I, obviously had intended to post this yesterday but amidst the hustle and bustle of the day did not make the time to finish writing it. I have had the pictures ready for nearly a week! Yes, I am a mother of a ONE year old! Yikes! I wanted to take a moment and write down Kate's birth story while I still have some vague memory of it so for your reading enjoyment....
On the morning of April 3rd, 2008 I woke with an urgency (7:00 AM yes, I had to go to the bathroom!). We just finished re-plumbing our upstairs bathroom so it was time for this baby to come out. Natalie, our live-in friend at the time recalls that I was up and moving before she was that morning though if you know her that isn't all that unusual. We headed to Mass that morning in Kieler (8:15 AM). And I announced to her that I thought today would be the day the baby came and entreated her to run a few errands with me before that happened. Next, we headed to the chiropractor (9:30 AM) for my aching hips and lower back. Then to the library (10:15 AM) in Cuba City to return my late books and check out a supply of books and movies for when the baby came, to pass the time. We stopped by my friend Rachael's in town and she invited us to go for a walk. So we WALKED! (11:00 AM) If I recall it was a pretty brisk walk for a "over-due" pregnant lady. The weather that day was spring like we were finally losing some of the huge piles of snow we'd stored that winter. It was warm enough for just a fleece jacket and I think the sun even peeked out that morning. Natalie and I were invited to stay for lunch (12:00 NOON) and by the end of the meal I could not sit any longer. I finally called Kurt at work. He says I didn't tell him that I was in labor just that I thought that the baby was going to come today and he should come home 'early'. I really don't remember what I said. Anyway, Natalie and I headed back to our house in Kieler, this time with her behind the wheel. We started to watch one of the movies from the library and I thought I'd move things along if I could with the side lying position we learned in Bradley Birthing classes. I think it worked. I couldn't make it through the movie. The pain in my back was so uncomfortable I decided maybe a warm bath would help. Shortly after I hopped in the tub Kurt came home (2:30 PM) after much urging from his then boss (THANKS John!). With my coach there we started timing contractions. They were close together but not lasting very long. We called the hospital (3:00 PM) wondering if this was the real thing. They weren't much help at deciding that for us. And said it was up to us if we made the drive. By 4:00 PM we decided to head to Lancaster, figuring if it didn't work out at the hospital we could use our Happy Joe's gift certificate and have our 'last' date. Labor progressed in the car and when we arrived at Grant Regional Hospital at 4:30 PM I couldn't make it down the hallway to the maternity ward without stopping to catch my breath. Kurt and I still were in denial that this was actually happening. We left the bags in the car (including all the packed supplies and camera) figuring there would be ample opportunity to go and get them later. As it happened we never headed back to the car. After 4 and a half hours of labor, me pushing the last half hour, our little girl was born! Kathryn Mary Snyder weighed in at 9 lbs, 7 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. She, as you can see from pictures, had a full head of hair that she never lost. And for the first twenty minutes of her life outside the womb she cried- her mother's daughter, Kurt said.
The next day of course, we got out the camera and had quite a few visitors stop in starting with our friend Louie and traffic was pretty constant till we were allowed to leave at 9 PM on the 4th. It was GREAT to get home with our little one. Kurt had a firefighters test that Saturday so my folks and favorite uncle John came down to stay with us through the weekend. The Snyders were able to stop in at our home and meet number 15 of the grandkids on that side. Later that month my mom was able to be with us for a week and help out. And Tom and Trina and family came to meet their first niece/cousin. She was a big hit!
I was perusing through a years worth of pictures and picked out a few highlights. Most of which I haven't posted here before.
Reading Jane Austin with Gramma Ann. Gotta love Pride and Prejudice.
Listening to a story from Grandpa Trent. She still seems so little here!
Her one month pictures! This is her ridiculously good looking pose.
Here's the girl at 7 months. We took these as Christmas pictures.
With Great Gramma Helen in matching blue velor playing dominoes.
Katie with Grandma Mary, look at those cheeks!
On her first airplane flight to Phoenix. Dad is so proud.
And here's one with me, our self portrait.
Finally, a few shots from yesterday. We had a fish fry at our house for some friends and family to celebrate the big day. Kate especially liked sitting with the other kids. She didn't want to sit with me or in her chair.
Kate on Rachael's lap eating her ice cream cake that Dad made. And Jeffery watching closely.
With new puzzle pieces- fun!
Kate with her new doll "Bob". She can already say his name!
Happy Birthday Katie! Dad and I love you immensely and have loved you since God blessed us with your existence! We are so glad you have made us a family. Life was not nearly as exciting without you and we're looking forward to celebrating your birth for years to come!
Playing with the great selection of toys.
Our Easter baskets...ready a little early.
A trip to downtown Dubuque with stops at the Fenlon Place Elevator, Pixie Stix Toy Store and the ice cream shoppe.
Riding the elevator!
The view from the top!
Helping Angie in the kitchen...you can't have too many cooks in my opinion. ;-)
I love the looks on their faces!
More kitchen help!
Playing dress-up at a friends house- 8 kids 5 adults.
Nice outfit!
Swinging....he couldn't be happier with all these ladies around.
The teeter totter was a big hit.
Katie agrees with her mom, "We should have company more often!"
