And life goes on...

Grady had his 2 week check-up today, and he weighed 8 lbs, 11.6 ounces and was 21 inches long, so he is growing. He's pretty much in the 50th percentile for everything. The doctor asked us a bunch of questions about his eating and sleeping habits and his overall temperment. I must say that it was easy to answer these questions because, knock on wood, he is an easy baby just like Drew was. My guess is that we'll pay for this in their teenage years. I suppose I can live with that. His pediatrician even told me that I can let him sleep once I put him down after the 10 pm feeding...yippee! I've been waking him up at 2:30 am to feed him, but we'll just see how long he can go or my boobs can go...

We're gearing up for Halloween now. We'll carve our pumpkin tonight, and we might even roast the pumpkin seeds. I haven't done that in a very long time. Drew has a party at school today, and he's wearing his "fireman" costume as he likes to call it. He used to call it his firetruck car, so we're getting there. We'll head over to Woodstock tomorrow evening to watch the GA/FL game and trick or treat with friends. I'll post pics of that later.

I hate to admit this, but I've been watching and enjoying lots of Yankees baseball lately. It's nice to watch when I'm nursing late at night. Plus, it's been keeping Dave awake for that late night feeding, and I do love the company; although, Dave's been pretty amazing each night by running downstairs to refresh my water or bring me a bottle if we need it. I'm a lucky girl to have such a supportive husband. We also realized the tremendous value of having my parents right here last night (as if we didn't know...), but Dave came home with a migraine, and I'm just now able to get up and down the stairs throughout the day. Anyway, with Dave out of commission for awhile last night, Pops and Gaga were an integral part of getting Drew to eat his dinner, and they read to him, so I could feed Grady.

Drew with his new Thomas the Train shaving set



Drew holding his "Baby Grady"

The first few days...

We've had a great first few days home with Grady. It's been very helpful that Dave has been here too. I really couldn't take care of Grady and Drew without him...ok, Dave is really the one taking care of Drew these days. He takes him to school, picks him up, gives him a bath, and puts him to bed. Since I'm still in some pain, the best I can do is read to him or watch him play baseball in the backyard with Dave. And as always, my parents are a tremendous help. They have been cooking some great meals lately. As I type this, my mom is cooking a roast in the oven.

I wanted to share a couple of stories about Drew that are too funny. He switched classes about 2 weeks ago to the 3 year old preschool room. He is by far one of the youngest in this class. There are kids in his class that are turning 4, so the pressure was on to get potty-trained. When we went to get him yesterday, his teachers, Ms. Jackie and Ms. Faye, told us that Drew came to them complaining that he was "hurting" yesterday and pointed to his stomach. They thought he was cramping b/c we've had some issues with that in the past in Drew, so they sent him to the potty to sit. Ms. Jackie went to check on him and realized that the hurting he felt was b/c he had his male member stuck in the band of his underoos...poor guy. We really practiced pulling them up all the way last night, so hopefully he was pain free today.

As you can see from that story, Drew's teachers are called Ms. Jackie and Ms. Faye...emphasis on Ms. for this story...Drew started calling Chelsea (my sis in law) and my mom, Ms. Chels & Ms. Gaga. Well, last night he really wanted Dave's attention at the dinner table, so he yelled out Ms. Dada, Ms. Dada, Ms. Dada until he got his attention. It was hilarious.

Grady continues to grow and eat like a champ. He is sleeping well during the day and pretty well at night. He has a witching hour from about 8 until 11...we're working on it, so say your prayers for us.

Drew loving on "Baby Grady" as he calls him


Drewman Has (That's what he has nicknamed himself...pretty clever.)

Mama & her boys

Drew & Grady with Drew's new singing Handy Manny toolbox from Nonna & Papa

Grady is here!

So here we are on our way out the door to the hospital...looking rather large and in charge. I'm retaining some serious fluid in this picture. That's also why you won't see me in many pics from the hospital. I was so puffy and begged everyone not to take my pic. I'm looking "better" now, but you'll just have to wait.

About 4 hours after the above pic,and Grady is here! It's hard to believe.

My parents, Gaga & Pops, with Grady

Drew meeting his baby brother for the first time. He was instantly hooked. He is always asking for Baby Grady as he likes to call him.

Dave's parents - Nonna and Papa

Dave..

Most of you know by now, but Grady Joseph arrived on October 15, 2009 at 12:30 pm via c-section. He weighed 8lb, 10z at 20.5 inches long. We are home now and doing well. Grady is a name that Dave and I liked; it happens to be a great uncle's name from my mom's side too. Joseph is a tribute to Dave's grandfather who he was very close with.

Thanks to Nonna, Papa, Gaga, & Pops for taking care of Drew while we spent 3 days in the

hospital. We came home yesterday around noon. Gaga and Pops continue to help us with the dogs and feed us some great food. We had a great dinner last night and survived our first night of feedings with relative ease. I really have to give them special thanks because of all they do for us. It's amazing!

I had a minor hormonal breakdown this morning as to be expected...a few tears were shed. As I look back a few hours later, I'm not sure what it was about, but I guess I don't need a reason to cry right now. They are just going to flow out of me right now. I hope the 30 lbs. I have to lose will flow out of me too; although, looking at Grady, each and every pound was worth it. Except when I think back to the loads of ice cream, blonde brownies, and Chick-fil-A shakes I consumed, I kind of want to puke right now. I indulged with yogurt and grapes lately...quite a change. Sometimes when I catch sight of my "gut" or my pancake ass, I feel the need to go for a 10 mile run, but I know that will happen in due time.

The dogs are adjusting well to little Grady. They want to follow anyone who has him in their arms, and he's been bathed in kisses from all of them. In fact, Sally and Tex took turns kissing him and then kissing each other almost as if they were saying to each other, "Doesn't that taste good?!" It was hilarious. Scout is more into checking him out than actually touching him, and they held a vigil outside our door last night when he was crying. Sadly, Tex and Scout are now sleeping in their crates in a guest bedroom. We figured Grady didn't need nose, ear, and mouthfuls of dog hair at such a young age.

Many people have asked about the adjustment from 1 to 2 kids...well, so far so good at approx 5 days in. We definitely have to be a team since we don't want Drew to feel left out. And by team, I mean relying on my parents to help out too. It doesn't appear that Drew will suffer much from a lack of attention. He also seriously scored big time in the toy department this week. I think Dave and I both feel a little more relaxed this time around which is so nice. Again, thanks for all the well wishes. We greatly appreciate all of you.

A final post...

So, we're 2 days and counting. I can't figure out if it's more daunting that I know exactly when the baby will be here or if it's worse to not know. I really can't tell you how I'm feeling about that. I can tell you that I am ready to give birth and meet this baby; although, I could hold off on the middle of the night feedings that are about to enter back into my world. Dave's parents arrive tonight, and I'm excited that they will be able to be a part of this experience with us. Drew will be happy to be spoiled by both sets of grandparents over the next few days.

Drew is now potty trained thanks to the peer pressure in his new classroom at school. His teachers, Miss Jackie & Miss Faye, are amazing. They even sent home his pack of pullups for naptime saying that he didn't need them anymore. YES! This is beyond exciting. Of course, I've been warned that he might regress once the baby is here, but these are also the people who want to have in depth conversations with me about what sex the baby is based on how I look and feel...just wait people, we'll all know on Thursday! I know everyone means well, but I need a sign that reads..."C-section, noon, Thurs 10/15, don't know sex, have gained close to 45-50 lbs (I stopped looking at the scale once I knew I outweighed my brother.), 2nd child, 1st one is almost 3 years old, live with parents, so they will help with baby, going back to work full-time in Jan." Maybe I should invent something like that for other moms-to-be; although, maybe I'm the only bitch in the world who doesn't want to answer these questions anymore??!! I'm betting that I'm not the only one.

As I type this, the baby is moving all around. Ok, maybe not all around b/c he/she is soooo big, but I'm getting some serious jabs in the gut and bladder. It's funny to think that the little one will be in my arms in a matter of days. I can't wait!

I did want to take the time to thank my parents and Dave for putting up with me and my immense amounts of crap the last 9 months. I have been a pain in the butt, and let's be honest, the next few weeks could be hell for them too...hormones and sleep deprivation! What did I do to deserve parents who cook, clean, do laundry, and love me & my family (+2 dogs) unconditionally?! And what did I do to deserve a husband who tells me to eat what I want and that I'm pregnant, so not to worry about the weight gain?! I am so lucky because you should see my ass, double chin, and swollen ankles/feet/toes.

Until next time...

8 lbs, 15 oz...that's the estimated weight right now! Holy crap!

My doctor is estimating that the baby CURRENTLY weighs 8 lbs, 15 oz., so that's one big baby. He's thinking the baby will definitely be over 9 lbs when he or she arrives. I would like to think I'll lose a good 30 lbs at delivery since the baby is soooooo big, but let's be honest...I've eaten my way through brownies, M&M's, ice cream, and various other sweets. Enjoy this pic! Hopefully, baby Yuhas will be here sooner rather than later...NOON on 10/15/09.