Baby Russell came into the world on Monday, October 10th! He was beautiful and healthy, and BIG! He was 9 lbs. 5 oz. and 20.5 inches long. A little chunk. Did I mention he was beautiful? I know I shouldn't say that about my little boy, but he is just such a pretty baby. Pretty, pretty, pretty!!! He is a good sleeper during the day. :) My mom has been here for a week and has been such an amazing help. She leaves tomorrow morning. My kids have fallen in love with her all over again, like they do every time. I think the whole family is going to cry for a week when she leaves. I wish she lived closer, but it is really wonderful that she came to stay. I sure appreciate and love my mom!!

The other kids adore Russell. No jealousy so far, even from Richie. They gather around him and coo and talk to him in baby voices. Wally and Erin are always asking to hold him. Zach and Richie just like to sit and pet his head softly. They are so sweet to him. He is such a good baby, very even-tempered. Without the baby monitor, I can't even hear him crying. I'm sure he'll build up his lungs in this loud household though.

Today is my due date. I am excited for State Tennis this weekend, but sitting here this morning with my huge belly... I can't bend over. I can hardly sit down. Or stand up. My back hurts and so does my stomach. My feet are disgusting and swollen. Mostly I am just tired of feeling so HUGE. Ugh. I am not excited to go through labor and recovery. I finally packed my hospital bag today and remembering what is going to happen... does not make me happy. BUT I am still ready to be done being pregnant. I want to exercise and be skinny again! Part of me definitely wishes this baby would come today. It is my due date after all. We will see if I make it til Monday. FIVE MORE DAYS LITTLE RUSSELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's almost time....

I went to pick up Wally from pre-school today at my friend Trish's house. He left the house before me and ran outside to get in the car. When I followed him out, I heard him yell to me in a panic, "Mom, Richie is DEAD!!!" I have to admit my heart skipped a beat when I heard this. I checked and Richie was still just sound asleep, apparently oblivious to all the yelling and pushing and who knows what else Wally was doing to try to wake him up. I showed this to Wally, and he was greatly relieved. Laughing, he told me, "Oh, that was funny."