Brendan and Emily McCarthy recently welcomed their sweet daughter Rory in October, and we were so thrilled to catch up with them recently to hear all about her! They’ve shared the sweet significance behind her middle name, a helpful resource for sleep training, and lots more below!
Tell us about your family!
Hi! We are Brendan & Emily McCarthy. We have one daughter, Rory. She is 3 months old. We both grew up here and recently moved back to be closer to our families. We live on the east side of Glens Falls.
Brendan likes to attend hockey games with his parents, dine at Raul’s and enjoy beers at Common Roots. I love the Crandall Library, the Adirondack Balloon Festival and taking neighborhood walks.
Sharing the News
How did you share the news of your pregnancy with your husband and family?
When I found out I was pregnant I immediately called my mom; I wanted to be with her right away. She came over and we just sat in awe & excitement & talked for a few hours, and then I drove to Brendan’s work, telling him I was just coming for lunch. He was very surprised and not completely convinced. He said, “That’s great! But let’s make sure the doctor confirms it.” Ha!
We were pregnant at the same time as my brother and sister in law, so that was really fun!
Did you find out the gender prior to giving birth? Any inklings as to whether it was a boy or a girl, and were you right?
We didn’t find out the gender beforehand, we wanted to be surprised. We both thought we were having a boy, and were thrilled with a girl. She is our dream come true.
All about Rory
Rory Mahoney McCarthy was born October 21, 2019, at 10:01 pm. She measured 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 18.5 inches long.
Such a cute name! How did you decide on it?
Rory was the only name we could both agree on, and luckily it was gender neutral. We thought it sounded nice with our Irish last name, too. I (Emily) chose the middle name, Mahoney, in honor of my beloved grandparents. I thought if I was ever worried about her, they would be her guardian angels in heaven.
What are a few things you love about her so far?
Everything. Brendan loves her hair, her smile, her laugh, and the way she looks at her Mommy. I loves her little baby sounds, when she gets excited about anything, her smell, her giggles, every smile, every moment.
How about some of your favorite things to do together?
I love to sing Disney songs to her, read books, perform puppet shows for her with her stuffed animals, and dress her up in all her adorable clothes for daily photo shoots. Brendan does all the grooming - from hair to nails! We love giving her baths together because she smiles and coos. We like to take her out anywhere and she enjoys the stimulating, big, wide world.
Any similarities - physical or personality - to the two of you?
She certainly has her Daddy’s hair. She receives so much attention for it! She looks just like Daddy’s baby pictures. People have commented that she resembles both of her grandmothers.
On Parenthood
We’d love to hear your favorite parts about parenthood thus far? And the most surprising thing?
Brendan says Rory has brought new meaning to “home” and he can’t wait to come home from work every evening. I love how close parenthood as made our little family. We work pretty well together as a team.
We both think adjusting to the sleep schedule in the beginning was the biggest challenge.
The most surprising thing about parenting is how fast time truly seems to fly by.
What are you most looking forward to with the new addition to your family?
Taking her on hikes and getting outside even more after winter.
I grew up across the street from Crandall Park and I have so many wonderful memories playing at the playground, sledding and skating on the pond with my Dad. I can’t wait to take her to all these same spots. We can’t wait to play with her in our backyard.
What has being a parent taught you? How have you changed since becoming parents?
As a Mom, I now see my own parents so differently. I think, “Wow, you’ve been through all of this many times!” (They raised 5 children). My respect, love and admiration for them has grown even stronger somehow. And I don’t say it enough, so shout out to them!
What’s the best advice someone has given you?
Our sister-in-law, Katie Fowler, is a clinical nurse educator at Glens Falls Hospital, and she recommended we take an online sleep training course for newborns entitled, “Taking Cara Babies.” We credit Rory’s successful sleeping schedule to this. The program has truly been a lifesaver!
Would you like to share some advice for parents-to-be?
We both recommend taking all the classes available to new parents offered at Glens Falls Hospital.
Brendan: Don’t be ashamed to take advantage of NYS Paid Family Leave. I enjoy the time I’ve taken off to spend with her and would never do it any other way. We are fortunate to live in a state that affords us this opportunity.
Emily: Hire a professional photographer for the early newborn days. You will cherish those photos forever!
Just for Fun
What are the top products that got you through the first few months?
The Hatch Baby Rest Night Light & Sound Machine
The Solly baby wrap
Tiny Love Magical Tales Black & White Gymini (playmat)
Spectra 9 Plus portable breast pump and a hands-free pumping bra
Swaddles
If you could have one night out with a trusted babysitter, what would you do?
Dinner & a movie! We’re simple : )
By the way…
We’d like to say “thank you” to our families and friends for all their love and support at this wonderful time in our lives. We love you!
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Thanks Emily and Brendan and welcome Rory!
P.S. Check out more from our New Additions series here.
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