GRETCHEN ANN ELIZABETH GRANT IS HERE!!!

Gretchen was born Dec 9th right after noon. We started the induction (the drugs) at 8:30 am and the doctor broke my water at around 10 (followed quickly by an epidural before things got too exciting) ~ then we were ready to roll! Four pushes later and there she was!! All 9 lb 3.4 oz and 21 inches long... 'a tall drink of water' as the doctor said ;) She's long and lean - with huge hands and feet to grow in to.

With the support of our families we're off to a great start. Nana and Pop watched Dyson while we were in the hospital and Mema and Grandpa took care of us for the first few weeks home. We are so blessed to have family to lean on and share this exciting time with.

Baby is doing great (gaining weight and shedding the little jaundice she had in the hospital). Brother is thrilled, but a little bored by the lack of activity from his new playmate. Daddy and mommy are happy, just very, very tired.

Here's some new below pictures ;) This will be out last post but please feel free to email for updates - teamgrant@yahoo.com.

A huge thank you to everyone that's been reading and keeping up with our baby blog. And for all the treasures and soft lovelies you've been sending (especially Gigi's Great Aunt Suzie, whom in cahoots with my mom keep both of my kids well dressed all the way from Cali). Lots of love to you all!!

Last few updates...

Well first the highlights, then some pictures ;)

We're scheduled to induce THIS UPCOMING Thursday! Our last doctor's appointment went well - uneventful really... she said the contractions are all a good sign. Baby Gretchen is moving 'down' and we're still 3cm (90% effaced) so all is well.

So I'd never complain, because we're having a healthy baby (and already have an amazing healthy, happy, smart son) but I've had my first taste of Sciatic Pain and it's a doozie! I think we have a big baby on our hands... but I was 10 lb 10 oz so I deserve it ;)

Showers, Vists and Doctors - oh my!

We had a wonderful weekend!

Started with a baby shower - from Ms Kimberlee and Ms Haley - with plenty of yummies, friends and pink/green decor... it was great ;) I was thankful to have Mom and Lori visiting to partake in the festivities as well (pictures to come...).

This morning we had a doctors visit and... drum roll... we're 3cm (and 'thinned' and 90% effaced)!!!! AMAZING from 0cm report last week! YAY! All that excitement... we're getting ready!

We set a date!

YAY! Confirmed today - Dec 9th will be Gretchen's induction date! ;)

Still at zero!

Second weekly appointment (we're 36 weeks and 1 day today) and I'm still not dilated, at all! Show's how much I know... I was convinced I was primed and ready! ;)

On the good news, I did get the doctor's okay for Dec 9th for the induction - just need the scheduling nurse to call and confirm they don't already have three people scheduled for that morning. Fingers crossed!

Early or *really* big???

So Gretchen will either be a very big (and strong!) baby and/or is running out of room in mommy's tummy. She's stretching and kicking... I'm feeling a lot of movement - which is great! But it's making sleeping and well, anything else, a little more challenging.

We're excited to have family close for the upcoming holidays - momma and Lori are coming out the weekend before Thanksgiving for my baby shower and some nursery prep! Going to be great! Then the following weekend we'll have Nana and Pop (and Great Uncle Bobo?) for Turkey day. We were *thrilled* to hear we wont be missing out on any homemade cooking! ;)

Then... miss Gigi will be seeing all of her grandparents for the delivery and her aunts and uncles shortly thereafter. Lucky duck to have so many people in our lives excited for her arrival!

"Baby room" now open!

Last night Dyson officially moved downstairs to the main floor for his new "big boy room" because he's too old for the baby room (nursery upstairs). To top it off he's in his new bed - which Daddy built and Dyson LOVED!

It was all very exciting (and emotional for the pregnant mommy)... Dyson was thrilled, Daddy was pleased Dy was happy (and willing to give some decorating tips for the baby room for Gigi - 'green' was the color of choice) and Mommy cried... tears of joy. Just feel like my baby boy is soooooo far away from me ;)

So to my own momma (Dyson, Gigi that's 'Mema' to you) - I'm sorry for being so oblivious on how my moving across the country for school could actually cause you physical pain. Had no idea until I had a glimpse from the other side of the coin!