Nursery for the Future Baby Gooden

With so much to do, this was one of the areas that I personally think could wait until after the baby arrives.  However, the baby market puts the pressure on young mothers (or old ones like me) to get the perfect room together prior to baby arriving.  The worst part is everything and I do mean everything has to be ordered.  Even items that read "Take Home Today" had to be ordered.  Did it take a few days?  No, it took up to 8 weeks.  This puts additional stress on mother's to be that really isn't necessary.  You may ask why I didn't start earlier...well, I didn't feel good (imagine that) not to mention all the work that went into cleaning out the room to begin with just exhausted me.  The good news is I was really motivated during the Christmas break from work to get it finished.  Once the bedding came in, my mother-in-law and I got to work putting everything in its place.  I figure we will put something on the wall after she is born.  Maybe something with her name or initials, but we'll wait and see. 

The quilt is one my grandmother made me as a little girl.

Also, here is a closer look at the bedding and mobil. 

I love the little lambs.  That was definitely worth the upgrade charge!

These pictures show you around the room from right to left, and there have been a few changes since these pictures were made.  For example, there is now a flower rug in front of the glider, and there are many more clothes and blankets. The reason being these pictures were taken before we had any showers.

Anyway, the good news for now is she does have a place to sleep when the time comes.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Let me introduce you to a friend of mine, Lynn.

Lynn and I in New Orleans January 2009.

I first met Lynn in August 1991 when we became suitemates in college.  That seems like a lifetime ago as it has been almost 20 years ago and many, many life events since.

 Lynn is a unique person who loves to read, cook, and travel, and she is passionate in those areas.  How do I know?  It is evident as she is always reading, and it was confirmed when she wrote in her blog http://lynnsmisadventures.blogspot.com/ that she had 976 in her "library".  Plus, when she writes me emails, they are full of details like a novel especially the ones about her travels.  She loves to cook as she tells of the things she has made or plans to make.  When I have visited New Orleans or ask about some type of food, she can always describe it to a "t".  She knows where to eat or where not to.  As for her travels, well, she has gone on so many cruises, that I cannot remember where all she has been.  She has visited several countries including one that is dear to her heart.  That country would be Australia the one where her dearest lives.

Bill and Lynn on their wedding day, January 2010.

It is the place where she will be flying to tomorrow.  She won't be flying there to visit, but to actually live there.  I know we don't live in the same city now, but being in the same time zone makes it better.  While I am sad to see her move, I can't help but be excited for her at the same time!  I mean how many people actually follow their heart to move to the other side of the world to be with the one they love?  Most of us would have analyzed why we shouldn't do it, but I'm so glad Lynn didn't!  She has spent so much time away from Bill even though they married here in the States last January...which reminds me that I failed to tell them Happy Anniversary!  (Baby brain has officially taken over).

To Lynn, I can't wait to hear about this new adventure you are on..the start of the next chapter in your life.  I'll be waiting on your email that gives me all the details written in novel format.  Words cannot express how happy and excited I am for you.  This is not just an adventure of a lifetime, but it is THE adventure of your life! 

Baby's First Shower

We had our first baby shower Thursday, January 13th, and I do believe it is fitting that it was given by the people I work with.  I spend more time with this group than anyone else except Trent.   We had Olive Garden lasagna, salad, and breadsticks which were all so good! Of course, we have to have action shots while eating. Yes, Carol you can thank me later for not posting "that" picture of you.  :-)

LaDonna and Marilyn

Erica, Jennifer, Michelle, Lauren, and Carol

We played a game where we had to guess what baby food was in each jar.  I can honestly say I didn't do well with this game, but it was a lot of fun.

I must be concentrating really hard to be biting my lip. 

Jennifer, Kelly, and Tammy

Tiffany and Alaina (who guessed 9 out of 12 to win)

Then we enjoyed some delicious cake from The Dessert Box http://thedessertbox.blogspot.com/

They used our baby bedding for the design.

It really does taste as good as it looks!

Of course, there were presents.  Unfortunately, I haven't taken a picture of all the wonderful things we received, such as the cute outfits/picture frame/blanket from Glenda, cute outfit from Deb, cute outfits and picture frame from Aunt Tanta, and the generous gift certificate to Downtown Baby from all three offices.  Just incase you are wonder, all baby outfits are cute.  I do have to share the picture of Trent holding....

Yes, that is a princess potty/stool from The Graham Family.  Can't you see how excited Trent is?

So, if you are wondering what a great group of co-workers look like there is no need to look any further.  Here they are (minus several people who weren't able to make it)...

Trent summed it up best when we were walking to the car.  He said "you really do work with some great people."  I can honestly say that is true.  Baby Gooden may never know the encouragement, support, and the reasons for all the laughing I've had during pregnancy, but I can't wait for her to meet the people behind it all!

       

Newborns

Today didn't start out quite like we had planned.  This is the first Sunday in 2011 afterall, so what should we have done?  Of course, go worship our Lord.  However, after not sleeping well last night, my wonderful husband didn't want to disturb my peaceful sleeping when it was time to get up.  I remember seeing 7:45am, and thinking we could still make Sunday School.  The next thing I knew it was somewhere between 9:30 and 10 which gave us no time to make any service.  Very disappointing, but the rest was very much needed.

We grabbed something to eat, bought a few things at Sam's, and then headed to the farm.  I thought it would be a beautiful day to see the newborns.

Trent's calf back in November at 3 days old.

His calf today at 6 weeks old.

If you look closely, on the left is a baby donkey that was born the Sunday before Christmas making him two weeks old. 

I thought Baby Gooden needed to have a picture with one of the newborns.  We weren't able to get close enough to make a great picture, but this was close enough for me. 

It was a great day on the farm.  I love seeing the animals, and the sounds and smells take me back to my childhood visiting my grandparents. It is a peaceful place which also reminds me of Jesus' humble beginnings.

I know Trent can't wait to share this with our baby, and I must say neither can I. 

A Fresh Start

I love a new year as I feel like I have a time to start over where I failed the year before.  Of course, I truly believe we can start over at any time, but somehow January 1st feels like a clean slate.

We started off the new year resting and relaxing.  Trent watched football and read numerous articles he had saved up.  I watched a little football, a little TV, and read a magazine.  I also started two things today that have been on my list for a while, but failed to just get started. The clean slate of the new year seemed like a good time to start.  One is starting Kay Arthur's Bible study on Matthew.  I found this study after hearing her at the Deeper Still conference back in December. The study is on one website, and the video on another.  I'm praying this will be a daily study to dig into God's Word.  While I will be hearing Kay Arthur teach, it will encourage me to read the Word daily.  I'm looking forward to it.  The second thing I started was this blog.  It took three people to help me with the name and URL, and then another friend's blog to give me some ideas on the various segments of it.  As you can tell, it is still a work in progress, and those technical design parts may have to be left to Trent...for now. 

I look forward to posting not only what God is showing us, but to give us a place to post pictures and blogs of our soon to be joyful noise, Baby Gooden.