Family Portrait

Thank you, once again, to Lauren Kinsey of Lauren Kinsey Photography for so beautifully capturing the latest addition to our family. For more photos, click here.

Thank God for Grandparents

Over the past month, all of our parents have come to stay with us to welcome Miss Darcy to the family and help us with the transition to a family of four. First, my dad came to stay with us for two weeks before the baby was born just in case Darcy decided to make her appearance early. He took care of Evie for us while we were in the hospital with Darcy. Then, my mom-in-law Dorene stayed with us for over a week when Blake went back to work so I could continue to rest and recover from the birth. She made us a delicious dinner every night (including dessert) and was a huge help with Evie. During Dorene's visit, my dad-in-law Dan came up for a brief visit to meet Darcy and see Evie and seemed very smitten with his latest grandbaby (see photo above for evidence). Finally, after Dorene left, my mom flew down from North Carolina to help me out for one more week. She has been a huge help with holding the baby (see photo above) and taking care of dinner so I can get back into the swing of things with Evie and household chores. Blake and I are so thankful that our girls have such loving, helpful grandparents! Thanks so much to you all!!

Pillows!

Lately, Evie's favorite thing to play with are the pillows on our couch. She'll pull them all off and create a pillow "house" (or "house pillow" as she says). It's gotten to where we don't sit on the couch because she'll kick us off or steal all the pillows from under us. Anything to keep her happy and occupied!

Two Weeks Old

Can't believe Darcy is over two weeks old already! She weighed in at 7 lbs. 6 oz. at her weight check on Friday, March 18, 2011. The nurse was very impressed that she'd gained 13 oz. in 10 days. It didn't surprise me, however, since the girl loooves to nurse! Currently, she sleeps, poops, eats and makes all kinds of crazy noises (we call them dragon noises).

Bassinet Battle Night ???

The little crapper won't stay in her bassinet/crib for more the an hour.  She's driving Kiley and I bonkers with her clingyness.  We give up.  Darcy wins.  *sigh*  To be beaten down by a two week old is a very humbling experience....

Bassinet Battle Night Two

Last night I successfully got Darcy to sleep in the bassinet all night (with breaks at 9:30, 12:30 and 2 for feedings). When she woke up at 5:15 for another feeding, I finally just brought her to bed with me and we slept together until 7:45 this morning. I'm definitely more tired today from sitting up to feed her all those times, but I slept more soundly knowing I wasn't going to roll over and crush her. Thank God I'm on maternity leave and can rest all day and take a nap this afternoon!

Bassinet Battle

So for the first week of her life, Darcy has been sleeping in the bed with me. I've been fine with this since I was so sore from the birth and wanted to get as much sleep as possible. Now that I'm starting to feel a little better, I'm determined to get her to sleep in her bassinet. Last night, after two hours of nursing and rocking, I managed to get her to stay in her bassinet for two whole hours! It was heaven to sleep in my own bed without fear of crushing her. (It's the little things people!)

Hopefully it won't take me as long to get her down tonight, and I'll be able to get her to go back into the bassinet after her midnight feeding as well. We shall see...

First "Nap" in the Crib

This is Darcy's first foray into the crib. She doesn't like to sleep in it or her bassine,; instead opting to rest peacefully next to her Mommy and Daddy. So far no one is complaining because we get to wake up to all sorts of sweet baby noises. Enjoy!

More Pictures of Darcy

Grandpa and Darcy cuddling up together.

Daddy enjoying some quiet time with his littlest girl.

Darcy makes a screeching tire sound when she stretches like this.

Shh... Baby's sleeping.

The Most Pitiful Cry in the Whole World

This video is one we took at the hospital. Darcy has this ridiculous little whimper when she wants to eat or have her diaper changed. In this case, she was not liking the light in her eyes. Everyone who hears it thinks it sounds like a small chihuahua begging for a bone. 

Its kind of a long video so jump to the 1:00 minute mark for the pitifulness...

We're Home

After two relatively restful, stress-free days at the hospital, Kiley and I are back home with our little Darcy. We actually got a lot of sleep last night due to Kiley nursing on her side and letting Darcy sleep next to her.  Grandpa Bill and the two cats were very interested in the new little squirmer. Evie, however, simply remarked: "It's a baby" and requested to watch Winnie the Pooh. Right now Darcy is napping contentedly in her new swing. 

Good to be home...

Welcome Darcy Elizabeth!

Darcy Elizabeth Mallard was born at 9:21 a.m. on March 4, 2011 after three hours of labor. She weighed 6lbs, 15oz and was 18 inches long. Both her Daddy and Mommy are very proud and overjoyed at the new addition to their family. 

Another Damn Week

Another doctor visit and nothing changed.  Still pregnant, still tired and still grumpy. They didn't even mention the word INDUCE and my due date is this Thursday. 

We will have to wait another week and see what happens... sigh... 



This post may have been written by a certain Blake Mallard impersonating Kiley Mallard. I, for the record, am not grumpy. I am, however, ready for this baby to come already!!