 Houstonians over the last five years have watched FOX 26’s Melinda Spaulding transform from a feisty reporter into a poised anchor whose wedding nuptials were broadcast on the evening news. And for the past nine months, viewers have watched her latest transformation…pregnancy and motherhood! The thirty-three year old is expecting her first child, a girl, and so far the most difficult part of her pregnancy has been picking a name for the newborn. “I really like masculine and unisex names.” she says. “My husband and I have narrowed it down to Landon, Skyler and Sydney. But we really want to see her first and then decide what fits.” Despite the indecision, Spaulding has purchased enough wooden letters to spell out all the possible names on the wall of the nursery. “As of right now I have Landon above the crib, but who knows what will be up there tomorrow,” she giggles. The mom-to-be admits that she completed the nursery months ago. It’s this organization and preparedness that has made her a respected reporter and anchor in the community. “My schedule is different from most people because I work the afternoons and evenings,” she says. “So my husband and I charted out everything we needed to do each month to get prepared for the baby.” A shower organized by the ladies at the couple’s church, Wheeler Avenue Baptist, helped to complete the nursery and supply the baby with more than enough clothes for the first few years. Plus for every guest at her shower, a donation was made to the Honey Child Teen Foundation which helps disadvantaged teen girls in Houston. “As a parent, I want to give my daughter a sense of humility and a sense of service to the community,” she says. “I worry about spoiling her too much, but my friends keep telling me that’s normal for the first year.” Those giving Spaulding advice include not only her friends, but her co-workers as well. “I have really been seeking out my female co-workers who are moms,” she says. “They are such constant professionals and make it look so easy, but they have been quick to tell me that motherhood is a real balancing act and you have to do what’s best for you and you alone.” Spalding in her younger days had always thought she would be a stay-at-home mom, but says now she doesn’t think she can stay away from the newsroom. “We’ll see, but I think I will set a better example for my daughter if I show her that I can do both.” As for her male co-workers, Spaulding brags that she has never been treated so well. “They are just so nice to me. I think pregnancy makes guys more chivalrous.” she laughs. The same can be said for her husband, Felix. The attorney has been overjoyed and excited about his wife’s pregnancy. “Watching him prepare and nest for the baby has been so sweet and special, she smiles. “But I definitely think he’s going to be the pushover parent and I’m going to be the enforcer.” she laughs. In the midst of the couple’s pregnancy have been the viewers. They’ve kept a close eye on the mom-to-be and have been sending her dozens of daily emails. “My favorite was from a woman who told me I needed to stop wearing heels and wear flats, which I did,” she says. “They have been so kind with their comments, advice and concern.” Two ladies are even crocheting Spaulding’s daughter a blanket. “I had to tell them the sex of the baby before anyone else so they could make it the right color,” she laughs. When Spaulding first found out she was pregnant, she didn’t want to be treated any differently from the other reporters and anchors at FOX 26, but over the past nine months she has accepted that she and her body are different. “I can’t be out in the heat all afternoon in my condition and covering stories related to child abuse are much more difficult now,” she admits. “But I can’t say enough about my bosses, co-workers and viewers during this pregnancy. They have been so supportive and generous with their thoughts and prayers. I can’t wait to introduce them to my daughter…whatever her name may be!” Breaking News: Shortly after this interview, Melinda Spaulding gave birth to a 6 pound, 2 ounce baby girl. Her name...Landon Joy! |
 |
|
|
