TCH Guest Blogger ~ Why We'll March

When my husband and I decided we were ready to start our family there were a lot of “what ifs?” that swirled around in my head. What if we had infertility problems? What if I miscarried? What if the baby had a heart defect? The list goes on and on. The one thing that didn’t cross my mind was prematurity. I had no idea that preterm birth was the leading cause of newborn death in the United States. At only 7 weeks pregnant, Gordon and I were told I had a bicornuate uterus and was at risk for preterm labor. That’s when my googling “preterm baby” obsession started. It intensified when I was put on bed rest at 29 weeks. The March of Dimes website became my new best friend. I wanted to know what to expect. Really, I wanted to hear positive stories from other families and read about the advances in treatment for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients.

After 24 days of bed rest, my water broke, and William made his debut 5 hours later at only 32 weeks gestation. He weighed in at 3 pounds 14 ounces and even gave us a little cry before being whisked away to one of the nation’s top neonatology units.
We spent the next 4 weeks in the NICU. Due to having difficulty breathing, William had to be intubated so he could receive surfactant. He was on cPAP for a week after that and had to receive nutrition through an IV. He spent 2 days on the bilirubin blanket, countless days in the incubator until he could regulate his own body temperature and it took him weeks to learn how to drink from a bottle. I stayed calm through it all and felt so confident with the care he was receiving. He was in good hands at Texas Children’s.
Being a nurse myself, I know that knowledge is power in the medical field. That’s why the March of Dimes is so near to my heart. Many of the treatments used in the NICU were developed through March of Dimes funded research. One of the treatments that stands out in my mind is surfactant. It is a medication that helps lung development in babies with respiratory distress. I hate to think of what could have happened had William not gotten this medication.
So, this year my husband and I will be walking in the March for Babies because we are thankful. Not a single day passes that we don’t remember those scary days in the NICU. So, we’ll walk for William and for all the other tiny babies fighting a battle in the NICU right now. We will walk every year in hopes that we can help educate one more person because like I said before, knowledge is power. The March of Dimes has been a great resource for me. They do a fabulous job educating expecting parents about everything from taking folic acid to prematurity research. They also help doctors across the country perfect the way they care for these tiny little babies.
Walking will be our family’s way of saying thank you, because just saying those 2 little words will never be enough. We will always have a place in our hearts for the fabulous doctors, nurses and researchers out there that helped us get our baby boy home!

**Houston friends:  This years walk will be on April 28, 2013 at the University of Houston!

William's first few minutes in this world!

...and NOW!!! 

Make sure to check out TCH's blog for more inspiring stories! 

Bed Rest 101

It's hard to believe that this time last year my world was being turned upside down.  BED REST!  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I was wearing a green and blue striped shirt.  Seeing my reflection in the mirror as I walked into my doctor's office still shocked me.  I knew, while laying there on the table having an ultrasound done, before they said anything, that bed rest was in my future.  Drinking the nasty orange sugar stuff didn't even phase me since there were a million things running through my mind.  I didn't tell my family at the time that the doctor could feel his head when she did my examine!  Yikes that baby was low!  Dr. B kept asking me how close I parked to the office.  The last thing she said was, "Go right home and lay down.  Only get up to use the bathroom and to heat up soup, no cooking.  Period."   We were a nervous wreck.  29 weeks was just too early.  We prayed I'd make it to 34 weeks.  I've never seen Gordon more anxious than during this time period. 
Now here we are with an 11 month old who is happy and healthy.  I'll never forget March 26th!

For any mommas out there reading this, here are some bed rest tips (you can also visit the American Pregnancy Association for more information).

• People will tell you to enjoy your time off work because you'll never get this kind of opportunity again (to lay around and sleep all day without a baby and no work).  Just give them a smile and say okay.....if you've been on bed rest you know this couldn't be farther from the truth.  YOU WORRY.  Your baby could possibly be in jeopardy and if you're like me you're not bringing home a paycheck while not working. 
• But, do try your best to enjoy your alone time.
• It's normal to cry every day...well at least for me it was.  :)
• Make a routine.
• If you have some of the nursery done go in the room once a day, sit in a chair and think about holding that precious baby. 
• Have one place that you stay the majority of the day that isn't your bed. 
• Have a couple healthy snacks between meals.  It will give you something to look forward to and it helps break up the day.  My favorites were carrots and ranch, pumpkin seeds, pudding and fruit snacks. 
• Get caught up on thank you notes and update your address book.
• Read something besides baby books. :) 
• I made appointments.....for Gordon to have his teeth cleaned, Gus to go the vet and a dentist appointment for me after William's due date. 
• Have pillows, tums and chap stick at every location!  All the laying down is terrible for indigestion.
• If you have multiple stories in your home like I do have a phone charger on each floor. 
• Grab your snack/drink when you're up for a bathroom break.  Cluster things together as much as possible. 

A typical day for me went like this....I woke up when Gordon did around 7:00.  He'd bring me breakfast and I'd eat upstairs in our room while I watched GMA, Kelly and sometimes The View.  I usually took a little cat nap after that.  Around 11:00 I'd stop into William's nursery and sit in the glider for a few minutes and read him a book.  Afterwards, I'd head down stairs to eat lunch and read my book.  I usually talked to Gordon around this time too.  I loved watching The Chew and of course blogging.  After snack time I'd take a nap around 4:00.  Most days Gordon was home by 6:00 and boy was I happy to have company.  I'd tell him how to make dinner, he'd bring it into the living room where we would eat and watch TV until 10 pm when it was time for bed!  We watched lots of movies and home improvement shows.  :)

So, eventhough it's hard to really enjoy this time try your best because it's the most rest you'll get for a long time.  I read something to William tonight from his Jesus Calling for Kids book that was perfect.  ~ Waiting on Me means trusting Me with every fiber of your being instead of trying to figure it all out yourself.  I will fill your life with blessings.  I will give you strength and joy and hope.  "It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save."  -Lamentations 3:26 

 Let me know if anyone has any other advise for bed rest mommas because there's a good chance I'll be there again soon.  :)

A Little Getaway

When the boys play momma and baby will have a little getaway! 

 

That was the case this past weekend!  Since Gordon was heading to New Orleans for his brother's bachelor party William and I decided to make a trip out to West Texas.  Click here to see his first trip to Midland! 

After work on Thursday we headed to the airport for William's 6th (round trip) flight (and our 2nd flight without Daddy).  I'll spare you all the details....I'll just say it was a rough evening.  I realized Gordon had left his keys in my car when I drove up to the airport (...with a screaming baby in the backseat).  Getting through security wasn't too bad but we did have an explosive diaper as our flight was boarding.  NEVER a good thing.  They definitely called my name over the loud speaker!  "Last call for Lindsey Gooding."  What's a mom to do?!?!  Change a very stinky diaper (which can lead to a red hiney) or miss your plane?  I picked the clean hiney and happy neighbors on the plane.  Yes, we made our flight too.  Thankfully, William slept the entire flight.  When we got off the plane we were welcomed with a broken stroller.  Uhhhh!  I guess I kinda expected it to happen but wish it hadn't been when I was alone.  We didn't get to bed that night until midnight!  Baby boy slept like a champ in his crib but the late night came back to haunt us the next day.  

Friday morning we had pictures with Kriti McKnight scheduled.  Kristi is my age and worked with my mom at Santa Rita.  She is now a fabulous photographer.  Poor little William had a breakdown.  He gave us zero smiles and just kept reaching out for me.  Kristi was so sweet and told us to come back the next day if he was feeling better.  After having a quick breakfast with his nana and aunt Skye we headed home for a long nap.  The next day this mommy got a much needed mani/pedi, laid by the pool for an hour while William took a nap and of course went by Le BeBe where we found a precious bathing suit for baby boy.  After a yummy dinner at Luigi's we had movie night in the new theatre room.  We watched This Is 40 and it was hilarious.  If you haven't seen it yet make sure it's next on your rental list (especially if you're married with kids). 

On Sunday we said our goodbyes and headed back home.  The broken stroller still caused me problems but people really are so sweet and helpful when you have a baby.  The captain of our flight helped us getting on and even waited for us to get off to help me get the stroller and carseat situated.  He said he had kids himself and knew how hard it could be.  William and I headed straight to the grocery store and then home to cook dinner and make baby food. 

 

• Dinner at Luigi's
• Going home with Nana & Papa after dinner at GT Country Club (mommy went and had grown up time with Dustin and Skye)
• Mommy & baby enjoying the beautiful (windy) weather
• Papa put his feet in the water....COLD!
• Movie night (puppies included)

As always, we were sad to leave but so excited to see everyone for his first birthday next month!

Gordon was in bed at 8pm last night.....guess that means he had a fun weekend too. I can see a girls trip in my near future!!!! Any takers ladies?

 



11 months old

Will time ever slow down again?  He's growing so fast.....



11 months old

Weight- 16 lbs 12 ounces (0.5%)
Eating- His eating hasn't changed.  Still nursing him before school, 3 bottles at school, nursing him twice once we are home and eating food 3 times a day.  Over the last month he's tried prunes, peaches, strawberry, tomato, and ham.   
Sleeping- Things were going great until last week when he got his first ear infection.  Since then things have been pretty miserable.  Poor baby's ears hurt. :(            
Development- He's waving hi and bye more often now.  He's started babbling a lot more.  I was at an APHON meeting on April 7th and Gordon sent me a video text of him saying "dadadadabababa"!  Since then it's none stop.  He starts off saying dadada really softly and slowly gets louder and louder.  It's like he's surprised he's making those noises.  Separation anxiety is in full force.  He cried for the first time last week when Gordon dropped him off and he has a break down if I leave the room...even for half a second.  He'll reach his arms out for you to hold him.  He loves being passed back and forth between Gordon and me.  When sitting on the floor he can turn himself around 360 degrees but still isn't crawling.  He throws everything on the ground from his highchair and then just looks down at it all and smiles at us.    
We lowered William's crib mattress since he's able to pull up better.  I can't see him trying to get out of his crib anytime soon so we just lowered it one notch.  I'm sure we'll have to drop it all the way down in a month or two!
Clothing size- Size 3 diapers.  Mostly 9 month stuff.   
Things mommy loves- Listening to him talk is hilarious.  Sometimes he gets really serious and squints his eyes while he's talking away.  I've never laughed so much in my life.  All the new facial expressions are priceless.     .
Things WJG loves- Walking at the park puts him right to sleep.  His new favorite book is called "Feely Bugs" and his favorite bug is the wrinkly bug! 
Things WJG doesn't like-  Pollen!  The poor little guy sneezed a million time on Sunday.  He also hates having an ear infection and is acting more fussy when he's getting dressed for bed (probably just super tired). 
First time-  Last Wednesday we found out William had an ear infection in his left ear.  We had to take him back today because he was really pulling on his ears and crying like he was in pain at night.  His left ear is much better but his right ear is now looking yuck (and his little throat was red).  So, tonight we gave him his first dose of oral antibiotics.  I'm also giving him probiotics to help his belly in case the Amoxicillin gives him an upset stomach.  On a good note, William went to the Houston Rodeo for the first time and we got a new Pope this month. 

I can't believe that this time next month our little 3 pound baby will be a year old!  I just can't seem to wrap my head around it.  Every day is such a blessing......

He'll kill me for this one day but it's just too cute to not post!

St. Patricks's Day Now & Then

This time last year we were making big changes in the Gooding house!  Both of our moms were in town for my first babyshower, we had maternity pictures taken and the man room was retired and William's nursery came to life!  I was 27 weeks pregnant and getting SO excited about meeting baby boy soon.  I did get sick the night before the babyshower.  I think I'd over done it on Friday with all the up and down the stairs etc.  By the time the babyshower started I was feeling better and happy to see all my girlfriends to celebrate William!  After taking the picture on the right I headed up stairs for a nap.  :) (I could've really used one of those today.  haha).  *a little side note* three years ago our parents were meeting for the first time and we had our engagement pictures taken!  Can't wait to see what next year has in store for us. 

Here we are a year later!  Beside being in desperate need of a tan, things are great.  Poor little William hasn't been feeling good though.  We did make it to the park to walk Saturday and Sunday, got the car washed, G and I watched Argo and I got lots of birthday party stuff done (more on my new Cricut to come!).  It's become painfully clear that William is going to have seasonal allergies just like his dad.  Boo.  I love the Spring.  It's really the best time of year in Houston.  But, it looks like William's going to have to stay in doors until the pollen calms down.  I always wanted to get married in March until I realized I'd be marrying Gordon.  He's a sneezy mess all month long!  I guess you make sacrifices for the ones you love. 
After a yummy St. Patrick's day corned beef dinner both my boys are sound asleep while I blog and watch a little Duck Dynasty.  As always I am cracking up.  We had a happy, happy weekend!

Wonderful Wednesday

I told Gordon the other day I feel like I'm finally starting to catch up on sleep and I have more energy (most days)!  Yesterday I felt like we had so much time to get things done.  Getting better sleep at night really makes a difference!  The first 6 months were tough for me since I was basically up every 3 hours to pump and feed.  I didn't sleep for more than an hour at a time while he was in the NICU so I definitely had some catching up to do in the sleep department.  This past week is the first week I haven't had to go into his room in the middle of the night to put his paci back in to help him fall back asleep.  YEAH for self soothing! 
Anyways, the point to all of that is, I got a lot done yesterday and didn't feel so rushed.  During William's morning nap I had some coffee, did laundry, cleaned up the kitchen and blogged.  Gordon came home for lunch and then William and I headed to the park to walk.  It was SO nice outside.  Afterwards, we headed home and did a little art project and then drove out to Katy for William's doctor appointment.  I had noticed Tuesday night that W had some dried drainage in his left ear that was kinda green (gross I know).  I've always known it'd be hard to tell when he had an ear infection because A) he always plays with his ears and B) he's a good, laid back baby that doesn't really complain a lot.  Luckily, he hasn't had a fever but I did notice that he was crying a little more than normal when we laid him down for bed on Monday and Tuesday night.  So, to the doctor we went and sure enough he has a little ear infection in his left ear.  More than 50 % of babies will get an ear infection before the age of one!  So, I kinda expected it to happen eventually.  Really, William has been a pretty healthy baby.  No fever until 9 months old (and the sickness ran it's course on it's own) and a small ear infection at nearly 11 months old.  The American Academy of Pediatrics has some new guidelines for ear infections that I think are great (click on the link to read more).  Once we were done at the doctor we headed to the store to pick up baby boys ear drops and a few things for dinner.  I'm so glad we are just doing antibiotic ear drops versus oral!  William seems to be feeling good and that's what matters. 

• Homemade chicken strips are my favorite!
• I gave William some unseasoned squash.  He just played with it and then looked at me like I was crazy when I tried to put it in his mouth.  :)
• This was William's fourth outfit of the day. 
• Yummy blueberry muffins.   

He is such a sweet little buddy!



Rodeo Weekend



This past weekend we made our yearly trip to Reliant for the Houston Rodeo!  Since our nanny is out of commission right now we decided to just bring baby W along with us.  We went grocery shopping Friday night so we wouldn't feel so rushed on Saturday.  William was definitely ready for some rodeo fun.  He had his outfit on and to really get into Rodeo mode we played with his barnyard friends from his nana before heading out (the pig is his favorite).  I can't wait to put him in cowboy boots next year!   

 

I know I've said it a million times.....I'll say it again....William really is the best baby.  He did so good at the rodeo.  Everyone sitting around us was amazed.  They kept asking if he was always so good.  He just sat in our lap and watched all the action.  We even caught him clapping his hands along with everyone else!  He was mesmerized by the fireworks before the concert started.  It got pretty loud once the concert started (and we'd been there for over 2 hours already) so we walked around the concession area and did a little dancing.  We left a little early so we could beat the traffic and we wanted to grab some dinner before heading home.  We had some yummy mexican food at Spanish Village and then went home to put baby boy to bed. 
Rodeo this year was definitely different than years past but Gordon and I both agreed we had so much fun.  It was so fun watching William!  You could tell he was amazed by it all.  The next day I swear he "talked" about it the entire day.  On Thursday he started saying dadadadbabbaba!  And, it is non stop.  When he woke up Sunday morning he was in constant babble. 

Sunday was our 6 year "anniversary" so our rodeo weekend was the perfect way to celebrate.  It really does seem like just yesterday that Gordon came back into my life.  The past 6 years have been jam packed with happy and fun times.  I can't even imagine how great the next 6 years will be!  
We went to church on Sunday, had a burger at the park and went on a walk at Memorial.  I'm so happy to have more sun time at the end of the day!!!! 
I'm so glad we went to church on Sunday because the sermon was great and made me think of my family.  I'll be honest....I don't have the most functional extended family (which makes me appreciate Gordon's calm, easy going nature even more).  Father Walsh, who married us, talked about forgiveness and resolution.  Both of my parents come from big families.  With so many people you have many different personalities and opinions.  Life is too short to hold a grudge, to not get over something and move on with your life.  I wish everyone could understand the way I do.  Right now I know two children, under the age of 6, that will die too young.  They will be taken from their parents much too soon because of cancer.  Therefore, I will never understand not forgiving.  I will never understand wasting a single day on silly things that stand in the way of happiness.  We are all different.  We all have different opinions and some of us are more sensitive and emotional than others.  It doesn't make one person right, wrong, better or worse.  Just different.  I may be young but I've been cheated on, picked on and made fun of.  And, ALL of those things have made me stronger.  I've forgiven those that cheated and lied.  To me, holding onto bad feelings means leaving less room for happiness and love in your heart.  And let's be honest, if I hadn't been cheated on would I have Gordon and William in my life?  I don't know.  I am grateful for every single good and bad thing that's happened over the course of my life because it's led me to where I am now.  So, I choose to surround myself with positive people that love me.  I pray that we can all forgive each other because nobody is perfect.  I pray that we can trust in God and not live life worried or sad.  God has a plan for all of us.  Sometimes it's not what we had planned but in the end we will see why He's chosen that path for us.  So, this week forgive someone!  Find resolution and make peace in your life because it's too short to be anything but happy, happy, happy!

He was happy after church too!

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."  - Mark 11:25

Wonderful Wednesday

So, this week instead of being off on Wednesday I was off yesterday.  It ended up working out well since I wasn't feeling good at work on Monday.  Getting an extra hour of sleep in the morning does a body good!  We also got to go to DefineBaby before meeting Gordon for lunch.  Unfortunately, they only have the baby class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  Hopefully I'll have off the first Thursday of every month so we can go to Define and I can make it to my APHON meetings in the med center in the evening.  Our Define workout went great yesterday.  We had a super cute preggo instructor that was due to have her baby today!  She looked fabulous and William thought she was pretty funny.  He did great during the class and even tried to imitate what we were doing towards the end.  I guess I got a good work out in because I can barely move today.  :(  Being this sore just makes me what to stay more on top of it so I don't have to hurt like this again.  yuck.

After a healthy lunch at Chili's (haha) with G, William and I headed to Berings to pick up his birthday invitations (which turned out super cute).  We also got his Easter basket presents and have ordered his Easter outfit!  I can do some serious damage in that store.  yikes!  We headed home after that so I could catch up on babyfood making while William took his afternoon nap.  He tried strawberries for the first time and seemed to like them okay.  We did some laundry, sorted through clothes that don't fit him and practiced crawling and pulling up!  He's getting to be such a big boy.  Last night I was holding him on my chest and I realized how long he is now.  Seems like just yesterday I could scoop him out of his bassinet with only one hand and his little body only took up a foot of space on my chest.  xoxo.  He sure does make me one happy lady!  His little smile is contagious. 



 



Today was Rodeo Day at William's school.  He wore the cutest little outfit my mom got him in Midland.  I'll post pictures soon!  We're sad to say that William had to get a new afternoon teacher at school.  Jessica, who worked from 2-6, is pregnant and was told by her doctor to not lift anything more than 10 pounds.  We will miss her! 

Weekend Fun

Why can't the weekends be longer?!?!  I just love them so much!  I can't say that we had a very productive weekend around our house.  I didn't even get a chance to make any baby food.  But, we did get to do some fun stuff. 
Saturday night Gordon and I had a night out for Ashley's wedding.  I met Ashley 4 years ago on Avery Island for a long weekend getaway with a group of couples.  We became fast friends and have shared lots of fun times together.  I am SO very happy for her and Matt.  Their reception was at the same place we had our rehearsal dinner, The Grove.  Being back in "The Treehouse" brought back lots of happy memories.  Our babysitter canceled at the last minute so uncle Grant stepped in and saved the day!  I think they had a fun boys night.  :)

William and I walked around the park while Gordon was at the gym on Sunday afternoon.  I thought about skipping out so I could get more laundry done but decided it was just too pretty outside!  As you can see the little buddy had a fun time.  Gordon even met us for a burger and milkshake.  YUM
The little guy tried some turkey for the first time.  I can't say it was his favorite.  Who can blame him...I'd rather eat pears too.  We bought a couple jars of babyfood because I refuse to puree chicken, ham and/or turkey.  Gross me out!! 
It's crazy how fast our weekends fly by.  We spend hours laying on the floor watching William talk, play and try to crawl.  I swear we could just stare at him all day. But, the week is here so I might as well make the best of it with a little Bachelor watching!!!  I just realized that Sean's ex girlfriends (the Cowboys cheerleader that they constantly refer to) married a boy that I grew up with, Laynce Nix, who just so happens to be a professional baseball player.  Small world.   When Laynce and I were in the 5th grade I volunteered him to be sawed in half for a magic trick.  He was still reminding me when we were 18 that it hurt his feelings.  Next week is going to be even better....the season finale of The Bachelor and Dancing with Stars!