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.

More lake pictures...

My friend, Amy, did a great post on her blog about our trip to the lake, so I thought I would steal her pics and post them on my blog. She also did a great job expressing what a great group we have. I feel very fortunate to have these women/moms in my life. Those of you who have been wanting to see more pics of my belly....here you go. It's hard to avoid in many of these pictures.

A great collage of the trip...


L to R: Amy & Brayden (3 1/2 mo), Denah & Luke (5 mo), Michelle & Parker Jane (16 mo), & Kari (due Oct 15) & Drew (2 1/2 yrs)

One last trip...

This weekend we took a short (1.5 hour) trip to a lake right over the state line in North Carolina with some friends from my work. It was a great getaway. Here are some pics.

Dave, "Baby" Parker as Drew calls her, & Drew


Drew on the boat right before he fell asleep

Drew taking a nap on the boat after we got back from an hour boat trip where he slept the entire time

Last day at the pool...and a belly pic!

Dave and I took Drew to the pool today for the last time; it closes tomorrow. It was a little chilly, but he jumped right in with Dave. It's hard to believe that he was hardly swimming at all when summer started.

Dave gives Drew a haircut! He does a great job.

Ok, so I really want to post a picture of me as I'm headed out the door to work with makeup and a better outfit on, but this is the reality of what I look like most days with just over 5 weeks to go. Fat, tired, and very pregnant! Enjoy! Is that a double chin?!?! I think so.