction tube to catch the vomit.  Too much information!  Well, now we all know what to expect if you are ever in the situation that I was in!  After that lovely moment, we stabilized my blood pressure but I was suffering from pain in my neck and a headache that was working behind my eyes.  It was the first c-section where they've let me wear my glasses so I could actually see my baby and I had to ask that they take my glasses away b/c I was so nauseous from the headache.  They used cold rags to calm down my body temp and help with the headache.  Once I was completely stitched up,  I felt much better.  Off to recovery, we went.
It took me a great deal of time for the spinal block to wear off so I went about 3 hrs without feeling my legs.  I was told I had to stay laying flat on my back b/c of the blood pressure roller coaster.  It was so hard to hold the baby b/c he ended up laying kind of upside-down while I held him so I really didn't hold him for the first 2.5 hrs of his life.  My mom actually held him before I did--and she's very excited about that fact.  Kurtis fed him his first bottle.  Once he got a bath, was swaddled, and in Daddy's arms, he settled right down and fell asleep.  He barely cried after that.
 It took us a few hours to name him.  Kurtis wanted me to hold him first before deciding on a name.  And since I was laying flat, I didn't hold him for so long.  We finally settled on Ezekiel Robert Eber.  Ezekiel came from me liking the name "Zeke" but Kurtis insisting that he have a professional name for when he was an adult.  He also looks a great deal like Sam as an infant and we thought well, Sam is named for an Old Testament prophet so should this one.  And actually, b/c Kalen's first name is Joseph, they are all named after an Old Testament prophet:)  Robert is from my grandfather (Mom's Dad) who passed away when I was a senior in high school.  My mom's brother was also "Robert" and the baby was born on Uncle Bob's 70th birthday so Robert seemed extremely fitting!
The rest of the day was a series of naps, feedings, and me just trying to sit up for a few spurts at a time.  Around 5pm, Sam, Izzy, and Kal made their way into the room with Grandma and Grandpa Eber.   Isabel held the baby first and several times after!  She was very excited.  Sammy held a few times as well but when it came time to go home, he began to cry that he did not get to stay overnight in the hospital with us.  He kissed me and Zeke repeatedly and finally was convinced to go home and come visit the next day after school.  I was fortunate to email pictures of the baby to both Izzy's and Sammy's teachers.  Apparently, both teachers showed the entire class the pictures and Sammy and Izzy got to tell everyone the baby's name and  how exciting it is to be a big brother/sister.  They each got a new shirt that said "Big Brother" or "Big Sister", including Kalen.  Kalen was not too impressed with the new baby.  He did have a moment where he came over and said "Baby, sweet!"  and then walked off.  He would not have anything to do with me in the hospital bed.  I think it freaked him out.  Hopefully he'll get over the next time they bring him by.
It was a full day!  Very joyous and tiring!  But thank Heavens he's here to be loved and adored.  Final stats: Ezekiel "Zeke" Robert Eber born Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at 7:45am.  Weighing 7 lbs. 13 oz and 19.5 inches long.  A bit of dark brown hair and chubby cheeks.  A beautiful boy that I'm totally in love with! 
I'm thankful for good doctors, a fabulous husband who never left my side, healthy babies, and a Father in Heaven who kept us in His Hands at all times.  Life is good!

presenting Joseph Kalen

Today is Kalen's birthday and here are some "Kalen highlights"!
Kalen's favorite shows currently: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, he recently discovered Toy Story and Bob the Builder
Kalen's favorite toys: his siblings, Hotwheels, cars/trucks, Transformers
He now sleeps in a big boy bed and loves to introduce himself as "I K-ker big boy!"
He is not potty trained yet but maybe after the new baby comes.  He loves to wrestle, his Papaw, and time with Daddy.
He is not very good at going to sleep at bedtime and tries to stay up as late as possible.  He can be rough with his sister and brother but he will also give hugs, say "sorry" and sometimes you can even get a kiss.  He loves for you to "sit me" (sit by him) and likes to eat "donuts", "chicken", and "searl" (cereal).  His favorite cereal is Cocoa Puffs.  He claps and cheers when you give him a juice box.  He still sleeps with his "Mickey" and "bit" (blanket).  He likes to be outside A LOT and is excited for his new baby brother to come.  He is a ball of energy and sometimes can be a handful but he's also SO FUNNY!  I've never laughed the way I laugh at this kid and the things he does.  He just so much fun to be around.  And he's extremely cute to look at.

the world that I live in

Today while waiting to see my doctor I realized that I left my book in the car so to pass the time, I read through my journal.  I've used this journal for a long time and I record EVERYTHING during my pregnancies....everything.  I record weight gain, blood pressure, questions for the doctor, the day after the birth I record everything I can remember about the delivery/surgery, names of drs and nurses I saw, who visited the baby, what gifts we're given, and you get the idea....everything!  So this morning was fun for me as I read through my fears/impressions/dreams from when I was pregnant with Sam, Izzy, and Kalen.  I laughed at how scared I was to have one child, then two children, and three?  Ah, scary!!!  And now number four is soon to arrive!  But I think the funniest thing about it all is--it never changes!  All I've ever wanted, every single time, is a healthy baby, to be a good mother, to be loved by my children as much as I love them.  I want a safe world in which to raise them!  I want to feel secure in our family, our finances, and in our love for one another.
In the last decade, esp. since I now feel like a "real adult" b/c I have little people for whom I responsible, I look at the world--constant changes in moral/ethical/political agendas.  Elections that unleash fury and hatred (both before and after election day).  Hurricane Katrinas, Superstorm Sandys, 9-11s/terrorist attacks, and the closing of Hostess, loss of jobs, failing housing markets, general upheaval and FEAR!!!  Unbelievable fear caused by uncertainty!  And my desires are still the same--safety, health, and stability for my children, my family, for those whom I love with all my being.
I will be having my son in 10 days and the world is a scary place currently.  For the first time in nine years of marriage, Kurtis and I have two mortgages with no renter in sight for our old house.  Money is tight, Christmas is coming, and babies are expensive.  BUT Thanksgiving is three days away and I have a grateful heart.  I have faith, not just in a Divine Being, a Heavenly Father, but in my husband, my kids, my family, myself and my world.  There are good people in this world---many good people!  I'm lucky to know many of them and I'm convinced there are far more out there than I will ever know.  I look to Thanksgiving Day knowing that I'm thankful for my husband who, at the times when he sees me at my worst, still loves me as though I were at my best.  I'm thankful for my children for even when they are driving me crazy, they are innocent enough to be truly genuine!  I'm thankful for a religious faith--a chance to believe that there is Someone and something out there that is bigger than this mess we call life. 
I used to have a quote on my dorm door that read "I live in my own world but it's okay b/c they know me here!"  I still live in my own world and it's still okay.....I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

sometimes you remember....

While taking Isabel to school today, I saw an elderly man walking down the street.  I did not know him and he did not resemble anyone I knew but he caused a spark in my heart that made me think of my Grandpa Snapp (my mom's dad).  Grandpa passed away April 21, 1997, almost a month before I graduated high school.  I remember my graduation being a little difficult b/c Grandpa wasn't in pictures and couldn't be there; his passing, at the time, was too fresh.  For several years, I made a point of visiting his grave every year on his birthday.  My mom still places Christmas lights on his headstone every Christmas Eve b/c it was his favorite holiday.  I wish I could say that I've kept the tradition of visiting his grave every year but I haven't.  I've gone on to start/finish college, start/finish a career and start a family.  At times I get so caught up in life that I go without thinking of him.  There was a time that I would've felt guilty over that but I've learned a few things.
Just b/c I don't think of Grandpa every single day doesn't mean that I've forgotten him or stopped loving him.  At times, Kalen will do something and I'm certain that Grandpa has whispered ornery ideas into my little toddler's head as he's sleeping!  I'm blessed to occassionally dream of Grandpa or his house and I wake up knowing that he's looking in on me.  I sometimes ponder the amount of trouble that Grandpa and my beloved Kurtis would've gotten themselves into had they had time together on this earth.  Trust me, the two of them are as mischievous as they come and I would've had my hands full if those two had time to "play".  I know that there will come a day when I will see him again and I know that the reunion will be sweet and full of love.
In a few weeks, I'll be giving birth to my last child--another little boy.  His middle name will be Robert in honor of Robert Wilson Snapp.  Robert is also the name of my mother's brother, my dear Uncle Bob, who passed away of cancer a few years ago.  Fittingly, this baby will be delivered on my Uncle Bob's birthday.
At times we move forward in our lives and seem to not think of loved ones who have passed on but that doesn't stop them from being in our hearts.  I know that they look in on us and rejoice that we've found a way to move on in life and find happiness despite their absence.  And I know that there will come a day when we will see each other again.  But until then, take the little moments when they seep into your thoughts and just enjoy the remembering.....

hunting chickens

on the way home from church on Sunday, Sam suggests to Daddy that we go hunting for chicken and then we can make chicken nuggets and fries...Daddy tries to explain that it is not that simple...he asks "and where do you think fries come from?"....Isabel says instantly "McDonald's!"....well, lesson learned:)

Sam's education on politics AND religion

I should not have been surprised when Sam came home on election day and announced that his class had a mock election.  We don't discuss politics around the kids....ever!  I kinda want them to stay young and innocent and unconcerned about political issues for as long as possible.  So, with that being said---
Sam declares on the way home that he voted for Mitt Romney.
Me: "really, why?"
Sam: "b/c I didn't know who to vote for and his name was in red.  Red is my favorite color."
Me: "oh, well, cool.  Sam, did you know that Mitt Romney is a mormon?"
Sam: "What's a mormon?"
Me: "Do you know the name of the church we go to?"
Sam: "Church"
Me: "It's the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Mitt Romney also goes to that church."
Sam: "Mitt Romney goes to our church?"
Me: "Well, he goes to a church just like ours but not the same building."
Sam: "Mom, can you write a note to my teacher and tell her that we know Mitt Romney and he goes to our church!"

Well, at least now he knows what  a Mormon is!

Trick or Treat 2012

Trick or Treat in the neighborhood was last night.  The kids were so excited all day!  Kalen talked all day about "treat treating" and ended up falling asleep on the couch at 5:15pm, when trick or treating started at 6pm.  And of course, we realized that Sam's costume was the wrong size at 4pm and the store had no other sizes.  So we stripped him down as much as possible and put his costume on anyway.  I told him that he had to be cold b/c we couldn't fit any clothes on underneath!  They had a great time though and Kalen loved his Rescue Bots "Heatwave" costume!  Halloween isn't really my holiday but the kids had a lot of fun!!!

the month that is October

I've tried to post the cute things the kids say and do in the last few weeks but I also realize that I've left out a few exciting things that have rocked our October.  Please let me state first though that I am not fond of this month.  I'm not a huge Halloween person and really this year October is just the month I have to get through to have this baby in November.   But let's be honest, if the baby was due in May, I'd feel that way about April:)   Anyhoo.....
The very beginning of October was an exciting moment.  A gal from church works for a high-risk OB/GYN at Miami Valley Hospital.  She had told me that the office was getting a new 3D ultrasound machine and wanted to know if I would be a belly model for them to practice.  Now, this is the one and only time I've ever been asked to be  a "model" of any sort so I jumped on it!  It also helped that I get free 3D shots of the baby.  I really never pay for the 3D pics b/c they are expensive and really for Sam and Izzy, 3D was still a pretty new gig.  But this has been so exciting with this guy.  I had to lay on my back for an hour which was a bit killer but to see my little guy in there moving and such; it is truly a miraculous thing to see ultrasounds.  I don't care what anyone says!  Sonograms are almost divine in their abiltiy to show me this child growing inside of me.  I could not and still cannot get over how much he resembles his siblings!  I think I'll have another Kalen-looking boy in the house!

The kids will tell you that the best part of October was Uncle Joe's wedding!  It was, in the words of Sam, "the best day of his life"!!  Sam was the ringbearer and Izzy was flower girl.  They were truly adorable.  Izzy wore a gorgeous little gown that cost a fortune but I got it big enough that she will wear it for the next two years:)  And Sam was hot stuff in a rented tux that matched the groom and groomsmen.  Each of the kids changed into jammies by the time the dance music started and let's just say that the little mormon kids cut a rug on the dance floor.  Sam even managed to clear the entire dance floor for his break-dancing skills.  It made this very pregnant, hormonal woman sob a few times as I watched my brother's face light up with pure happiness as he married Karrie.  I love my brother dearly and to see him so happy and to be a part of it was just overwhelming for me.  He even asked Kurtis to say a blessing on the food at the reception.  That fact that he included my kids and husband on such a special day warmed my heart!  It really was a lot of fun, even though the travelling was tiring!  I thank my Lord above for this crazy, frustrating, loving family that I have. 
I also decided to make them a quilt as a wedding present. It was the first quilt and I've learned a few things from the experience.  1.  Never make your first quilt as a gift for someone else.  2.  Give yourself more than six weeks to make a quilt for someone.  3.  Measure more than twice before you cut.   4. Sewing/cutting fabric while you are eight months pregnant will result in the fabric shifting every time you lean over to cut it.   The belly obstructs all ability to cut and measure!  That being said, I ended up very proud with the final result and look forward to trying again with making quilts for my kids and myself!

Lastly, I'll tell a little story of the infamous "belly" picture.  Every time I've been pregnant, as my belly expands my belly button (which is normally an "inny") becomes an "outy".  Kurtis and I always laugh about how much it looks like a nose and how I should draw a face on my belly just for fun.  Well, this year, with Halloween around the corner, there are stickers everywhere for pumpkin decorating.  I just decided that since this is my last pregnancy, I should go for it and used the stickers to decorate my "pumpkin".  Now I'm extremely self-conscious of my stretch marks and such but it really is too funny to not share.  And it really turned out perfect.  Kalen spent all day demanding that I lift my shirt up so he could see the "silly" as he called it.  It brought such humor to our family for a day and my kids just couldn't get enough of it!