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.