Eyes Wide Open

With each day that passes, Grady becomes more alert and it's very exciting to see the changes. When he was first born, he didn't open his eyes much and sleep pretty much all of the time (as expected).

Now, even though we are only approaching the two week mark, he's getting more and more curious each day. He likes to be carried around the house so his eyes can wander... they're now staying open MUCH MUCH longer. He even likes swinging in his little chair just looking around at the world, us, and the pets!

We're so excited to see his progress. I know it's not much to some people, but it's the world to us! Here's one of those eyes wide open pictures! (Courtesy of Michele again).

On our own... scary.

This morning we bid farewell to our remaining support staff: Michele, Daniel, and Mom WA.

Throughout the break we had so many people stop by and help. Pre-Christmas the Hunter crew came to visit (Mom, Dad, Alicia, and Trent) to help get everything ready for the holidays.

I remember Karen in her gogogogogogo mode running poor Alicia into the ground with batch of cookies after batch of cookies!! :)

Then right after Christmas, Michele, Chris, Daniel, Mom WA, and Laura (twice!!) came out to help us prepare for LBH (Little Baby Hunter, for those of you not following). They cooked, and baked, and baked, and baked some more... yes, it needed to be said 3x times because we practically had a pie or cake every other day!

Michele cooked so many wonderful meals and between her, Mom WA, and Laura, we have a freezer full of casseroles to keep us from starving or resorting to fast food!

Mom WA helped out with everything from food prep to shopping for groceries, to working in the basement sweat shop pumping out over-sized receiving blankets, hats, and booties!! :)

And they cleaned! Everyone was so helpful from doing everything from vacuuming to cleaning out the litter boxes (wow - that's love right there!!). Ms. Laura even got down on her hands and knees and cleaned the dreaded basement steps... for that she should be awarded the Bronze Star!

Prior to Grady's birth, we had our evening card sessions (where the girls always seemed to beat the guys), which was then followed by our late night zombie killing sessions, or other action packed video games (without the girls of course). Oh, how I enjoy kicking back and relaxing with family.

Let's not forget Daniel who helped us test or internal security system... and initiated the "Hall of Forbidden Treasures". The pets are going to miss him too! Someone to always pet them, play with them... give them toys... wear them out... helping vacuum... counting money... doing the dishes... Here's a few of Daniel and his work! (some images copyright Michele... hopefully she doesn't mind me borrowing them). :)

Look what I caught for you Jasmine! Sit boo boo sit!


TEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Wake-up, you can't be tired! We're not done playing yet!


Safety first!


We eat the vacuum right? Mmm... tastes like Chocolate!


Seven, eight, nine, ten quarters...

It's a scary thought now... the house is going to be a little too quiet, no one around to help out, to cook for us, to do the shopping, to make blankets, hats, crib skirts, and more...

I guess what I'm really trying to say is thanks for all the help and support over the last month, we love you guys so much!

Favorite Grady Picture!

Well, a lot of people have told me that this is their favorite picture of Grady, and since I didn't include it in my original list of pics, I figure I'll add it now!

Isn't he the cutest little bear you've ever seen!?!?! :)

Enter... Grady Hunter!

Okay, okay... you don't want to hear me ramble anymore... you want the goods! So here are the pictures you have been eagerly awaiting!

Grady Everett Hunter - Born 1/12/09, 7lb 13oz, 21 inches.

Look at the happy mommy and daddy with baby Grady! He's soooo cute! :)

Yes, that is really daddy putting on Grady's first diaper! This means I'm done right? No more, right? ;)

I'm 7 lb, 13.4 oz and posing for the camera! :)

I'm not done yet - put me back in!!!

The lights are bright! The lights are bright! :)

LBH... is almost here...

On Saturday, January 10, 2009, mommy starting having solid contractions about 8-10 minutes apart... throughout the evening and the next day they intensified to about 6-7 minutes apart, but not quite at the 5 minute mark.

Walking around the neighborhood increased the frequency and intensity, shortening the contractions to 3 minutes and sometimes as short as 2. At about 10pm on Sunday night, 28 hours after the contractions began, we decided to head to the hospital... and they admitted Karen!

There was little progress throughout the night and into the morning... and when the doctors checked at 10am not much had changed... it looked like we were in for a loooooong labor. Mommy and Daddy tried to rest as much as possible convinced it would be a while.

Michele, Daniel, and Mom WA stopped by for a short visit to see us and since there was little progress, they decided to go home and relax for a bit.

Well, when the nurse came in 20 minutes later she was amazed by the progress. It was go time! The quick call when out for the crew to come back quick to see LBH!

It was time... after a short 55 minutes of pushing, LBH was born! Enter the world.... Grady Hunter! :)

Grady Everett Hunter

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to take a quick second to introduce our new baby boy Grady Everett Hunter! Baby and mommy are doing well.

Grady was born at 2:02pm on Monday, January 12th, 2009 weighing in at 7lb 13oz and 21 inches long.

After a few hours of sleep we'll try to get some pictures up for everyone.

YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYYAAAAAY! :)

Atmel Christmas Party - Happy Mommy!

Well this year's Atmel Christmas party has come and gone... like last year, the 5 foot 8.5 inch Santa (Jesse) and his little elf, 6 foot 3 inch (Eric), played host for the post-potluck "white elephant" or gift exchange.

As usual, everyone had a blast, but I think the happiest person of all has to be the little mommy herself! After the last round where all the gifts keep getting stolen, she decided to head to the tree for the final gift...

Would it be a winner or a dud? What do you think?

I think the smile says it all, don't you?

Don't worry Aunt Michele and Aunt Laura, even as much as she loves her Chocolate, I'm sure Karen and Aunt Alicia couldn't possibly go through this in one week, right? :)