Welcome Home Corbin James

It was only 19 degrees this morning at 7 o'clock when I stepped outside for some fresh air.  I hate hospitals.  They smell like old people.  And urine.  And shots. 

Dr. Kim ok'd my release, and, after a little begging, the pediatrician ok'd Corbin's release too.  So, we are headed home after only 24-hours in the hospital. 

Thank God. 

I'm excited! And anxious to get home and heal where I'm comfortable in my own surroundings and begin bonding with my little love bug.  And why nobody bothered to tell me I wouldn't be able to pee like a normal person because of the catheter, well...that's just cruel, people! Seriously! 

I called Charlie and told him to bring the girls by after school to meet their baby brother, but asked if he would keep them one more night just so I have an opportunity to settle in and figure out Corbin's temperament. 

Of course they were excited and begged to stay home - Kara even cried - but, I told them it was only for one more night.  They weren't happy about it, but I think they understood.

Corbin is, without a doubt, the most adorable little thing.  I study his face and he looks exactly like Jim.  I can't stop kissing his full cheeks.

Before leaving, Carley said, "Mom, I can't believe what a cute baby we all have!"

I melt!

Welcome To The World Corbin James

He's here! He's here!

As much as I did not want to be induced, I'm secretly glad Dr. Kim induced my labor because the diabetes caused Corbin to grow larger than even she expected.  He is by far my biggest child, weighing in at 8# 4 ounces.  He's 21 inches long, has a 14-inch head and a 14-inch chest.  Can you say, Oh. My. God!?

Also different this time around is the little fact that I had an epidural.  I labored and delivered naturally with the other kids, and two were with the assistance of a nurse midwife, but I guess they do things differently in Ohio because that option is not available as far as I know. 

The epidural helped with the contractions, however, it had pretty much worn off by the time delivery rolled around, and, so...I felt everything!  He got stuck and it took 24 minutes of pushing and pulling to get him out. 

But...he's finally here!

39 Weeks

Delivery morning!

Finally, the day we've been waiting for has arrived.  Kara and Carley spent last night with their dad so that Jim and I could be at the hospital by 5:00 AM.  I'm so excited to meet this little dude! 

Family Matters

I have found myself in the final nesting stage of this pregnancy - overwhelmingly busy with tedious organization of the nursery, cleaning and disinfecting every single room in our new house to the point of sterility, and cooking meals to freeze because God knows when that will happen again after we bring home our new addition in a few short weeks.

We moved into this place on the 27th of October, it's a house we're renting with the option to buy should they decide to sell it in a year or two, and within a week I had completely unpacked every single box, put every item in its new home, hung pictures, organized cabinets and settled everyone in - all by myself.

The day after we moved in, we were honored at a couples tailgating baby shower at the VFW, courtesy of my best girlfriend, Deb, with a little help from Jimmy's sister-in-law.  A lot of Jim's friends showed up to congratulate him and all the guys watched football and drank beer.  I just wanted to go home and find a spot which wasn't overtaken by boxes, put my feet up and sleep.  I was THAT exhausted!

My sister came for a visit last Friday with Gabby, Austin and one of Austin's friends.  They stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge so the kids could enjoy the water park, taking Kara and Carley to splash around as well, because I am having a difficult time maneuvering my large body around at this point.  My feet are swollen; obviously, I am retaining a tremendous amount of water.  I no longer have ankles and now understand the whole concept of cankles, although mine are much worse than Hillary Clinton's.  It hurts to wear my flip flops, that's how bad it is. 

We went to Casa Fiesta for dinner Friday night, Red Lobster on Saturday night and had brunch at Bob Evans on Sunday before she left for Michigan.  It was great seeing her and catching up, in between her running around with ALL the kids.  She came and picked the girls up for the afternoon on Saturday and they all went shopping.  When I met them at Red Lobster later that evening, I was met with bags and boxes from their fun-filled afternoon.  They even went to Toys R Us and bought things for the baby: diapers, diaper bag, bottles, rattles, and an activity floor mat that plays music.  They surprised me with a diamond and white gold cross necklace, which was not only an unexpected surprise but such a heartfelt gesture, it made me cry.   

I miss living close to my sister.  I know she feels the same way, especially since giving birth to her own daughter.  Gabby has changed her.  She's more patient and focused than she used to be, and she doesn't seem to sweat the small stuff anymore.  It's truly been a blessing having her around the past couple days.