3 Weeks in with Dakota

We can hardly believe it's been three weeks ago since we made the late night dash to the hospital. Maybe it's the lack of sleep that makes the days seem to just run together:) Here's a picture of Dakota sleeping on Dad's legs. She's a hearty eater which usually puts her right into a good nap. She slept for almost 4 hours straight last night-a trend that we hope continues to climb!

As her shrit indicates below, she is indeed a cutie. She loves to cuddle and relax in your arms.

We had spring break here at school last week, which came at a perfect time. Dad and Mom came out from MI to see Dakota and love on Daraby for a couple days. They were a lot of help and they got to see Daraby in high gear. We're amazed at how "grown up" Daraby now seems in comparison to baby Dakota.

Mom always brings out some new cloths and gifts for Daraby when they come. This time it was boots and a soccer ball that stole the show. Here Daraby is showing off a pair of her boots with grandma.

There's a lot more to say and post, however, this will have to do for now as we put Dakota down for bed. It is a hard adjustment for Darcy to have two kids during the day while I'm at work and as many of you can testify-kids have a way of wearing you down physically and emotionally. Nevertheless, we praise God for the miracle of another child in our lives. We have a great support group of staff at the school who have kept us well fed the last 3 weeks. Thanks again for all those who've been praying for us along the way.

Thanks for tuning in!

Welcome Dakota Joy Alice!

Dakota Joy Alice was born Friday (2-26) at 8:19 in the morning. This go around we made it to the hospital in plenty of time. Dakota came in weighing 9lbs 8oz, 21.5in and doesn't miss a feeding:)


1st family photo

Darcy was waiting to see Andrew and finally hold Dakota for the first time.


The hospital in Pierre took some newborn photos of Dakota, which are posted at craddleroll.com She experienced a lot of bruising coming out because she was so large. She has jaundice which we are trying to control by a UV light blanket that she has to lay with for a couple more days. Nothing like starting out your life in a tanning bed!




After the delivery, the placenta wasn't coming out of Darcy so they rushed her into emergency surgery. The Dr. got out what he could but thought there was still a part of the placenta in the uterus that he couldn't get. After surgery, Darcy lost a lot of blood and her blood pressure dropped dangerously low. The only option in Pierre was to do a hysterectomy and take out Darcy's uterus The Dr. decided to send her to Sioux Falls to a specialist who had some more options to try before they did a hysterectomy.


Grandma Wanda Joy with little Dakota Joy Alice. We named Dakota after South Dakota, Darcy's Mom and a great friend Alice who lives in NE.


Aunt Dixie with Dakota and Daraby

I stayed in Pierre with Dakota and Darcy and her mom enjoyed a first class flight aboard a King Air Medical plane. Once she got to Sioux Falls, Darcy's condition began to stabilize. The Dr.s there did an ultrasound and found a spot the size of a quarter in Darcy's uterus. They put her on some medication and monitored her into Saturday. Dakota was released from Pierre Saturday morning and then we along with Darcy's dad, Daraby, Brittany, and Deryn (nieces) drove to Sioux Falls.
Darcy passed some more blood and afterbirth Saturday afternoon and evening which the nurses were worried about. On Sunday morning we took Darcy in for another ultrasound and the placenta was completely gone from the inside of the uterus! We were all overjoyed to see that whatever was in there had come out. We actually were able to check out of the hospital Sunday afternoon and get home Sunday night.

What a weekend! We praise the Lord for his goodness and healing. Words cannot describe the emotions of seeing your spouse struggle in pain not being able to do anything about it and sending her off on an airplane. Thank you mom, and Dixie for your presence with Darcy on the way to and in the hospital at Sioux Falls and the rest of the Beck clan who supported us every step of the way. Thank you also to all who were praying for Darcy-we know there were family and friends praying literally all over the country. I'll close with a couple verses out of Psalm 40:

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.

Thanks for tuning in!
P.S. Thank you Dixie for the pictures!