Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

Sister Love

We were very nervous about Lily meeting Darcy. Lily is a jealous girl, she's a complete mama's girl. We thought jealousy would take over. We were surprised by her reaction. She was so gentle with her. Stroked her head. Gave her a kiss. Cooed "Darcy! Darcy!" When Darcy was hungry and started to cry, Lily's lip quivered. She looked pained. Her voice shook as she said "Darcy cry?" and when she realized she couldn't fix what was making her sister sad, she cried with her. For her. We knew we didn't need to be worried after that. She loves her sister infinitely.

Forever Family

How can I not jump with joy and excitement that I get to spend eternity with this beautiful family!?

Taken after Darcy's blessing. June 5, 2011. In the circle; Shane Sargent, David Johnson, John Chaston, Kenneth Howe, Ed Ganiere, Jeff Jones, Gavin Pouliot, Ben Della-Piana

Cutting the cord

After Darcy was born, Shane made sure to remind the midwife that he wanted nothing to do with the cord. My mom cut Oliver's cord, Marisa cut Lily's. The midwife, unphased, said "Ok, we'll just have Jessica cut it then." I had never considered cutting the cord, but it was a very cool experience! If any of you moms don't have willing volunteers to cut the cord, I highly recommend doing it yourself!

Welcome, Darcy Rose!

Well we had our induction date all set up for Friday May 6, but Darcy surprised us and I went into labor on my own Tuesday night! Darcy was born at 4:06am, a mere hour after we arrived at the hospital! We're so happy to have her here. It is already extremely overwhelming with the 3 little ones, but our love for them blinds us to the sleep and stress associated with our little Bedlamites.

Welcome to the world, Darcy Rose!

39 weeks

I had my 39 week appointment on Monday. The doctor did an internal and said that I was 2 cm and 50% effaced, same as Lily at 39 weeks. She did a sweep of my membranes to encourage labor, but it's looking like it didn't do much. I've had a few contractions, but nothing significant. Hopefully it at least dialates me a littl more. The doctor gave me the go ahead to be induced BEFORE 42 weeks, so that's exciting. She also said that they would do a Friday induction since I've shown that I can bust these babies out pretty fast! We're hopeful for a May 6 induction date, but as we learned with Lily, our hopes are not always in line with the doctor's, hospital's, universe's, so we shall see. Hopefully I'll have more details next Monday after my 40 week appointment.

Easter