Beating the Winter Blahs

It's been a rough winter in Chitown aka 'ChIberia', the season started earlier than usual and we've had lots of days w/ below zero temps.  We've been trying to get out of the house as much as possible - especially w Megan on maternity leave - we' ve managed to get to the Aquarium and Little Beans Cafe.  Mallory's been busy w/ Lil Kickers Soccer, swimming & Music class.

file:///C:/Users/Megan/Videos/2014/MallorySoccer2.MOV

Darcy's growing more and more every day - she's a happy little girl who loves smiling and cuddles.

Holidays 2013

The Melsons headed to Indy this year for Christmas.  Was a special holiday since it was Darcy's first Christmas.  Darcy loved being held by all her aunts/uncles/cousins & of course Mimi at her birthday party.  We're pretty sure she had her first real smile on Christmas Eve.  Mallory was a bit warmer to Santa this year and is beginning to appreciate the holiday season - Rudolph & Frosty movies were popular this year.   

Was also Finley's first Christmas!

Santa brought Mallory a brand new tricycle - will be awhile before we get to take it outside but Mallory loved cruising around the living room.  She also loved her new rain boots - she didn't want to take them off!

Darcy loved meeting her Mimi

Matching Christmas Jammies

Daddy passed on the striped PJs this year

Hanging out with Auntie Jayne & Auntie Joyce

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.