Family Hug

He's Here!

Austin Todd Fitzgerald arrived November 16, 2009 at 4:53 pm. He weighed 9 lbs is 21 inches long.  We went to the hospital Sunday night at eight o'clock for a scheduled induction but soon after arriving we realized I was already in labor. Andy and I had envisioned a peaceful night of sleep after they started the induction process but instead were up all night long as my contractions kicked in.  By 5 am I was in a lot of pain as the contractions got more intense and the time in between them got shorter.  I got an epidural at 7:30 Monday morning and felt much better after that.  Everyone assured us it wouldn't be long and the doctor predicted we would be ready to start pushing around one o'clock.  One thing I have learned after two pregnancies and deliveries is that my boys are not early or particularly fast (they get that from their father of course).  We were finally ready to go at 4 pm and just under an hour later I was holding a beautiful, healthy little boy on my chest.  So far he is following in his brother's footsteps in both size and temperament.  Speaking of his brother, Edward is doing great.  There is no shortage of grandparents around this week and they have all pitched in to help take care of him and make sure he is well entertained.  The eight inches of snow we got earlier in the week also helped to keep him occupied.  He loves to play in the "no" and will eat as much as he can get his hands on.  We are so thankful for our two little men and look forward to watching them grow up together.

Halloween Snowstorm

Inspecting the latest addition to his ball collection.

Trying it out in the snow (it didn't work so well)

Our little fireman braved the snow to go to a Halloween party and Uncle Mark and Aunt Dusty's

Edward the fireman and Asher the puppy dog

Fall Fun

Picking out the perfect pumpkin for our little pumpkins! I have one hiding under my shirt

Edward navigating the straw maze. In true Fitzgerald form he was the first one out.

Edward and Cousin Annabella

A little lunch before heading home.

Trip to Alabama

We traveled to Alabama for Labor Day weekend. As usual we packed in a ton including a family reunion, celebrating Gus' second birthday and a trip to Lake Guntersville. It was a true joy watching Edward and Gus play together. They really were sweet to each other and there were plenty of hugs to go around. Edward picked up so many words thanks to all the encouragment from my parents and everyone else. His favorites of the week were pop-paw and Amen. Thanks for a wonderful trip, can't wait till next time when we get all THREE boys together.  You can see more pictures from our trip here and here on Geraldine's blog.

Family Hayride and Edward and Gus trying their best to be farmers

Happy (belated) Birthday

Happy Birthday Andy. We celebrated last Wednesday with a delicious lobster dinner fresh from Maine (thanks Chris and Kelly). We had a great time with good friends on Sunday night bowling and eating good ole southern bbq at Moes. You're a great dad and currently Edward's favorite, and I know why. You are lots of fun, make up the best games and always make us laugh. We can't wait for you to come home every afternoon and look forward to weekends when we all get to hang out. Hope you had a great birthday. We love you.

Queen for a Day

It is no secret that dog's get the short end of the stick once kids come along. Melinda used to sleep in the bed, under the covers with me. Andy put a stop to that after we got married. Now she is not allowed upstairs or anywhere near our bedrooms or rooms with carpet. She is not allowed on the rug in the living room or on any of the furniture. She's okay though, she has a nice comfy bed that she loves and she is still in the middle of most of the action. And, of course, she is always under Edward's high chair when it is feeding time. She has been long overdue for a bath and after a weekend at the kennel was nearing offensive. I made an appointment with the groomer (normally I wash her myself at the Pet Station but I didn't have the time or the will this week) and after an hour and a half of the full beauty treatment I went to pick her up. I have never laughed so hard. Melinda has NEVER had bows in her fur, she has had a pink collar but that is about as girlie as we have ever gotten. Somehow little red check bows on an 85 lb lab just don't go but I can't take them out, they are too funny. I think she is slightly embarassed but she is handling it well. She has gotten lots of extra loving today becuase she is soft and smells good. What do you think? Is it a good look for her?