Yesterday, 9-9-09, my sweet angel-of-a-niece, Sloane Chancy was born. I’ve never been much of one for stealing things but it took everything within me not to take her with me when I left the hospital. I even considered swaddling John Martin and tucking him in the bassinet, so we could call it “an even trade”. 🙂 She really is such a beautiful child. It also took everything within me not to breastfeed her. But I mean, seriously, what in the world would people think if they walked in and there I sat breastfeeding my sister’s baby. Not to mention she’d be drinking from a well that has run dry. Ok, I must digress before any of you “unsubscribe”.
I will tell the story chronologically, when my brain works, that is how it works. I’ll save the whole “birth story” for Erika to tell. I’ll give you my side. When we arrived {with all 3 kids in tow} she was resting comfortably, thanks to modern medicine. John Martin, on the other hand isn’t much for ever resting. Which, I’m sure doesn’t surprise any of y’all.
These are the type excercises you do with 14-month old Rover when you don’t exactly want him crawling on the floor of a labor & delivery room.
Erika on the other hand was feeling quite well and was even up for some smiling in the bed. Here’s one with her, Marla, and me. {Do you ever think something might be a good idea (ie- squeezing in the bed) only to see yourself in a picture and then think, “what in the world possessed me to get in the bed with her?}
Shortly there after, Marla and I were allowed our very own corner, behind Erika’s left shoulder, in the delivery room. Watching Chance was almost as exciting as waiting for the baby to make her arrival.
On more than one occassion he “borrowed” Erika’s oxygen mask. He pretended like he was “joking”… I’m not so sure!
Sister was a complete and total champion. She had a FABULOUS delivery and I was so proud of her. Her fabulous doctor labored with her and it was awesome to watch her work so hard for sweet Sloane. After an hour of pushing, Sloane made her grand appearance. It was such a precious and sweet moment.
She was so perfect in every way and so beautiful. I couldn’t help but squeal {jump up and down and cry} in utter delight. She was 6 lbs 14 oz and 19.5 inches long. She has a head full of dark hair. I think she looks just like Erika.
Marla and I stepped out to the waiting room while Mommy and Daddy had some time with baby alone. We met up with the others who were anxiously awaiting her arrival.
Allyson & Caleb were there…
So were Bayn & Leah…
And Marla, she loves Hornet, so she had her turn at “containing him”. She was in heaven, him not so much…
Then we all got to reunite with the new family of three and DaddyBoy got his opportunity at holding and seeing sweet Sloane…
And of course, I had to hog her for a few minutes all to myself…
This morning, I reappeared to get some more time with her. Thanks, Marla for the picture and Erika for the shirt, I stole it from your closet and I actually wore it home today. I’ll give it back, eventually.
Chance’s parents were there this morning to get their fill too…
Oh, and Marla was back for more too…
Marla helped Chance change a diaper.
Erika oversaw from the bed…
I love new babies.
They’re perfect in every way.
We had a very long ride home. Upon our arrival this afternoon I needed Advil and John Martin needed Cloraseptic. I needed Advil because my head hurt BAD and he needed Cloraseptic for his throat because he screamed the entire drive home. What’s his deal? He screamed the whole way which resulted in me missing my exit and I had to drive to Marianna, FL to turn around. What a stinker, and don’t worry… I didn’t give him any Cloraseptic.
The girls were so excited to have a new cousin but more disappointed that Uncle Chance “had” to stay at the hospital with MommaSis’ and Sloane. Morgan said over and OVER again, “It’s no fun here without Uncle Chance!”
Sloane Chancy, I love you to pieces little lady! You’re welcome here any time. I promise to keep Hornet at bay so he won’t hurt you!
Ok, I’m one tired MommaSissy and I’m off to bed!!
Lucy
September 10, 2009 at 10:29 pmwhat a precious baby girl. congratulations to your whole family! what an incredible blessing.
Heather
September 10, 2009 at 10:30 pmWow, beautiful new blessing, praise God! I just wanted to come out of hiding to say that I understand your desire to breastfeed your niece. I miss it so, my youngest is now 10 years old. I know most women won’t understand, but I do. Love your blog by the way!
Erika Ward
September 10, 2009 at 10:39 pmI’m sure your are tired Darby, but thanks for posting such lovely pictures. Birthing babies is such an amazing gift…when do you get another chance to be a co-creator with God?
leann
September 10, 2009 at 10:39 pmbeautiful baby! Congrats to new mom and dad and the whole family!
Becky
September 10, 2009 at 10:51 pmshe is utter perfection! seriously. my package is going to her (i think studio) tomorrow. tell somebody to bring her any package marked “tucker” on it. it’s from me. and contains cute stuff. and the note says something about labor. i’m a tad late. oh well. glad she had such a great experience.
Katherine @ Grass Stains
September 10, 2009 at 11:03 pmHow wonderful to see the beautiful pictures and hear all about the experience from your point of view! As a woman who has a great relationship with a fabulous sister who has no plans to have kids, I LOVED reading all about it! Thanks so much!
Jesse
September 10, 2009 at 11:08 pmCONGRATS! She is beautiful!
Rachel
September 10, 2009 at 11:10 pmI LOVE your account of all of the happenings. The picture of Erika & Sloane is far too sweet for words, and made me get all blubbery! You are beaming – such a proud MommaSissy – seriously radiating! And I love the 2nd pic of the two of you! Can’t wait to see you document your MommaSissy-hood!
Stephanie
September 10, 2009 at 11:13 pmDarby, my heart is full of joy for your family and my eyes misty with happy tears — I love that you have shared these moments with us through your beautiful blog, and that you let us get to “know” you in such a personal way. I have been looking forward all day to my “me time” to sit down and check to see if you had updated the blog.
p.s. the breastfeeding comment totally made me laugh 🙂
iman
September 10, 2009 at 11:19 pmCongratulations!! I am so happy for you all, she’s a cutie!
I laughed out loud about the breastfeeding thing, you’re so cute 🙂
Hillary @ The Other Mama
September 10, 2009 at 11:24 pmYAY!! I have SO been waiting for this post! ha!!
I love the pic of Erica watching Chance. That is so real and I think what we all did in the hospital. And the pic of you and Sloane is Grrreat!! She is a doll and a perfect addition to your sweet family.
What an amazing blessing! Welcome to the world, baby girl! Congrats to your whole family!
amber
September 10, 2009 at 11:35 pmCongratulations to your family! She is beautiful!!!
pam
September 11, 2009 at 12:03 ambeautiful post, beautiful photos. thanks for sharing, darby. what a joyous occasion. pam
Tomara
September 11, 2009 at 12:18 amCongratulations! And can I say… that photo of mom and minute-old-Sloane is gorgeous beyond gorgeous! Absolutely priceless!
Ashley
September 11, 2009 at 12:24 amOh My WORD! She is beautiful!! My ovaries are officially hurting and wanting another, but I might change my mind in the moring when mine start the screaming! HA! Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures!
Amnah
September 11, 2009 at 12:53 amShe’s stunning!! Congratulations. Your pictures of her are beautiful. {Sigh} I wish I had images like that from my lil ones.
Emma
September 11, 2009 at 12:54 amHearty congratulations to the whole family! Sloane Chancy is so beautiful and serene – so many babies are a little scrunched up when they’re this new, but she is just perfect. I wish Erika, Chance and Sloane a Happy Every After.
And for you – plenty of cuddles with your dear little neice.
Happy Days!
Grace
September 11, 2009 at 2:29 amSloane is a little angel (I’m sure she’s just like your own little angels when they first entered this world!). I am so happy for your family – what a beautiful new addition! Thanks for sharing – can’t wait to see more!
LizND
September 11, 2009 at 4:06 amCan I just really echo Stephanie’s sentiments above? She has summed it up so well. Tears dried, time for a bracing coffee and a bribing lets-have-nother-baby phone call to Mr D!!
katherine
September 11, 2009 at 5:05 amCongratulations! Great pics!
Melissa
September 11, 2009 at 5:56 amBeautiful….just beautiful! Congrats to all of you on your new blessing!
Meredith
September 11, 2009 at 6:50 amwhat a precious post!! thanks so much for sharing this special time with all of us. the next best thing to having children of your own is when one of your siblings has a baby. so glad you were there and were able to share this special time with your sister and her husband!
ps – JM is such a mess. he cracks me up!!
Dianne
September 11, 2009 at 7:00 amOh Darby, thank you for this post. I feel like I was there. She is so sweet and has come into such a loving family. God bless you all.
brandy
September 11, 2009 at 7:06 amHow sweet and special your relationship with your sister is, it’s incredible! Thanks for sharing, she is precious!
Tara
September 11, 2009 at 7:11 amYou’d think I was the aunt or something. I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for this post. I got chills and tears while reading it. I’m so glad you all had a special day! Baby Sloane is beautiful and I can’t wait to meet her!
kristy
September 11, 2009 at 7:25 amWhat a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing all these details. And your little neice is so beautiful! Congrats, congrats!
stephanie
September 11, 2009 at 7:32 amcongratulations to all of you!
(and that pic of jm with marla — that look he had was classic!)
Ashley
September 11, 2009 at 7:33 amYour entire family is so precious. Congrats on being an auntie!
Kellie
September 11, 2009 at 7:34 amShe is honestly the most beautiful baby I have ever seen – no lying! Dark headed babies are always prettier than blond ones (and I have 3 blond ones!!) I can see how it was tempting to throw her in your bag! I also can’t imagine how you “reigned” in John Martin all day at the hospital – I can’t imagine Henderson being anywhere like that for more than a few minutes!!!! Just a trip to the doctor’s office for a check-up is brutal and I want to sterilize him when we get home!!!
Love your new website and all your posts – I am being such a slacker with blogging these days, but life is busy and fun!
Rachel Ridd
September 11, 2009 at 7:37 amBeautiful family. I am glad to hear that eveything went so smoothly!
Jennifer Little
September 11, 2009 at 7:40 ambeautiful pictures and beautiful story. …thanks for sharing with us crazy strangers!
Lindsay
September 11, 2009 at 7:59 amWhat a sweet pea! Your pictures are awesome, thank you for sharing! Congratulations to all!
beki
September 11, 2009 at 8:10 amWhat a little doll! Thanks for the play by play, from your perspective. I’ve been waiting to hear all about it!
Sara Jane
September 11, 2009 at 8:30 amShe’s beautiful! There’s no way she was just born- she’s too pretty! Erika looks gorgeous. How is it that she just gave birth? Congratulations to your whole family!
chesley
September 11, 2009 at 8:36 ambeautiful pictures! such a beautiful baby! congratulations to you all!
Robyn
September 11, 2009 at 8:41 amTreasure, Treasure, What a Pricless Lil’ Treasure! What a Blessing! She looks like a baby doll. Erika looks so pretty in those pics. Congrats to the whole family!
Katie
September 11, 2009 at 8:45 amMy twin sister did the same thing to me when I was in the hospital delivering my first baby. Congrats on being an Aunt!!!! She is beautiful!
Katie
September 11, 2009 at 8:50 amJust so you know – I only logged onto my reader today to see if there was any news about the baby…thanks Darbs for not disappointing me 🙂 Now I can die a million jealous deaths of joy! Oh what a baby!!! She is a strikingly beautiful!
Sarah @ Clover Lane
September 11, 2009 at 8:52 amYippee! She’s beautiful…love the hair…so much potential for cute hair clips! 🙂 Isn’t amazing how big YOUR baby looks next to a newborn? Time for another.
Mary Frances
September 11, 2009 at 9:23 amYou and your husband, Erika and her husband and your entire family (parents, cousins, friends) have been sooo generous in sharing your love for each other and you are all a daily reaffirmation that God lives in us all through our love and concern for each other…and that in turn is given back to all of you through all of us out here who pray for you and wish all the best in all you do. I was stunned by the picture of Erika holding Sloane…yes she is her Momma down to her upturned nose and dimpled chin! Wanting to nurse her was the most natural thing in a sister who has such a strong calling for motherhood herself…nature is powerful! Thanks again for giving us such joy!!
Tara
September 11, 2009 at 9:28 amI am crying with Joy. I love new babies and I know how you feel about protecting Sloane from Rover, children want to poke at babies shinny eyes. And when my new niece was crying my 2 yr old son wanted to make her be quiet…not in a nice way either. But it will be good for Rover if he sees the baby a lot. Boys learn to be more tender when babies are around. Congratulations, Be blessed.
jessica
September 11, 2009 at 9:31 amThis is so exciting! You did a wonderful job documenting Sloane’s arrival… and I am just thinking how cool it is that this is what our generation has–this wonderful journal that lets you share in momentous occasions like this that you can look back on for many years to come… it’s just the neatest thing.
Brittan
September 11, 2009 at 9:44 amOh how I love your blog! It makes my heart so happy!
mamacita
September 11, 2009 at 9:47 amI love the little baby burrito they make out of newborns, wrapped up all tight like that.
angela
September 11, 2009 at 9:52 amOh she is beautiful!! I laughed out loud when you said she looks just like Erika. Hello….that means she looks just like Mommasissy!! By the way, have you ever told how that came about that your children call her that? (Oh, and you will LOVE being called that! My nieces call me Miss Angelove….It is one of my favorite things!)
Courtney
September 11, 2009 at 9:54 amThanks for making me feel like I was right there with y’all even though I’ve never felt farther! Love to sweet baby Sloane and E & C. xx
Amanda
September 11, 2009 at 9:58 amI found you through a friend who saw Leah & Bayn on your site and then mine. Small world… I adore your new blog!
Holly Mathis
September 11, 2009 at 10:03 amyall so precious..and beautiful..makes me want to cry..new babies are so amazing!
Rachel
September 11, 2009 at 10:34 amCongratulations on your precious niece. I am expecting THREE in a matter of months. WOW!
I had to comment to also say a friend of mine just took pictures of your friends Bayn and Leah. How random to have them pop up again on your blog? The photographer’s name is Amanda Pair.
Small world!
Susie
September 11, 2009 at 10:42 amCongrats Auntie! I can’t wait until I get home and am able to see the pictures!
Kelli
September 11, 2009 at 10:50 amShe is simply adorable and you and Erika look great. I’m so happy to hear that she is here and everyone is healthy. That Rover…
Melise
September 11, 2009 at 10:51 amWhat a precious post! You did such a great job of making us feel like we were all there….your blog family! hahaha. Get some rest! Praise God for baby Sloan’s safe arrival!
Mag
September 11, 2009 at 10:59 amDarby- thanks for all the great pictures, you didnt forget anyone!! What is it about babies that make us all crazy in love with them?? She is will be much adored by her cousins, what a lucky girl!
KK
September 11, 2009 at 11:03 amThat first picture of your sister with Sloane gives me chicken skin & teary eyes it is so sweet & beautiful.
Tara McClendon
September 11, 2009 at 11:33 amPrecious, precious, precious is all I have to say! Tell Chance and Erika congrats from the McClendons and tell Sloane that if her Aunt TT was at the hospital, she’d have helped you steal her away!!!
Laura
September 11, 2009 at 11:50 amWhat an exciting time for your whole family! All newborns are precious, but she is equally gorgeous! I know I will be a thrilled auntie when my sister has a baby someday. Reading about your family makes me look forward to that time even more!
Stephanie
September 11, 2009 at 11:51 amWhat a beautiful little blessing she is! Congratulations to Erika & Chance, and welcome to the world, baby Sloane!
b.a.
September 11, 2009 at 11:51 amoh my word, i’m in tears and i don’t even know you guys! lovelovelove. it’s just the most incredible thing.
our second babe is 6 weeks old now and i’m already feeling like i want another. i thought i was done! i have to stop reading these new-baby blogs. so many of my favorite bloggers are having babies this year, it’s gonna get me in trouble! 🙂
Christy
September 11, 2009 at 11:53 amShe is absolutely beautiful! I wish them all the best.
Bryn
September 11, 2009 at 12:04 pmThere is just something about you two twins, it seems as though a world of strangers have fallen in love with you guys. Including myself. This post is so sweet, and if I wasn’t sitting here at work (shh! don’t tell!) I would have been crying.
I think this post also just made my ovaries swell and send messages to my brain saying “you need a baby asap!” haha. Just kidding (sort of).
Megan DiVito
September 11, 2009 at 12:26 pmShe is just PERFECT! I ♥ all that hair!! Congrats to your Sister & her Husband!! Just beautiful…
Anna
September 11, 2009 at 12:33 pmI’ve read this twice already but had to come back for more love of that little one 🙂 She’s a cutie! Loved your recap and Love the pic of Erika & baby. . . gets me every time!
Chris, the Blog Butler
September 11, 2009 at 12:40 pmJust incredible, I love her hair! Congrats to your entire family she is so beautiful!
LeAnn
September 11, 2009 at 12:46 pmOh goodness!! That first picture of sweet Sloane and Erika is just priceless!! It brought a tear to my eye and gave me chills….but beautiful!!
pam
September 11, 2009 at 1:25 pmwhat a sweet post..i was having a yucky morning and your beautiful story of sloane’s birth was so sweet and perfect…thank you for sharing such a glorious moment…
Sarah
September 11, 2009 at 1:25 pmCongratulations to the entire family! Thanks for posting pictures. You are all very blessed.
Tiffany
September 11, 2009 at 1:35 pmGreat photos of the blessed event! She is precious. What a joy she will be for your whole family! Hope you recover from the trip soon and get some rest! : )
paige
September 11, 2009 at 2:12 pmwhat a beautiful blessing!!
i love your twin sissy version too
xo
Teri
September 11, 2009 at 3:01 pmCongratulations on your niece! She is beautiful and that hair, my word! I love the picture of Erika with her right after she was born, the look of pure love on Erika’s face.
I also have to give you some hope, my daughter (also the third) was my worse car child. She could scream for hours. As she has gotten older, she has gotten better. I won’t lie, when she was 3 1/2 I was driving from TX to AL and she cried a couple of hours that night. But at 7, no more crying and screaming! She still isn’t the best traveler, she wiggles more and expresses her desire to stop driving- but no more screaming! Which I will take every day over trying to nurse her in the car seat to get her to stop screaming (while my husband drove,) on our way to her first dr appt.
Kristy
September 11, 2009 at 3:37 pmvery sweet. your pictures are amazing. what a wonderful, wonderful time for your sister and family. congratulations. there’s nothing that compares to a brand new, sweet baby.
Jennifer
September 11, 2009 at 3:59 pmBeautiful in every way…what a happy day! I love that her birth date is 9-9-09….as special as sweet Sloane.
Rest up!
Dana
September 11, 2009 at 4:08 pmPraise God from whom all blessings flow! Rejoicing with you…
Rachel
September 11, 2009 at 4:18 pmWhat a blessing! You can understand this now, but isn’t there something SOOOOOO special about holding your twin sister’s baby for the first time? There was for me! Congratulations on your perfect family addition!
Christy Stargel
September 11, 2009 at 4:24 pmI love everything about it! I love that moment when you meet your sweet baby for the first time and even with the three I have….seeing this makes me want another!
Jennifer Morena
September 11, 2009 at 6:44 pmCongratulations to all of you! There’s nothing like the birth of a baby – I’d have 10 more kids just to experience those sweet first moments over and over!
Thaks for such a fabulous update!
Annmarie
September 11, 2009 at 8:34 pmCONGRATULATIONS, Auntie, Uncle and Cousins!!!! These photos are awesome! I’m jealous everyone got to hold that tiny angel! There’s nothing like a newborn baby! Thanks for keeping the updates coming. We know Momma will be busy for awhile now.
Kandace
September 11, 2009 at 9:45 pmYou’ve done a beautiful post here! cute n funny too!
I cried!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a lovely time for your family. A blessed addition.
{my father (of 6) always says there is no happier time in the family than when a new baby came along}
XOX
Ashley H.
September 11, 2009 at 9:59 pmI just came across your blog about a week ago and absolutely love it! You’re such an inspiration!!! I couldn’t stop laughing about your breast-feeding comment…too funny! And so true!! I look forward to your blog updates…you’re the first blog I check during naptime! 🙂
krista
September 11, 2009 at 10:22 pmOh Darby, I love the recap! What a special day. Sloane is one beautiful creation. I love the picture of Erika looking at her, so sweet and special. The whole post just had me smiling from ear to ear. *I hope your head feels better.
Lisa
September 12, 2009 at 12:05 amI could almost smell new baby. I miss that smell. Gorgeous!
Yansy
September 12, 2009 at 12:35 amDarby, Thanks for sharing the pics with us. I’m so happy to see everything turned out and little Sloane is adorable. I hope you’re having a fabulous weekend. I would like to invite you to participate in my giveaway.
Jacci
September 12, 2009 at 8:12 amOh, she IS gorgeous, Darby! 🙂 Congrats to all of you – auntie (or…mommasissy), uncle, and very excited cousins!!! My only sister had her first baby a year ago and I totally climbed in the hospital bed with her! 🙂 I think it’s some kind of knee jerk reaction that hearkens back to the days we shared a bedroom. LOVE the photos. Congrats again and praise the Lord for such a safe and healthy delivery!
Jacci
Kristen
September 12, 2009 at 8:41 amCongratulations on your new neice! Baby Sloane is absolutely beautiful….look at all that hair! What a precious family!
jade
September 12, 2009 at 9:01 amOh my goodness! Yay, yay, and more yay!!! Welcome sweet baby Sloane to the world. I am so thrilled for all of you! And that picture of Erika with her eyes closed and Sloane…. you captured a very special moment there. Amazing! 🙂
Jill
September 12, 2009 at 1:11 pmHow sweet! Such beautiful pictures, too. 🙂 My babies all had dark hair like that when they were born, but lost it all. Now I have 3 blondies.
Thanks for updating on how everything went! I was checking and checking like a crazy woman!
Totally off topic…but where did you get your top and cardigan? I LOVE them!
Jill
Mary Catherine
September 12, 2009 at 8:26 pmBeautiful pictures! 🙂 What a sweet baby girl. So glad you were able to be there with Erika to share her joy.
PS – I have to also ask…where did you get your cute top? I love it too!
Nicole
September 12, 2009 at 8:49 pmI absolutley love your pictures! They capture the essence of the moment. I sit here as a young women who has started to get the baby urge and I’m almost brought to tears with the pic of Erika as she holds her new life. It is such a blessing to bring a baby into this world and have such wonderful friends and family around to show such support and love. Kudos to you and your Sis! God Bless you and ya’lls new addition.
Rachel
September 12, 2009 at 9:24 pmThank you for posting these pictures!! I’ve been dying to here all about Sloane’s birthday! I’m so glad everything went smoothly! Congratulations on becoming a new Aunt! The picture of Erica holding Sloane for the first time made me tear up too! I’m not sure there is anything more precious! Such a tender, sacred moment! I bet the nursing staff at Erica’s hospital had SO much fun taking care of her and having ya’ll there, you probably had them all laughing!
:o) mg
September 12, 2009 at 10:24 pmShe is simply beautiful….I am so excited y’all. Munch a little toe for me, wontcha?
trina
September 13, 2009 at 8:26 pmOh Darby – I thought I lost you!!! I have been wandering through blogland for the last week feeling like something was missing – then suddenly tonight I realized is was the Hornet!! I guess I was in a fog in the last post and didn’t catch that you moving meant that you were MOVING!!! So glad to have found you again!
Congratulations!! She’s lovely!!
Melissa Richie
September 13, 2009 at 9:18 pmCongratulations! What a beautiful child. Children truly are a blessing from the Lord!!
I bet it’s fun to be an aunt!
a quick update! » Urban Grace Interiors {the blog}
September 15, 2009 at 8:41 pm[…] a picture Darby captured in the delivery room that melts my heart. If you read my twin sister Darby’s blog you’ve already seen it (sorry)… I promise to update […]
Granny Smith Green
September 15, 2009 at 11:01 pmOh, the birth of a baby! What a wonderful and joyous time–not to mention, painful and uncomfortable! She is just precious! I’ve been reading and thinking back to the birth of my babies, tear, tear. Must run, I’ve got to hold another newborn and fast!