Yellow Babies, Wet Toddlers

Well we just came back for our second bilirubin check at the doctors office this morning. Sam is still looking yellow but not having any trouble eating or gaining weight. He is now almost back to his birthweight of 6 lbs 9 oz (6 lb 8 oz today). Fortunately Sam doesn't need to go back to the hospital for phototherapy and instead a special bed was sent to the house. Jake is having a lot of fun with all the extra attention from grandparents. Yesterday they went to the Atlanta botanical gardens down the street and had some misadventures. (watch the video, soon to be viral)

Samuel Paul Cuda has Arrived

He came a little earlier than expected but both Mandy and baby are doing fine. After having contractions most of Satruday during the day the starting coming stronger and more frequent that evening. We arrived at the hosptital around 0600 and starting pushing at 1250 pm. The official time of birth is 1331. He was 6 lbs 9 oz, 19 inches long and healthy. I wll try to start posting a little more frequently now that the new baby is here and it's sometimes hard to get pictures out to everyone.







He has dimples just like jake and has his nose as well. Mandy should be able to come home from the hospital today. Thank you for all the family support

Summerfest

We live in a pretty awesome location here in Atlanta. We didn't realize how awesome until spring arrived and every festival that is worth attending in Atlanta seems to be within 1/2 mile of our house. We live in Virginia Highlands and they had their summer festival this weekend. It was an amazing collection of artist, vendors, and live music. Even free dinner and beer on Friday night for neighborhood residents. We live really close to Piedmont Park where concerts, movies, and other festivals are held on a nearly weekly basis. I think it is good for us because we'd probably never venture out to any of these events if we weren't able to walk to them. I know, we're just really boring right now. Here are some pictures of Jake at the Summerfest. He was supposed to dress as his favorite movie character. We quickly grabbed his lederhosen and he became Pinnochio or one of the boys from the Sound of Music. True, not his favorite movie, but costumes are tough to throw together. Well maybe for everyone except Kate...

Success on the Potty!

I know Jake will be completely embarrased that we blogged about this someday, but he pooped and peed on the potty today! We're still in the timed, sit, and wait stage of potty training, nothing independent yet, but this is a great step. He received much praise, candy, and some time flying his Chinook. He also seemed genuinely pleased with himself, as well. Our goal is to have him trained by the time Baby Brother arrives. This gives me hope that it may actually happen!

8 Weeks and counting

Jake is used to being the center of attention around the house. So in 8 weeks I figure he has a pretty big shock coming. He seems to understand that someone new is going to be joining us. He sometimes says "wake up baby brother" to Mandy's Belly. He even tried to share his sandwich with her belly button. I wish I could have gotten tha on video. He also is really into jumping as well so i included a quick video of him showing off for the camera.




We also have some new ultrasound pictures of "baby brother"

Vacation without the Keiki

Scott and I, thanks to my mom, dad, and Heather, were able to take a vacation to Hawaii sans Jake. We missed him, obviously, but enjoyed some alone time together and time catching up with friends and neighbors. We met them at Adam's house just north of Nashville so we got to see his nice house. Then Scott and I flew to Maui from there. We spent 2 days in beautiful, secluded Hana, where we hiked Oheo Gulch (the Seven Sacred Pools), ate good food, relaxed in their spa, and just relaxed. We then flew to Oahu and stayed in our previous neighbor, Anne, sister's cottage about 200 yards from our old house in Kailua. It was also very relaxing. We caught up with our neighbors. Caren and Brad say hello to Kate and James, especially. We also visited with friends from Tripler and from church. Thanks to Addie for taking some time off work to hang out with us. We ate at Haleiwa Joe's and Zia's. The food is just as good as it ever was! Meanwhile, Jake spent the week in Indianapolis. He loved it! He returned to us well fed, well behaved, and speaking like 10 times better than when he left. Guess that's what happens when Grammie, Tom-Tom, and Auntie Heather have him as a captive audience. Here are a few pictures from our trip. I need to get some pictures from Tom-Tom of their time with Jake.

Happy Easter

We took some pictures over the Easter weekend....
Here is our family pic. Not a great angle. Where is Meg when you really need her?

Jake is two and has hit the phase of regularly need redirection, training, and discipline. Some days are great...

And some days are a little tough...

No matter what day it is, we love him!