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!