Rebecca's First Bath

If only I could get these hands behind my head, then I'd be comfortable!

We got to bathe Rebecca pretty early on in her life since her umbilical stump fell off when she was just 6 days old.  Here are a couple pictures we took that night.  Funny thing is that Jacob had just gone to bed when we gave Rebecca her bath, and he was apparently pretty jealous judging by the sobs we heard once we started running the bath water.  Jacob loves bathtime to pieces, but we found out Rebecca wasn't too thrilled with her first real bathing experience.  Luckily she's warmed up to quite a bit!

The sour face

Slightly more relaxed...

Out of the water at last!

Easter thoughts

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday yesterday.  Rebecca and I went (back) to church, the ward choir that I lead sounded great singing "This is the Christ"...good thing we started preparing that song back in February so we could take a few weeks off when Rebecca came...and Jacob managed to survive his third week of nursery. In the afternoon while the kids were both sleeping, we listened to Elder Holland's italics-laden and thus emphatically important conference talk, None Were With Him.  The following is an excerpt from that talk:

Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are.

I am particularly grateful for these family members that I've been blessed with to accompany me in my "little version" of the Savior's Via Dolorosa, and I am eternally grateful for the Savior's life, Atonement, sacrifice and love. 

Jacob Goes Under the Knife

So, Jacob got ear tubes put in Thursday. This is a relatively simple procedure that takes about ten minutes, but that does require the patient going under general anesthesia. We showed up to the hospital at 12:00, like we were told to. Jacob had not eaten since 5:30 AM, when I had woken up to feed him (I determined that Stacey wakes up to feed Rebecca most of the time when she requires night feeding, so I would do the “night” feeding of Jacob, kind of like the Bishopric in Soda Springs always being in charge of snow removal in July). So, after waiting for about 2.5 hours, they called us back and started getting Jacob ready. He put on a little gown, and had to wait for longer. 

By that time he had not eaten for a long time, not drunk anything for a long time, and was about 1.5 hours overdue for a nap. I asked if I could come back during the surgery, and they said I could be back there up until he was out. I donned a little suit (yes, a little one, posing a problem for this large person), and went back there with him. Jacob was not very happy when they laid him down on the operating table. He was crying pretty bad, and was really sad. They kept on saying, “What’s wrong, Jacob?”, and I just wanted to shout “He is 19 months old, has not eaten in a long time, has been refused his nap, has been waiting for 2.5 hours in a strange place, is laying next to naked on a cold table surrounded by strangers dressed oddly. What do you think is wrong?”  The anesthesiologist resident said that generally they give children a little something to drink that makes them sleepy, and then knock them out completely with gas. But, since I was going to be there, he said he would not use the drink. When we were in there getting ready to use the gas and Jacob was upset, there was a tense exchange between one of the normal doctor people and the resident that basically suggested that Jacob should have gotten the liquid to sedate him. In any event, he was on the table, crying a lot, thrashing around as we held him down, as one of the doctors had a gas mask over his mouth until he slowly became drugged enough to lie still and be out.

Once he was still, they had me leave. It was a good thing that Stacey did not have to see all that. 

Then, we waited. The audiologist came down and talked to us, as did the ENT. The tubes went in well, and the hearing test Jacob had went well. The hearing test is an ABR test, which is the same little test they do on newborns where they electrically stimulate parts of the brain to see what happens. But, when you are 18 months, you move more, so being gassed helps. He is a bit deficient in the hearing area, but not bad enough to warrant hearing aids, so, of the three oldest in our family, Jacob hears best.

After a little bit longer, they led us up to the recovery room where Jacob was sound asleep. Since he had not had a nap, he was still out. I asked the nurse that was there how we know if he is just tired, and he said we don't. So, we woke Jacob up. It was so weird to see him in a little gown, with an IV, on a huge hospital bed. So sad, and so cute at the same time. 

He was a bit groggy. We sat there for a while, and then just went home.

Jacob recovered well. Here he is right after we got home, with his legs kicked up on the recliner, taking it easy with some saltines and water. He didn't really seem to have any problems, he ate fine that night, and seemed pretty normal.

So, that is that. Jacob was gassed, punctured and electrocuted all in the same day, and he lived to tell the tale.

Jacob's Third Haircut

Our son managed to survive his third haircut a couple weeks ago.  Here is some pre-bath evidence:

Showing off the top:

Jeff cut his own hair a couple hours later.  We made no record of this event, however.  We don't document grown-up haircuts unless there is adequate reason to do so.  Better luck next time on getting 12 inches. honey.    

Tricks

Jacob has learned a few more things lately that we wanted to share with the general readership.  

Rebecca is still working on her tricks, but for the most part she just excels at eating and sleeping and going through diapers faster than you can say, well, diaper.  

I'll let you kill babies if you let me kill murderers

So, I just read this article: It is about this rule that suggests that health care providers not be forced to provide services they are morally opposed to. The main argument against this rule is that it limits reproductive choice (whatever that means), and that it was ideologically driven. Similarly for the stem cell debate--scientists suggested that the ban was standing in the way of good science and that it was only an ideological ploy. How are these ideological aversions to different things any different from an ideological aversion to torturing terrorists, in light of the fact that doing so may provide useful information? Or how about capital punishment, given that it will at least most certainly prevent the executed from committing further crime? Both sides in these debates seem to be ideologues in some situations, but ridicule any thought of "ideology" in an other.What do you think about this?

Fun with play dough

Here is Jacob loving the play dough I made for him this morning.  He liked watching me roll "scary snakes" which he then proceeded to throw around like they were really scary snakes.  Apparently he knows that snakes make a hissing sound, too, so that was fun.  

Stacking is so fun!

From the mouths of babes

The top 4 things Rebecca has said in her 7 days on earth. "Please, do not touch me. I won't touch you, so you don't touch me. We all keep to ourselves, and we all keep happy."

"I really dont know what this kid is all excited about. It is like he has never had his picture taken before. Maybe no one ever wanted to take a picture of him because of his crazy hair."

"This picture taking process is really interfering with my nap time. Can we move things along here?"

"The first thing I do when this stump falls off is enter a swimming suit competition."

Little Toes

So, Jacob is slowly but surely growing interested in Rebecca. He has touched her a little bit, and it is pretty funny to see him and her together. They share a room, and in the night when she is crying her heart out, he sleeps. When I go in there to get her, he wakes up, and just laughs at me. Last night I looked right at him up close in the middle of the night, and he was just beaming, as if to say, "This is the best thing in my life. I never knew I was allowed to wake up before it was morning!" Several times when we are carrying her, he reaches out from his crib and hands a little stuffed star he has, his gift to his little sister. Here he is, finally consenting to touch her. Still just looking at this stage. You may want to mute this one, as Rebecca was just about due for a feeding.

Rebecca Lea Hoopes

So, we had a baby. Following is a lengthy description of the event (for those who care to know), followed by some pictures in no particular order (for those with a mere passing interest in what went on):

Headed to the Hospital

At about 4:30 Friday morning, Stacey woke me up and told me that she was in labor. She was. We got all ready, called someone from the ward to come watch Jacob, and left for the hospital. The girl who came, Tisha, came so quickly, we were very impressed. We would soon find out how good that was. After she arrived, we went to the hospital. On the way, Stacey called the hospital to tell them we were coming. She had some difficulties telling them all about herself (her personal information and such) while she was having contractions, but, she did it.

Pre-Birth

We got to the hospital, parked, and went in. They had Stacey fill out some paperwork, and we went into a room. She was checked, and was at a 10, and so the baby was REALLY coming. Stacey had not determined if she wanted an epidural, but, she didn’t really get a choice. At 5:14, they put a monitor on the baby, and her heart was having some problems, so they got a little nervous. They had Stacey push, and the baby was not doing well. The doctor had arrived, and they were getting ready to push her out to the OR to cut the baby out. But, the doctor, Doctor Mozurkewich, told them to try a bit longer, and within two pushes, the baby came out.

Birth

As I saw the head coming out, it was all grey and squished—nothing like Jacob’s head (as I remember it). I noticed the baby’s color changing slightly, they took it over to a little table, and started sucking water out. The grey color started to change, a little crying started to happen. As she laid on the table, she became more and more pink. The baby scored a 2 on the APGAR at birth, so, things were not looking good. But, she progressed quickly, and at 5 minutes, was a 9. After she lay there for a bit, she was weighed, and came in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces. In the mean time, Stacey was dealing with the afterbirth. All was going fairly well. I had held the baby a bit, and asked if Stacey could hold it. They said yes, and were about to put a diaper on, but, I asked if Stacey could just hold our little girl without a diaper. There is something about never having worn clothes that is special to me. It is the first part of the Fall that a normal baby is subject to, and it usually does not take more than a couple minutes. Our little girl lasted almost a half hour without being subject to such a thing. While good and all, clothes really are something very odd, and I thought it would be good if Stacey could hold this little girl prior to her having been clothed in any way. So, Stacey held her. Stacey had a little bit of a time getting her bleeding under control, but after several pills and a shot, she stopped with her bleeding, and was content to just sit there and watch us with the baby.

Afterbirth

Interestingly, here, they do not take the baby out of the room to do anything. It is very possible to have stayed at the hospital the whole time without mother or baby leaving the room. So, after the baby was bathed and such, we hung out. People periodically came in to check on us, but, not nearly so often as they did in Provo. We felt simultaneously abandoned and like we had a lot of privacy. We spent the day calling family and looking at our cute little daughter. Up till then, she did not have a name. About 2:00, my Uncle Doug, who is serving a mission here in Ann Arbor with his wife (who is out of town attending to some duties), came and visited. It was so good to have family right in the area that could come and hang out with us. We chatted with him for a while. Also, throughout the day, Stacey made some phone calls finalizing her master’s thesis submission. At about 2:00 AM the night before, she had submitted the final copy to the BYU library so they could print it, and that needed a few phone calls to be done with.

Home for the Night

After a full day of hanging out, I went and fetched Jacob, and went home. I had some time to think, and so I did so. We were so blessed to have someone come to take care of Jacob who was so fast. Given how quickly the birth went, had we not had that, we could have had a baby in the car. And, if we would have had a baby in the car, I am not sure we would still have a viable baby. Likewise, had I been at school when the baby came, and Stacey would have waited for me to come home to go to the hospital with her (as we had planned on doing), we would have had a baby at our house and, likewise, might not have a viable baby right now. Likewise, we were so blessed that the doctor decided to give Stacey one last chance to push the baby out, instead of cutting the baby out of her. Had that happened, Stacey would (as do all women) have had a much harder next couple weeks as she recovered from a major operation as well as having a new baby to take care of.

Naming the baby

So, in the morning, I took Jacob to the hospital so he could meet his new little sister. By that time we had finalized a name, Rebecca Lea Hoopes. We really liked the name Rebecca, and so chose that as a first name. Stacey’s middle name is Lea, after her great grandmother Norma Lea. Norma was named Lea because her family came from Kentucky and moved to Idaho. Her mother was very afraid that her children would forget their southern roots, and so named her daughters names related to the south, Virginia, and Norma Lea. Lea comes from Robert E. Lee, the venerable southern general. So, Rebecca is named after Stacey who is named after Norma who is named after Robert E. Lee. So, now you know.

Jacob and Rebecca

In any event, Jacob went to the hospital, and just loved riding in the little cart they have for kids to ride in. We got to the room, and Jacob did not seem terribly impressed with the little wrapped package that Stacey was holding. But, after we had been there for about a half hour, I think he realized there was something different about that package, as his mom and dad seemed to pay inadvertent attention to that package. He became curious, and kept on looking at Rebecca. I think now he realizes now that Rebecca is a little person. It was very cute.

After the First Visit

After that visit, Jacob and I went back home, I worked on some homework, and then we went and picked up Stacey’s mom, Tracey. Tracey came from Virginia, and with her, we went back to the hospital. Jacob continued to figure out what Rebecca was all about, and Tracey enjoyed holding her newest and most favorite little granddaughter. Up until that time, Rebecca had not successfully passed her hearing screen, and we were supposed to come back in a couple weeks to get it retested. But, we decided to try again, and she passed. So, that is very good. In light of her hearing deficient family, she will go in six months for another try, but, for now, she can hear. After spending a bit more time at the hospital, we went home. It was good to have my whole family in my house, to have Tracey there to help, and to have all safe and well. We were so blessed to have everything work out.

Little Rebecca in her blanket her Aunt Tess made for her. Dad and daughter. Grandma explains important things about babies to little Jacob, like, "Because she cries and opens her mouth does not mean you should put things in." Grandma and Rebecca. Mom and daughter. The family picture. This one took several times to get, as we took it with a timer. In several Jacob had his mouth open, as is his custom, but, we got this one that was alright. Little Jacob examining his new sister, wondering what she is all about. Jacob, again examining that little package that is Mom is holding so tightly. Stacey and Rebecca, before Rebecca had ever even worn a diaper. Dad and daughter. Great Uncle Doug and little Rebecca. The new member of the family, before Jacob came to join us. Fresh out of the womb. Really fresh out of the womb.

Rebecca Lea Hoopes

This morning at 5:31, Stacey and I (and Jacob, although he was asleep) welcomed the newest member of our family into the extra-uterine world. Rebecca was 8 pounds 15 ounces, was 20.25 inches, and was very quick in coming. It took about 25 minutes from the time we parked at the hospital before Rebecca was here. We are so grateful to have a healthy little daughter. Keep posted for more pictures and updates. In an act of silliness, I forgot to bring the camera cord for our camera, so all our pictures are being held hostage on the camera.

Pay it Forward winners

Okay - the winners are as follows:

1. Erin M
2. Sara R
3. Sarah N (who posted on Facebook)
4. Myrna H (who though she does not have a blog deserves something homemade, I make exceptions for truly remarkable people, what can I say?)
5. Trina A

Many thanks to my husband and son for attempting to play, thus making it seem like more of a competition than it really was. :) And I probably won't take all year to get something to you all, by the way. Just giving myself some cushion room in the event that life gets crazy. I suspect it might about any day now...yes, we're still waiting for our little daughter to join us ex utero. I'm sure she'll be darling!

Playing with our only child (for now)

Here is Jacob and Mom and Dad playing. Fun.

Paying it Forward, as they say...

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make for you!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year. (This gives me plenty of time!)
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a cd of songs recorded by me (even better if Jeff were on there too). It may be a self portrait or maybe even some creation I haven't yet dreamed up. I may bake you something and mail it to you, though that may be best reserved for the locals. It may not be big or impressive. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure! But lets be honest here. This is me and I will likely do something amazing. So come on, sign up!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. But I probably will not do something strange, since I at least try to live under the guise that I am slightly normal. The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to post this same information on their blog and leave a comment telling me they did will win a lovely homemade gift by me! Let's keep the chain of love going around!!

A Poem for the day

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore-- And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

-Langston Hughes