Party at Grandma's House

Lily and Marlow were having too much fun last week at Grandma's house. This is totally going to be one of those photos that when Lily and Marlow grow up they are going to look back and laugh as much as Michelle and I do when we see this picture. So cute!

Hello my lovelies! We are working on keeping this blog updated more frequently - it is on our to-do list along with cleaning out the basement, working out in the mornings and eating out less, so needless to say no guarantees. Lily Beans is now 4 months old and we can't begin to share with you how much she has changed in these last few weeks. She has expanded her vocabulary to include a variety of high pitch squeals, giggles and coo's and I am convinced she is testing her volume control, as well. We are working with her to roll over...however, as you can see in the picture, she is pretty content on her back and is in no hurry to go anywhere. Actually, I can't blame her...she does look pretty relaxed. We often find her sleeping like this - oh, to be a baby. We also started feeding her cereal and fruits and she loves it. We still crack up every time she takes her first bite and gives me the "what the hell is this?" face.

I recently went back to work and we are adjusting well into our new schedule. Granny Mac comes down and watches Lily on Mondays (we are so grateful - shout out to GrannyMac!) and Lily goes to "school" at the Blue Ash Educational Building the rest of the week. Her caretaker, Miss Gina, reminds us often that Lily is her favorite in the class. Uh, huh - we knew it. I mean, how could anyone resist those cheeks? We receive daily report cards which I hang on the fridge proudly. Dropping Lily off at daycare was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I can honestly say I have a new found respect for working moms and am so proud to be a part of such a strong and fabulous group of women.

Newest Addition To Our Family!

What an exciting week we have had! We are proud to announce our first niece was born on Monday, February 15th! Marlow Bloom made her debut at 8:10am weighing 8lbs 2oz and 20 inches long. And we have one word to describe her: perfect! She and mom are both doing great and are going home today. Lily can't wait to show her cousin the ropes.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We are celebrating Lily's first Valentine's Day this weekend. And of course, she has the wardrobe to match! Lily has recently found her thumb and it has become her new favorite pastime. She is looking forward to spending her first Valentine's Day with her valentine....her daddy.

More Pics!

Almost 3 months!

It has been a while, and a fast couple of months, since Lily last checked in!

She is doing VERY well. She is starting to show signs of her first tooth, and actively engages in conversation! She is getting acclimated very nicely with her rowdy brothers. At last weigh in, at her two month visit, she was 25 inches long, and weighed over 13 pounds! That is enough for her to register off of the charts for her age group.

Her three month visit is on Feb. 18th.

Hello!

Here are some recent pictures. Lily was dressed in her new Bengal gear for the Bengals and Browns game. She was screaming at the Browns fan that invaded her territory!

She also has been meeting with family from all over the map. Jayne and Annika came from North Carolina, Jenny from Seattle, and Michelle from DC!

Home Sweet Home!

We are back home!

It feels good for us both to be back on Catherine, showing Lily around her new place, and settling into our routine. Danielle finally agreed to turn the heat on. Our house now looks a jungle, but a cool kind of jungle, with all of the flowers (Thank you Nicki, Michelle, Peggy, Jayne, and Donna and crew).

In the past couple of days, Lily has had several visitors. Wednesday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYNE), Duncan and Don came to visit. Duncan brought three great outfits, and a cool baby toy. Don (and Jenni) ushered in almost the entire produce section of Kroger, magazines, candy bars - his mother made a fantastic blanket, a baby CD, and a bib. Which one of you hooligans is next on the baby shuttle? We are blessed to have such great friends.

BTW - Kevin and Michelle - we have used the entire Target gift card already! THANK YOU!

Thursday, Jean and the D Train surprised us with a great meal, and Mimaw Dar and Grandpa Dan brought a chocolate pie (yum)! Jean also brought a handmade fleece blanket and pillow. And by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY D Train.

Lily and I watched the Dayton Flyers beat Georgia Tech, that is always a good way to start the afternoon. Although Lily doesn't fit into her Dayton Flyers uniform just yet, she nearly crapped her diaper the game so close.

The in-home visit with the nurse was perfect. Lily is gaining weight again, her color is rosy, and she is right where she needs to be. Danielle is recovering nicely and back to herself - but she now feels more "accomplished."

Tomorrow, Lily has her first visit to the pediatrician (the same doctor that looked after Danielle and her sisters). After we dust the cobwebs off the the doc, we'll give an update.

I have included a picture of Danielle and Lily making their way out of the hospital. I am so proud of Danielle and our little Lily Bean.

Happy Birthday Auntie!

Yesterday we partied like it was 1944!

Auntie Barb turned 65!! Happy Birthday! She stopped by the hospital with Granny Mac and Grandpa Rock to visit. We were also fortunate to have Aunt Nicki and Craig stop by.

Danielle and Lily are doing great!

We are so blessed with great family and friends!

Here are some of the pics:

Lights, Camera, Action

Today is Tuesday and Lily is having a great time, and mom is now able to get up and walk.

Last night she got to sing at the top of her lungs from midnight until five. The night nurse stepped in and put an end to her party and Lily got her first introduction to timeout (the nursery).

Around noon, she got to meet three of her best girlfriends - Lyndsey, Shonda, and Christie. They showered her with clothes, wipes, coffee, and more than enough food for Kate plus eight.

The hospital photographer came around and took her official pictures.

I have included the link below for you to see:

http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=5c8f9409-23a1-4227-a29a-900cd1d6c488

Nighty Night!

Day two is almost in the books!

Today was a GREAT day for Danielle! Her color, her spirits, and her sense of humor are back! She finally got to eat solid food. Her first meal was grilled cheese, potato soup, and angel food cake. Baby Lily took plenty of naps, is feeding very well, and is gearing up for her night time rowdiness. Toward the end of the day, we got a much needed visit from Granny and Grandpa Mac, and Mimaw Dar (Danielle's spelling) and Grandpa Dan. We also got a surprise visit from Snacks Ventura and his wife Emily.

Update

Danielle is doing much better than she was yesterday morning. She is getting a much needed blood transfusion, which should help speed along the healing process. Physically, she is feeling much, much better. We expect to be able to have visitors at some point today.

Lily - she is doing "perfect" according to the pediatrician. She has her days and nights a little mixed up though! It's good to know her vocal chords work in full effect. Lily is feeding and it just seems so natural to have her as a part of our family.

Dad - he's eating a bunch of cookies, some peanuts, a couple of Vitamin waters, and is becoming a diaper changing machine.

The Arrival!

Good morning from Daddy Mac!

Danielle and I are proud to announce the birth of our daughter, Lily Nicole McColaugh. Good things come to those that wait! Nine days past her due date and after 37 hours of playing hide from mommy and daddy, she was born. Sunday, November 15th, at 2:05AM, we welcomed her to our family. She is a whopper! She was born 9lbs, 5ozs, and 21 1/2" long. Basically, she is the size of a small first grader.

Danielle is AMAZING!! She was very tough, but kept her sense of humor the whole way. We are getting used to our new home, as it looks like we will be here until Thursday.

Here is a picture of Lily, not too long after she was born. I will be posting more pictures as I learn how to use the blog! Say prayers for our new family and we will be in touch soon.