Meet Darcy

We welcomed our second daughter - Darcy Louise Melson - into the world on Thursday, Nov. 21st at 2:54pm.  We are all extra thankful this Thanksgiving for our baby girl.  She's a great baby - been somewhat kind to Mommy & Daddy at nights - similar to her big sister, she was very alert from Day 1 and has big eyes to explore her new surroundings. 

Mallory wasn't sure what to think of Darcy at first - and was confused a bit when her old baby toys came out of storage but she's quickly become an excellent big sis - she tells Darcy she loves her and that she's 'cute' - she can't wait for her sister to be bigger and play with her (and her toys - that'll go well).

Mallory can still fit in her old swing

First bath : )

Nannie & Boppo come for Thanksgiving

Daddy giving Darcy the monkey hold

YAY Animals!

Mallory loves to say 'YAY Animals!' - we're pretty sure she has yet to meet a furry friend she doesn't like.  She loves playing w/ her A-Z Animal cards and they've been great in teaching her ABCs

Fall Fun

Pics from our annual visit to Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch (see Mallory's video feeding giraffes), pumpkin patch in Lowell, IN and Halloween festivities.

Since Mallory loves horses (see first pic), she was a lil Equestrian for Halloween this year. 

Mal & Daddy Date Nights

When Mommy goes to bookclub, Mallory & Pat usually head to the Salt & Pepper Diner for breakfast for dinner.  I don't know what they are watching but they look enthralled. 

More airplane watching too.

Mal's First Time at Wrigley

The fall is a great time to visit Wrigley since the Cubs aren't (usually/ever) in the running for the playoffs and you can get great prices on tickets and it isn't too crowded so we decided to take Mallory to her first Cubs game!  We arrived in time for batting practice and enjoyed all the treats to keep her amused - ended up having a great night and staying until the 4th inning.  It was a beautiful night and I think Mallory had the most fun spotting airplanes in the sky.  She got her own certificate from the Cubs for attending her first game.

Summer 2013

This summer truly flew by in a good way w/ trips to the beach, Lake Michigan & Long Lake with friends and our annual trip to Wawasee.  Mallory stayed busy with Lil Kickers soccer every weekend and Pat's kickball team went to the championships!  Megan had a great summer - taking it easy in preparation for Baby Girl Melson #2 due around Thanksgiving!

Family Pic at Long Lake, MI

 

Eating sand at Montrose Beach

 

Watching the sea lions at Lincoln Park Zoo

 

Rings at the Little Gym

 

Teaching Finley to swim at Lake Wawasee

 

 

Family photo - Johnson's Bay, Lake Wawasee

 

Little Gym - Shawn Johnson, eat your heart out!

 

 

Introducing Finley!

The Melsons have a new addition - Mini Goldendoodle Finley Mac!  He's a sweet lil puppy and Mallory's new bff! 

Spring is here!

After a loooooooooong winter it's finally Spring in Chicago!  The Melsons are making the most of it - walks to the park, Opening Day at Wrigley Field, yardwork (EEK) & lots of sidewalk chalk & bubbles for Mallory!  Mallory is now 22 mos - crazy how time has flown!  She keeps busy w/ Swim Lessons (she's a fish!), Music class (she's a dancer too) & coloring.  She's been learning her letters and likes to count the steps in our house to practice her numbers. 

 

 

Melsons en Mexico - Feb 2013

The Melsons escaped the winter tundra of Chicago for a bit and headed down to Puerto Vallarta for a week in the sun! We all had the best time swimming at the pool, taking long walks to the marina and on the beach & enjoying everything Mexico has to offer! Mallory had a great time exploring and running around the resort. She was a bit confused by the sand at the beach at first - thought she was stuck and couldn't walk in it but became a pro by the end of the week. 

Mallory takes great photos...

 

Walking on the beach w/ Daddy is the best!

Mallory enjoying the tide coming up on her toes:

 

Feeding the crazy fish at the hotel:

 

18 mos old already?

Mal is now 18 mos old - time has truly flown by!  As you can see it's getting a bit trickier to get her to sit for the monthly photos.  She is a very independent lil gal - learning to use her words and impressing us every day.  She definitely uses the N-O word quite often but is also very familiar w/ animals, body parts, and starting to count (w/ assistance) to five.  She keeps busy at weekly Wiggleworms classes where she has conquered her fear of the parachute and loves the bubbles, also goes to playgroup at the park district to mingle w/ other tots.  She loves going to Family Swim at the gym where she loves to go under!  She keeps her parents on their toes that's for sure!

She doesn't seem to mind the cold Chicago winter (good thing) but has showed some signs that she misses summer by putting on her fancy sandals (see pic below) on a daily basis & making Melissa & Doug ice cream cones out of her kitchen.   She'll be ready for our Mexican vacay in February!

Look out Grant Achatz!

Santa brought Mallory a kitchen, food & some pots & pans.  She's been very busy creating some interesting stews for us to taste w/ various food combinations!

Trip to Indy - Dec 2012

After our trip to SC, we travelled to spend some time with Nannie, Boppo, Mimi, Aunt Kerry & Uncle John & Seanny P, Justin & Zach and some friends as well. 

Christmas in Fort Mill

We travelled south to Grandma & Grandpa Melsons to spend the holidays with Uncle Kip & Oui and Auntie Katie & Uncle JR and Cousin Ben.  Mallory had a great time seeing everyone - especially had a great time w/ Cooper & Hadley - G&G's pups.  Mal liked to play catch w/ them and follow them around the house - and jump in their crates.  Mallory really loved playing in Grandpa Ted's Model T as well.