Keeping up with the Pierces

Neither Lisa nor I are photographers by nature. We've joked about how we have almost no pictures from our marriage because we just don't take pictures. Even if we bring a camera somewhere with us, inevitably we forget about it entirely and we return home with no photographic evidence of our joyous occasion. It's just the way it is.

But, we're trying to be better about it with Mary. It helps, of course, that we just think she's the cutest thing in the world. We also know that we have friends and family who do not see us on a regular basis, and this blog is a means of keeping everyone up to date on all things Mary. So, we hope you enjoy this blog and keeping up with our little girl. Okay, enough with the talk- let's get to some pictures.

Here's one that was taken right after a bath. Gotta love those hooded towels.


Here are a couple Mary poses. The first looks like a touchdown pose; the second is the classic frog-legs formation that all babies do (I think this was right before she destroyed this outfit with yet another massive digestive blowout).


Finally, here's a close up, for those who can't get enough Mary. =)

The Explosion

Today was my first day home with Mary all by myself. My parents left yesterday morning and Danny returned to work this morning. Turned out to be a nice day, but I was initiated with a very unpleasant surprise!

Mary was up a little too much last night but by morning we were doing well. I fed her and put her in her bouncy seat so that I could put in my contacts and brush my teeth... she was very content, just looking around and cooing. I was thinking, "she is perfect!" (though I sometimes think otherwise around 3am... always cute but sometimes not perfect yet). After about 10 minutes in her seat I came by and couldn't believe my eyes! She had pooped EVERYWHERE! It came out of her diaper, up her back and stomach, all over her legs and feet, and soaked a good portion of her bouncy seat! I couldn't even pick her up because of it all... I wrapped her in a burp cloth and brought her to her changing table to clean her up. I gave her a bath all by myself (first time), cleaned everything up, and eventually she was in clean clothes. I took pictures to show Danny, but I was advised not to include them on the blog. :)

All in all, I think I passed my first parenting test. I know that this is only the beginning, but for now Mary is clean and alive and I'm happy about it.

Mary Ain't Starvin'

It's perfectly normal for babies to lose a little weight in the hospital. Mary, however, lost a little more than the doctors would have liked. But don't worry, she's been working hard to make up for everything she lost, and then some.

Disclaimer: No extra chins were harmed in the making of this film.

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.