Uncle Jeff/Donald Duck

The best part of having Mallory early was that Jeff and Gina got to be here. It was almost heartbreaking to me when Allyson was born and there was no family to celebrate with us. So, the timing of this was truly a gift from God. (Although I wished he would have had an epidural as a card, lol.)

Anyway, I loved watching Uncle Jeff make the girls laugh. They absolutely adored their time together and I was so thankful knowing they were taking care of my big girls in their own home. Wow. God is awesome. 

Another thing that was incredibly special: watching the big girls be completely and totally spoiled by Uncle Jeff and Aunt Gina. I was blown away by the gifts they brought. Such a special moment!!

So here is Uncle Jeff doing his Donald Duck impression. I've heard it all my life. Watching Nicole hear it for the first time made me not mind hearing it again. Ha. :)

Meeting Mallory

I just realized I hadn't posted the video of the girls meeting Mallory for the first time. My friend, Andrea Vergara was there visiting (you can hear her voice in the video). Uncle Jeff and Aunt Gina brought the girls to the hospital.

Nursery Update

We finally have the nursery just about done!! I'm only looking for a little bookshelf or something to go under her picture. Other than that, I think it's about move-in ready. (Well, except for some organizing I need to do with clothing in her dressers and closet.)

I honestly love her room. It is starting to be my favorite place in the house. I like to rock her, feed her and even do my writing there. It feels cheerful and cozy at the same time. And it feels very "Mallory." Not that we know her personality quite yet. But, ever since I was pregnant, it was as if I knew her name was to be Mallory and I could picture this cheery place for her room.

Picking the bedding was my first order of business. I almost went with this pink and black set. But it was too formal for what I wanted.

This was it!

Now we had to pick out the paint. Nicole helped.

Then as you may remember, we had to paint! Read this past post for more on that!

Deciding to paint the furniture was also a difficult decision. The green was pretty and unique and even the painters weren't sure it was a good idea. A couple told me to find other uses for the furniture. But ultimately, I didn't need green furniture. And I didn't want cheap furniture to replace something I liked. So I painted it!

And I am so glad! I love it.

This project is something very special to me. My friend, Sarah, made the painted jar and branches for my shower. People filled out "wishes" for baby by filling in the blanks: "I hope you..." It is something I and, I'm sure Mallory, will treasure forever.

The final painting touch was a Pinterest project I've had in mind. Britt did an amazing job paint a frame around Mallory's canvas newborn picture. 

The final touch was her mobile that came in the mail today. (The one that goes with her bedding is too expensive and also out of stock. But I found this white one that we can personalize later if we decide.)

So, here it is: Mallory's nursery! 

Under her picture is where I want to add a little shelf for books. 

Papaw & Nana Visit!!

The day finally came when Papaw and Nana arrived! The girls (and their parents) had been anxiously awaiting them to come. 

Watching them meet Mallory for the first time was incredibly special.

We spent the first two days shopping! (Papaw needed some shoes so, of course, that takes three days when you have five women in the group.)

Well, we did look for shoes. But we couldn't pass up this awesome cell phone case and matching stylus for Nana. 

One evening Papaw came around with $2 bills for each of the girls. I had to take a picture of him giving it to them. Mallory, evidently, was hoping for a $20.

 Nicole was happy with any amount of money!

Allyson just didn't get it. Lol

Nana and Mallory. I love this picture of them interacting. 

And Papaw.

We enjoyed more shopping in Branson.

Mallory wore her new outfit. 

Oh... and please notice her first pair of shoes and her first hat. Thank you for the accessories, Nana!

We hit the outlets in Branson.

Papaw finally found his Skechers. Oh, and Nicole and Allyson got some shoes. In fact, while Mommy wasn't looking, Nana bought Allyson the most obnoxiously pink and glittery shoes. 

But that's not all. These shoes SPIN. You know you're in trouble when your shoes have a warning label and safety instructions. Hey, every concussion needs a friend. Lol. 

She loves them!!! 

After shopping we hit Branson Landing and Joe's Crab Shack. Nicole was excited to eat crab!

  

I just couldn't stop taking pictures of these three... 

After dinner we went to see one of Nicole and Allyson's favorite shows, Hamner Barber. 

Again, in the spirit of obnoxiousness (lol), Nana and Papaw hit the souvenir stand. There they found Daddy some  80's hair. And Allyson got a stuffed bird. (They have exotic birds in the show.)

The show's finale is awesome; very patriotic. 

After we got everyone in the car, there was no room for the stroller... so we just strapped it to the top!

Mallory loved the hat at night. She would be crying and instantly stop when Nicole showed her the lights.

 We topped off the night with Andy's frozen custard. Yum.

 The girls ended the evening in new jammies. (Not sure which night was which, lol.)

On another day we went fishing at Rutledge Wilson Park.  

Mallory's first time fishing. :)

Again, notice Mallory's new shoes. Thank you, Nana! 

Okay, so this thing wouldn't even make a good appetizer. But the girls had fun catching them.

Papaw treated the girls to huge bottles of Sprite!

Mallory was worn out. 

The big catch of the day! 

Okay, so one night I'm getting ready to give Mallory a bath. Of course, it's right after a blowout. Well, I thought it was after. Turns out it was in the middle of a blowout. What to do? I sat her on the toilet. And she finished the deed right there, lol! Hey... who else has a potty-trained 3-month-old? 

I took a million pictures! 

This face cracks me up.