An unexpected visitor

The past few days have been quite the adventure in the Woodlief household. My newfound career as a mother has left me feeling insecure, not qualified, and absolutely exhuasted. Madi's Gerd has been the primary cause of her lack of sleeping and fussiness leaving me and Joshua hanging in survival mode. Tuesday was supposed to be the day of Madi's follow-up visit, however, our pediatrician had a sick child so they rescheduled for Wednesday. On another note, Madi has gained 9ounces in 9 days weighing in at 9lbs 13 ounces. Doctor Prine said that was fantastic weight gain!!

Good news and bad news. The medicine they had placed Madi on was not helping alleviate the secretion of acid in her stomach, therefore causing her to spit up large amounts of milk and the occasional projectile vomiting (no fun!!). So doc switched her to Prevacid and ordered an esophageal scan which will confirm the Gerd and help pin point the source of endless hours of crying. The doc also suggested, upon the return of a positive result of Gerd, that we should put rice cereal in her milk to help thicken and soothe her stomach. Please continue to pray for not only our little girl but tired parents as well. No one tells you how exhuasting (but so rewarding) this job of a parent can be. Life changes in a matter of moments, and it is hard enough adjusting to the new life ahead, all the while trying to figure out why your precious child is sick.

To help ease the stress on both Madi and I, I set up a play date with Aunt Shonda. Living on 25 minutes away makes for a perfect day to get out of the house and have some adult time. Aunt Shonda was kind enough to make us lunch and actually let me eat while it was hot (a rare moment these days), while she cuddled with Madi. In fact, Madi stayed curled up in Aunt Shonda's arms for the entirety of the afternoon while Maci and I played Junior Monopoly, Chutes & Ladders, and we also put together a 100 piece puzzle. It was wonderful!!!

The many face of Madi. So funny to see how her expressions are changing.

To top off our day, Joshua and I had dinner at Dan McGuiness in Nashville with a close, but old friend Beau. Beau and his wife Lauren (who was in Lynchburg unable to make it) moved away a little over 3 years ago. Beau, in town for his grandfather surgery, asked if Joshua and I wanted to meet up and have dinner. Estatic we said YES! There are so many memories and fun times we have shared with Beau and Lauren at Dan McGuiness, but we are so happy to see them thriving in their careers and life in VA. Thanks to Mrs. Christy for watching Madi and giving me and Joshua a few hours of much needed adult time! 
I really appreciate those friendships that aren't affected by time or distance. They seem to pick up where they left off.  Lauren we missed you soooo much, and cannot wait to see you at the end of March!