Jacob Michael Gattuso has arrived

October 19th this sweet boy joined our family at 2:11pm weighing 8lbs. 3oz and 21 1/2inches long. Like his sisters he was about 3 weeks early (36 weeks and 6 days).



One of my favorite doctors (Dr Fleming) was on call and I was more than ready to have Jacob come into this world.



The night before we went out to dinner with Michael's parents and I kept telling everyone this was like my last supper so I had to make it good. I just had a feeling. Apparently my feeling was right. I had started timing my contractions at about 4am and finally woke up Michael at 5:45am to let him know that they were getting closer together. I did my best to hold off calling the Dr until I knew the girls were almost up. I really wanted to say goodbye to them and explain that it was finally time for Jacob to "pop" out as they would say. We got to the hospital about 8:45am and I was at about 3 1/2. I was admitted and got in my room and got an epidural within the next hour. Unfortunately it didn't work like it should have and I only felt it in some places and so most of the contractions I was feeling. By the time I had reached 6cm they decided to take it out and give me another one. I progressed quickly and basically went from a 6 to a 10 without and epidural. It finally kicked in about 3 minutes before I pushed and as Michael seems to be telling everyone the rest was "easy" as two pushes later, Jacob was here. I keep reminding my dear husband that although that part was "easy" please don't forget that is that "fastest" yet hardest labor so far. He's still learning.

Of course it was all worth it. Look at what we get in return





Our first family picture as a family of five



The girls were overjoyed to be able to finally come to the hospital and wear their big sister shirts. They had long been awaiting this day as well.



Michael's parents came for a visit on Monday evening so we were all elated that they could be here for the birth of their grandson just a few days after their arrival! It was very helpful to have them home with the girls while we were at the hospital. Thanks Mike and Sue!



It was also great to have my parents home from Arizona and be a part of this whole process again. It's been nice to have them around to help as well. Juggling three might take me a little while so it's a good thing they live around the corner ;)



My mom couldn't resist taking a picture of Michael trying to change his sons first diaper. It's a little different than he's used to. He's always been a champ at helping with diaper duty but over a week later he still keeps telling me it's a two person job...hmmm



Here is Baby Jacob locked and loaded, ready to go home to his crazy sisters



I thought I would enjoy my "vacation" but I trying to orchestrate things from the hospital it just seemed a little easier to do it hands on at home, so I was ready to be released too!



What can I say, these girls are completely loving their new little brother.



Can't you tell?