Claire Isabella

My sweet, precious girl,

This is the story of how you came into this world. My pregnancy with you was different than my first. I had morning sickness for the full first trimester and never really had much energy throughout the entire pregnancy. At 28 weeks, I experienced bleeding. I called my doctor and they instructed me to rest and to watch it. It seemed to persist, so we went to L&D to have things checked out. They released me that day and placed me on bed rest. My cervix was shorter than they were comfortable with and I was 1 cm dilated. We were absolutely terrified that you would come early. We knew what this would mean for your health and we wanted so badly for you to be okay. I remained on bedrest for 4 weeks, seeing my OB every week. After 4 weeks my doctor said nothing had progressed and lifted the bedrest. The very next morning, I started bleeding again. I made another trip to L&D, in which no cause for bleeding was found. They believed it to be a vein in my cervix and released me, back on bedrest. A week later I had a very heavy bleeding episode and went back to L&D. After being thoroughly examined, they released me again. My doctor predicted that you would arrive around week 35, but was concerned you may come before then. They decided to give me steroid shots to develop your lungs, just in case. Boy, did that hurt!! They continued to check my cervix weekly. "Any day now", was something that he said at every visit. So I waited....expecting you any moment for 12 weeks. Week 35 came and went, but you were still snug as a bug. It was hard, but we were blessed to have the help of your Nana and Mimi to watch your big sister. Your Daddy would always say, "We could just make it to 39 weeks!". Dr. Wilkerson and I would say, "yeah, maybe", but I never really thought we would! I was just praying to make it to week 37. Week 37 and came and went, still you didn't come. They took me off of bedrest and I resumed all of my normal activities. I was sure that you would come then, but you didn't. Dr. Wilkerson said I had progressed to 3 cm and was very close. At the end of week 38, I was beginning to become very uncomfortable. We started talking induction, can you believe it? I wasn't sure if I *wanted* to be induced. I just wanted to experience this as naturally as possible, but I was starting to be concerned with how much you were growing and my ability to deliver you. Your Daddy and I went home to talk about it and finally decided to induce the day before my due date, which was February 1st. I was hoping that you would decide to come on your own that week, so that an induction wouldn't be necessary. We went on family walks every day that the weather was nice. Madeline and I made trips to Nana and Pawpaw's farm and I cleaned the house every day. You didn't want to come! I had a few contractions here and there, but nothing consistent. The night before your induction, I couldn't sleep a wink. Madeline went to stay with Nana and Pawpaw and your Daddy and I were home by ourselves. I did all the last minute preparations that I could think of. Daddy laughed that I was painting my toenails at 10:00. We packed our bags and laid out our clothes.

Finally it was the day of your induction, January 31st, 2014, your birthday! We were scheduled to arrive at the hospital at 5:00 am, which meant that we had to be up around 3:30 am! I was SO tired and excited. I had been planning to have a natural, unmediated birth and was beginning to get nervous. I can remember driving to the hospital and wondering how this was all going to play out. I knew we were about to be a part of a miracle. There isn't any think like *knowing* you are about to be a part of something so magical and sacred. I just wanted to drink in every moment of that day and to really experience it. The staff was so sweet and I was relieved to have such nice nurses to start the day off. We settled into our room and I got changed. They hooked up my IV and started me on a small amount of Pitocin. They said I was contracting on my own, but that they just hadn't fallen in to a strong, regular pattern yet. At 7:30 am, Dr. Wilkerson came into the room to break my water. This was painless and easy. I immediately started experiencing regular and stronger contractions after that! He chatted with us and said that he had a surgery scheduled for later in the morning, but would be around if I needed anything. They brought me ice chips and your Daddy and I began our wait. The contractions got stronger throughout the morning. At 9:30 am, your big sister arrived at the hospital to see us. I was so happy to see her, but was really having to work through the contractions at this point, so she didn't stay in the room long. I didn't want her to see me in pain. While your Daddy went to take Madeline back to the lobby, the nurse came in to check me. I had dilated to a 5! She gave me something through my IV to, "take the edge off of the contractions". Your Pawpaw, Nana and Mimi came in to see me next. It was close to 10:00 am, at this point. They wished us well and went back to the lobby to wait. Your Daddy promised to keep them updated. After he returned to the room, my contractions had really picked up. He offered to rub my back to help. I gladly accepted and rolled onto my left side. When I did, the pain intensified and I couldn't breath well. He placed a fan on my face, which helped, but then I began to feel nauseous. I remember thinking to myself, "if I give in and get an epidural, will I be disappointed in myself?". At that time, another contraction hit. It was so incredibly intense. I looked at him and simply said, "epidural", which was the word we agreed on would be my white flag, so to speak. He quickly said, "okay", and went to find my nurse. By this point, I was holding on tightly to the side of my bed. I explained to her that I had difficulty breathing during the contractions and that I felt nauseous. She said, "Let me check you again before I call the anestiologist...it might be too late". She asked me to turn back onto my back, which seemed impossible, but somehow I managed to get back there. I remember feeling like I would pass out from the pain. She quickly determined that I was complete and ran from the room to call Dr. Wilkerson and to bring in the equipment. Everything seemed frantic. Your Daddy was so excited and said, "You did it, Honey!!!" I wanted to push so bad, but they had told me to wait. Dr. Wilkerson was in his afore mentioned surgery, so it took a minute for him to get there. Once he arrived, I started pushing. I could feel my body working to deliver you, almost without any thought from me. It just knew what to do. I knew that there was no turning back now and that the only way to meet you was to trudge forward into this unknown territory of labor. After about 30 minutes of pushing, you were born! The nurses and doctor all commented on how full and healthy you were! I was shocked at your precious rolls when they placed you on my chest. You made it...and you were absolutely healthy! What an amazing blessing after all that we had been through and feared throughout the pregnancy. Praise be to God! You were having a hard time getting a good breath and had breathed in some fluid. The nurse took you to suction out your lungs and you began to cry that beautiful newborn cry....the cry that every parent longs to hear when they give birth. It was beautiful. They weighed you and your Daddy looked over at me in shock...you were 8 lbs and 9 oz, 21 inches! They brought you back to me for skin to skin time. You quietened as soon as they placed you on my chest. After you nursed and I ate lunch, we sent for the family. Your Daddy was so excited to tell them that you were here. They couldn't believe it and thought he was only there to update them on the progress of labor. You were born at 10:43 am. Your big sister made you a couple of drawings and was the first to hold you. I adored you right away, sweet girl.

I had some difficulty recovering afterwards, so they kept me in L&D a little longer. We were eventually moved to a room in the maternity wing where we waited for you to be cleaned and brought to us. I loved nursing you in the night that first night we had together. I always kept you longer than what it took to actually nurse you. I would just look into your face and study you. How I had longed to meet you and to see what you would look like! We couldn't tell who you took after. They released me at noon the following day. Such a precious experience that I will never forget. I love you sweet girl and can't wait to get to know you!

Elmo and Bubbles

The little lady is down for a rather long nap and I found myself wanting to write. Usually when she is down for a nap or for the night I am too tired to make my way to the computer, but today I feel like I need to. She is growing SO fast lately and I feel like I am doing such a poor job at capturing it. It hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday. We were sitting in the living room and she had covered herself (and me) in Elmo stickers. She picked up her new bubble maker (it is battery operated and fans out bubbles) and started putting it up to my face. I would yell "wow!" and she would collapse into a fit of giggles. It.was.ridiculous.

This eventually developed into her chasing poor Macie. Luckily, I did get this on video. :)

 

Don't feel too sorry for Macie. She is just paying for her raising.

 

I don't want this time to pass by too quickly. I want to appreciate every moment and remember it. This time with her is going to be a memory soon. My heart aches at the thought of that. I know that we weren't meant to stand still and that many more joys await us, but I can't help but love where she is right now and want time to slow down a bit.

Library Day

M has really developed a love for books for the past 6 months. I know lots of toddlers play with books, and I know this will sound crazy to some, but I think it is different for her. I think she wants to read...because it's not just books. She picks up anything with text on it and tries to 'read' it! She will sit for long periods of time with her books and read them. I could watch her all day....and I do sometimes. :)

One of her absolute favorites is Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type. We actually caught her 'reading' this book and throwing in random "mooooosss". Could that be any cuter?? We didn't think so! So of course, we attempted to get it on video!

I have recently started taking her to the library every week to pick out new books to bring home. I want to teach her how fun and adventurous reading can be. I can't wait to read all my childhood favorites with her! Most of the time I chase her around the aisles and we play with the toys in the kid corner. It is a good break up of our day and it is always great to get out of the house!

Oh Tennessee!!

Madeline had just turned 11 months on our first family vacation. We flew into Nashville, TN, and drove to Fall Creek Falls National Park. It was the perfect first vacation for our little family. We stayed in a sweet little cabin in the woods with one of our favorite families! We took turns cooking each night and the guys enjoyed a couple of rounds of golf.

 

 

We explored a local cavern with the girls…and the leaky sippy cup. This thing was a thorn in our side the whole trip. We couldn’t let it get sideways, so Jeff was stuck holding it for the entire tour…which was a couple of hours. Madeline did great, as long as I was holding her. Thank goodness for baby carriers!

 

A water feature park and aquarium was next on the list. We had a blast watching Dillan play! She has such a fun and sweet personality. To see the world through a child’s eyes. Madeline had fun sticking her feet in the water, but wasn’t big enough to play along beside D yet. My mind couldn’t help but wonder to the future and think about all the vacations ahead of us and how much I look forward to showing our babies the world. What a precious gift God has entrusted to us. Madeline is a hater of naps and fought like a champ that day. She FINALLY fell asleep in the darkness of the aquarium….10 minutes before it was over. Story.Of.Our.Life. Jeff found an amazing little pizza place…and if there is anything that the Goodmans love, it’s pizza. We got a little lost trying to find it, but luckily our travel partners are a cool bunch and didn’t mind the detour. I told Jeff, you know…it’s moments like these that you look back and laugh at. The (wretched) sippy cup…getting lost. When I keep that in mind, it doesn’t bother me so much when things don’t go exactly as planned.

 

 We were so worried about traveling with an 11 month old, but I have to say, Madeline was SUCH a trooper! She slept most of the plane ride and played peek a boo with surrounding passengers when she was awake. That girl can charm pretty much anyone. And if she sees that her inital attempts of attention-getting isn't working on someone, she feels the need to kick up the cuteness to dangerous levels. Strangers don't have a chance. :)

 

Happy Birthday Madeline Rose!

Happy Birthday Madeline Rose!! 

You have become so much more interested in books and pretend that you are reading them!

I love, love how you “chatter” in the back seat when we are driving. I can’t help but smile.

You are finally sleeping through the night! Praise the Lord! I was beginning to wonder if you ever would. If only we had known that a box fan was the key!

You nap 2 times a day.

You have begun to point at things and to communicate in different ways. When you are unhappy, you will sometimes grunt or growl (so it seems).

You weaned from nursing 2 days after your birthday and have done AMAZING with it!

You have started to push things around and walk behind them! I couldn’t believe it when I saw you moving across the floor with the laundry basket. It won’t be long now!

You love to hold our hands and walk and are pretty insistent on doing this a LOT.

We celebrated your first birthday with a Winnie the Pooh theme, since you have become our “Pooh Bear”. I wanted it to be more girly and unique, so I went for a vintage style. I decorated with pink ribbon, yellow polka dots, and burlap. It turned out perfect! You wore the prettiest antique yellow dress with a matching hair bow. I had your cake made by Catering 4 You, the same place that made our wedding cake. I had tried to make it myself, but it didn't turn out at all! I called everywhere trying to find a place to air up your balloons. I finally found someone that would do it, but they could only do a few since they were almost out of helium. Your Pawpaw and I made a wooden sign for the front entry that was theme oriented. I know you won’t remember this party, but your Daddy and I considered it to be VERY special and wanted to celebrate you in a big way! 

Daddy spent MONTHS putting together this very sweet and amazing video of your first year of life.

 

 

A few pictures from your party!

 

 

 

Happy Birthday sweet Madeline Rose. You are the love of our lives!

Backtrack to 11 months!

You have 6 teeth now! You absolutely HATE when I try to look in your mouth. You even stick out your tongue so that I can’t see in.

You can clap your hands and LOVE to do so. I can prompt you by saying “Yay!!!” or by clapping myself. You happily join in and give me that adorable toothy grin!

We have cut another feeding and are down to TWO nursings a day!

You pull up on everything these days and LOVE to walk holding onto something. It scares me to death sometimes. With this new mobility, comes a lot more boo boo’s.

You wave bye bye when prompted now and can even say “bye bye”.

You drink as much whole milk as you want now.

You take 2-3 naps a day, depending on how long they are.

You love to hit balls (or anything that rolls) and chase them around the house.

You have discovered how fun it is to climb and have become quite adventurous. 

Daddy has taught you a new game! You cover your face with something and pull it down (only after we have searched for you saying, “where’s Madeline?”), then you give us the biggest grin! You have quite the appetite for this game!

You charm EVERYONE. I can’t go anywhere without you leaning over and smiling at the next person in line or looking over the pews at church members and waving. You capture everyone’s attention and hearts. People are drawn to you. I realize that this may come across as an overly proud Mama, but I don’t care, because I am. J

You have the sweetest little personality. I still can’t believe you are ours!

Recap....what you were doing at 10 months!

10 Months

 

 

You can CRAWL!!! At 9 months and 1 week, you finally took off! It has been SO much fun to watch you accomplish this. Ty and Macie really don’t have a prayer now. :)

We have cut out a feeding and now only nurse you 3 times a day. We have also started you on a very small amount of whole milk to prepare you for the big switch (per your pediatrician). You are doing really well with the weaning process so far!

You are starting to pull up on furniture too!

We have switched you to the big girl bath tub….no more infant bath for you!

You love to play with your bath toys and splash around.

You still don’t sleep through the night.

We are introducing more and more solids. You are doing GREAT with this!

You can now say “dada” and “dadee”.

We are working hard to teach you how to be gentle with the puppies. You have been doing wonderful! They are very careful with you too. You love to take their toys away from them and they let you. They sit patiently waiting for you to be done “playing” with their toys, so that they can carefully take them back. I LOVE to watch you interact with them.

You can understand the concept of playing a game with other people now. It is so much fun to watch you learn! When you crawl, I will come up behind you and say “I’m gonna get you”. You look back at me, smile, and then take off crawling as fast as you can (only stopping every so often to make sure I’m still coming). You usually don’t make it far because you are overcome by giggles!

You give us deliberate kisses…..which are like pure sugar. I could die.

You love it when we smell your feet and pretend that they stink. You get really tickled at us!