Waiting For Baby

Our first Little Darling moments after her birth

The confirmation of the Duchess of Cambridge's admission to the hospital has been made and the official royal baby watch has commenced. While the world waits with bated breath, I fondly remember each day that I was told: Today Is The Day!

Five years ago Mr. Darling came home from deployment, we celebrated our first anniversary and the very next day we had our last doctor's appointment before my due date. Call it intuition - we decided to throw my packed overnighter into the trunk. What came next was almost as big of a surprise as the pregnancy ... almost. Our doctor announced, "You're four centimeters dilated and eighty percent effaced! Are you ready to have a baby today?" Eight hours later we welcomed our first child - a daughter. We marveled over each tiny finger and toe, her soft skin, her head full of dark hair. We just couldn't believe that after nine months we were finally able to hold our seven pound, fourteen ounces of perfect joy in our arms. From the moment she was placed on my chest, life was instantly changed.

Four years later, at thirty eight weeks pregnant, I miserably waddled to my doctor's office. I had been given strict instructions by Mr. Darling, who was in his first year of medical school, to call him as soon as I got out. We had been praying that this baby would come two weeks early like his sister. Fortunately for us, and my personal sanity, we weren't disappointed. I remember looking up at the ceiling thinking to myself, "Please God, let this baby be ready to come out. I just. can't. take. it. anymore." When I heard my doctor say, "Welp, I think you should go home, get your bag and I'll meet you in labor and delivery at 5 tonight," I was flooded with relief, and excitement. I immediately called Mr. Darling and I could hear the biggest smile spread across his face.

On the way home I contacted grandparents and our close family friends who offered to take our daughter if neither of our parents were in the city at the moment that I went into labor. After arriving home I made sure everything was in order and took a long hot shower. It was at that moment that I realized that our lives were completely changing once again, but this time I had an overwhelming sense of guilt.  Despite the fact that I loved and adored this baby from the moment I knew I was carrying him, for the first time I worried about my ability to love another baby as much as I loved our daughter. I held her as close as I could as I said goodbye before heading to the hospital and as Mr. Darling and I drove together, we silently held hands, each reflecting on the realization that we would meet our son in just a matter of hours.

No second was wasted taking in his preciousness after giving birth. He was just as much a marvel as his sister was and when they met for the first time, we knew that they were meant to be together and my heart knew that it would love two children in the very same way it did when there was only one.

It's exciting moments like these that make a life fulfilled. No matter who you are, or what your place is, it's the beautiful changes like bringing a baby into the world and one's family that make everything else seem so insignificant and small.

The Darling Family wishes everything wonderful to the Royal Family of Three-To-Be!

With love,
Mrs. Darling

Little Darlings: Products of The Moment

As a mother of two, I’ve just about seen and tried it all - from move and shake baby silencers to all natural lather and slathers. There has been no stone unturned. Pictured above are our products of the moment that have been tried and true in the Darling household. Enjoy!

Supergoop: The atopic skinned family’s god-sent. This sunscreen is not only gentle and effective but it is also free of oil, oxybenzone, paraben and fragrance. The Darling Children and I have been cursed with extremely sensitive skin. This is the only sunscreen that doesn’t send us running for hydrocortisone. One pump goes a long way and the cherry is that it is TSA approved for carry-on air travel. For those who are squeezing in the last bit of summer travel or those who are laying low in the ghastly summer heat, this product is an absolute must (unless your darling is under six months of age – If so, a hat and shade is the ultimate recommendation).

California Baby - Calming Bubble Bath: This is a beloved brand in the Darling Home by parents and children alike. This tear free, all natural, biodegradable and herbal bubble bath is the perfect end to any day. Its gentle, vegetable-derived bubbling properties ensure the integrity and softness of your darling’s skin while simultaneously affording them the essence of calm and serenity. At the end of the day, could you ask for more?

Cetaphil - Restoraderm Skin Restoring Moisture: For those of you who are long time lovers of Cetaphil, you will more than likely agree with the fabulousness of this moisturizing product. Recommended by dermatologists, this cream is extremely effective. I have personally seen tremendous results with my children’s eczema. While many pediatricians do not recommend moisturizers until after six months of age, Cetaphil Restoraderm is compatible with skin three months of age and/or older.

Paul Mitchell Kids - Taming Spray: This wonderful detangler can be used on either wet or dry hair, which is perfect for taming long and luscious locks as well as crazy cowlicks. It has also reduced the morning shrill decibel in the Darling home by half.

Mustela – Dermo Cleansing: Throughout five years and two children, this soap free cleansing gel has been our ultimate recommendation to parents everywhere. Not only is the gentle fragrance absolutely divine, it is hypoallergenic, tear free, and maintains the softness of your little darling’s skin and scalp. I love that even though our eldest is five, when I snuggle her at bedtime, I am taken back to her infancy night after night and hold her just a little bit closer and a little bit longer.

As every child is different, so too may be their reaction to these products.  I do hope that you will love them as much as we do. Stay posted for our next product feature!

With love,

Mrs. Darling 

Mrs. Darling: Wanted In The House Of Darling - House of Lavande

The above depictions of Mrs. Darlings desire are courtesy of House of Lavande

It is safe to say that vintage and vintage inspired jewelry is an absolute passion of mine. Those who know me personally can attest to this truth. Right after giving birth to each of my children, my precious baubles were put away. I was too afraid of getting a call from CPS about ghastly scratches on their delicate faces and bodies from my outrageous chandelier earrings, bold bangles or extravagant cocktail rings. Now that my youngest is walking, I'm beyond ready to break out the big bling for a little fun.

The well known House of Lavande has long been a source of inspiration for my love of statement pieces. Pictured above are my cravings of the moment. Be sure to check out their website. A little taste of razzle dazzle is sure to cure any case of the Mondays!

With love,
Mrs. Darling

Mrs. Darling: Packing For The Hospital

I can still remember the feeling of being – DONE – at the end of each of my third trimesters. I was ready to graciously ask my little tenants to pack up and get the show on the road. About a month before each of my respective due dates, I pulled out my overnighter and prepared for what would be my labor and delivery trousseau. Every Mother’s needs are different when it comes to preparing for the birth of her child and the subsequent recovery, but aside from the obvious essentials such as a car seat, camera, phone and all necessary chargers … I thought I would share a few of my personal recommendations that I was most thankful I packed. Here is a list of items one might want to consider while preparing for the waddle to check in and check out!

Disposable Toiletry Items i.e. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Facial Cleanser and Facial Products, Body Cream and Deodorant: There is nothing more refreshing after hours of labor than your first shower and cleansing routine. While they provide many of these items at the hospital, I have found that your own creature comforts can aid in a certain sense of tranquility and normalcy in the 24 hour time period of a complete and utter life change! If your favorite products cannot be found in travel size, I discovered that many counters in departments stores or small boutiques are more than happy to supply you with sample sizes to get you through your 2 – 3 day recovery period in the hospital – Major shout out to my girls from Bergdorf Goodman who hooked me up with my favorite day and night time regimens in miniature!

      Hair Brush and Hair Ties/Clips: These items don’t need any explanation. In all honesty, after you are able to shower you will not have the time, let alone the energy to blow out your hair, but you’ll certainly want to run something through it and get it out of your face.

      2 or 3 Comfortable Short Night Gowns or Long Night Shirts In Black: After my first go-a-round, I realized that I was tremendously uncomfortable in the hospital gowns that were given to me. After I had time to rest following the birth of my second baby, I showered and changed into a black, short sleeve, V necked, jersey nightie by Cosabella.  I chose black for the obvious reason that you are bleeding for several days postpartum and I never had to worry about ruining a garment. V necked nighties allow for easy access when breastfeeding, jersey is such a comfortable and forgiving fabric that you cannot go wrong and lastly, I decided on a shorter length because it makes for much less fuss when the Doctors and Nurses are checking your healing process.

      2 or 3 Nursing Bras/Tank Tops: After the first day postpartum and especially after my milk came in I was in desperate need of support (In more ways than one). There is a plethora of nursing bras and brands to choose from and the process of selecting them is purely a matter of preference, comfort and circumstance.  I always favored Elle Macpherson’s line of Bras and Target’s Gilligan & O’Malley Sports Bra Styles and Tank Tops. I loved sleeping in a nursing tank top because I didn’t have to open or pull up a shirt when I was half asleep at 2 am.  

1 or 2 Nursing Covers: My covers were wonderful through out the months my children were nursing and they were also fabulously helpful when guests came to meet the baby during visiting hours. They allowed me to continue to nurse on demand while keeping me covered and simultaneously keeping our visitors as comfortable as possible.  I highly recommend Bebe Au Lait nursing covers, yet a few of my girlfriends have had great success with a simple swaddling blanket. Aden and Anais make a tremendous swaddle blanket that is made of muslin so it’s not only light and airy - it’s incredibly soft as well.

Homecoming Outfit For Baby: I loved shopping for this particular outfit for both of our Newborns. This is obviously a very personal choice; just don’t forget to pack it!

Homecoming Outfit For Mommy: My outfit of choice both times around was a pairing of black, wide banded leggings, a comfortable top and flats. This seems to be a fairly common selection. Do not forget to include a nursing bra and my major essential: Black, Full Bottomed Underwear. As I mentioned above, you will have several days of postpartum bleeding and will more than likely be wearing a very thick pad, thus, comfort is key! Packing a pair or two in your hospital bag is wise and stocking few pairs to have when you get home is brilliant.

This personal list is based on a straightforward labor and delivery. Those of us who have been there know that things can change in a heartbeat.  Just remember that at the end of the day, no matter what you pack, it will never be as important as what…or whom you take away.

With love,

Mrs. Darling