Mary's Hiccups

We can put this post under the category of "new dad who is fascinated by everything his newborn daughter does." In my defense, I'd like to note that babies don't do much at this age. They eat, poop, sleep and look cute- that's about it. I can't capture the first 3 on video, so you're stuck watching the 4th. Enjoy.

Mary in Her New Home

After spending the first 4 days of her life in the hospital, Mary was ready to come home (and so were her parents). As much as we appreciated the hospital staff, there's nothing like sitting on your own couch and sleeping on your own bed. And while we'll miss someone else changing her diapers for us, Lisa's mom's in town...

Before we move on, don't forget to vote on Mary's nickname; the poll is in the upper right hand corner of the web page (it closes at the end of this month). I don't want to sway the voting or anything, but let's say that I'm a little disappointed Sister Mary Margaret hasn't received more votes. Anyway, here are some pictures of Mary's trip home.

This is Mary's going home outfit, chosen weeks in advance by Lisa and her friend, Meghan. Apparently it's a big deal or something. I have much to learn.


Here we are about to load her into the car. In case anyone is wondering, our friend Mike taught me how to install a car seat, and it was checked by the Brookline Police Department. Did you know that 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly? The inspecting officer noted that it was the best installation job he'd ever seen by a parent.

When we arrived home, mother and daughter spent some quality time together on the couch. This marks the second post with a picture of Mary laying on Lisa, for those scoring at home.



Lastly, here's my first attempt at uploading a video onto our blog. I gave Mary a tour of her room. You'll notice I stall a bit at the changing table while I was waiting for someone to open the closet door.

New Parent Quote of the Week

Danny: "I wish someone would swaddle me and let me sleep."

Meeting Mary Margaret Pierce

We're home from the hospital and trying to settle into a routine as a family. Lisa is doing well in her recovery, and Mary is a joy. We couldn't be any more excited to have her home and feel so blessed to have her in our lives.

We've received plenty of requests for pictures, so here you go. I'll probably post a few times this week, including my first attempt at a video coming soon. Anyway, here are some pics with a short explanation.

I took this one after the hospital staff took Mary away from the Operating Room and brought her downstairs. It's funny, she doesn't really look like this anymore.



This picture was taken by our friend Meghan, right after a swaddling attempt.


Here's our first father-daughter portrait. I actually think this is my best picture with her; I'm not sure if it's because or despite the surgical mask.


We snapped this one while Lisa fell asleep with Mary. Now that I look at it, this looks a tad dangerous.

Mary Is Here!

It was a struggle, but Mary is finally here.  She arrived on Wednesday, 4/15 at 3:42pm.  She weighed in at 8lbs 13oz and is 21 inches long.  We're so excited she has arrived.  Unfortunately, the hospital internet connection isn't great, so we can't seem to get any pictures up on blogger.  Sorry, we've had a lot of requests to see pictures, but we'll just have to wait.  Pretend this is like the old days before the internet.

Lisa is doing well.  Keep praying for her as she recovers from her long labor and c-section.  We should be discharged from the hospital on Sunday, so hopefully then we'll get some pictures of our baby girl on here for everyone to see.  Thanks for all your prayers, we can't wait to introduce you to Mary!

Mary's Easter Dress

Well, most of you reading this know that Mary still hasn't come. All the tests have come back with encouraging results; both Lisa and Mary seem perfectly healthy. Mary is apparently quite comfortable in her present location, whereas Lisa is certainly not.

Anyway, one of our (especially my) hopes was for the 3 of us to go to our Easter church service together as a family. In a way that wish came true, though not quite how I was expecting it. That didn't stop us, however, from dressing Mary up in her Easter finest. We picked out a nice dress for her to wear, so check her out. I think it was the perfect size, don't you?

Thanks for checking up on us and being patient with Mary. Keep us in your prayers as we have some decisions to make regarding inducing labor. We are praying that Lisa go into labor naturally before the doctor wants to schedule the induction. Most of all pray that everyone comes out of this completely healthy and ready for our life together as a family. We'll keep you posted...

Praying for Mary

Today is supposed to be the big day, but there is no progress as of now.  I guess Mary is just a little too comfortable in the womb.  We will keep you posted with any news!

As we await Mary's arrival, we ask that you continue to pray for her and the delivery process. We have had many different prayers throughout this process, but there are two that I would like to share.  

When I first found out I was pregnant, God highlighted Colossians 1:16, which says "all things were created by Him and for Him."  We have been praying that Mary would know from a young age that she was lovingly created by the Almighty God and that ultimately her life is for His glory. This is something that I have also tried to keep in mind throughout the pregnancy-- that in the midst of this crazy stage in life, ultimately Mary and the whole pregnancy is from and for God.  

Along those same lines, I was reading through the Gospels and was struck by Mary's (Jesus' mom, not our daughter) response to the angel of the Lord.  She said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."  We have been praying that Mary, our daughter, would know the love and grace of Christ and that it would compel her to want to serve God with her life.  

We desire that God is known and glorified through our family.  So, if you ever think of Mary, feel free to join us in praying that these verses would mark her life.