Getting Back on Track

Life can get crazy, and now that Dylan's been home a month, it has seemed like the entire month has been filled up with doctor's appointments between he and I. He went -for his 2 month immunizations, and I went for my postpartum check up. I also went to a cardiologist appointment, because when I had ketoacidosis and gastroenteritis complications in January and was hospitalized, they did an abdomen ultrasound, but in doing so, they found I had minimal plaque build-up in my arteries.

So now at the age of 37 (38 in August) I have coronary artery (heart) disease. It's common in diabetics. Having diabetes has aged my body about 15-20 years. It's a slow killer, and after years of it going untreated, because of no insurance and no money for insulin, it has taken it's toll and rearing it's ugly side effects all over the place.

My cardiologist put me on a baby aspirin regimen, and of course as always, to keep my blood sugars under control through diet, exercise and insulin. To make sure that I'm getting all the extras I need, including more omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ-10, iron, niacin, vitamins & minerals that support a healthy heart on a whole, I've supplemented my diet with GNC Women's Ultra Mega® Heart Vitapak® Program. Even though it may say it's for women over 50, keep in mind what I said about diabetes aging my body. I have to attack these issues head on and keep moving forward, helping my body out the best I know how. Some people think these packs are too expensive, but with the Gold Card price and my military discount, it averages out to less than $1 a day. If I can't spend $1 a day to help keep myself in the best possible health, then I have more problems than just my health.

Our diet at home has changed a lot, as the hubby and I are adding more fruits and vegetables into our diets. Sure, we still have the occasional lazy mean, like a beef/noodle concoction, but we've started eating smaller portions and adding a salad, or a side of fruit. Getting off the junk food and easy prep meals can be hard, but it's still a transition in progress. I'm starting to exercise when I can, and I know it will get easier, the more self-calming the baby gets. I've looked into some Zumba classes, as doing in my living room is getting a bit boring for me. I like the interaction and energy in a group setting. I can still do the basics at home, and our complex has a small gym with weights, treadmill and elliptical if I want to go that route. With the warmer weather, there is the Green Belt here in Boise that is a great trail to walk or run on. I love that this town has so many positives that promote a healthy lifestyle. Can't wait for the Whole Foods to finally open here! Never been near one before! Another added bonus.

I just have to "keep on, keeping on" and do this for myself, my family and be an inspiration for others. I need to get into great shape so that I can go for my personal trainer license and get certified to teach certain exercise classes. I can't wait for things to start coming together. These are my goals, and with school starting back up for me on June 8th, that's another goal that will be reached in time. My bachelors in nutrition science!! I've already been accepted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and I'm also a member of KUMSA. They are just extra boosts and motivation as I tackle my college courses.

Well, that's the latest. I have been trying to make it around to my friend's blogs and I have actually caught up, and so glad I did! There is such a plethora of information out there. You just have to go out there, grab it and absorb it!! Have a great weekend, and Happy Mother's Day tomorrow to all that mother and mentor this world! Cheers!!

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Weight Loss Support Group Rant

So, having had a baby (and a c-section no less) 2 months ago, I'm back on the road to continuing my weight loss. Eating well, exercising. I'm starting to read my favorite fitness, health and nutrition blogs again, and even have joined a couple weight loss communities on Facebook. I did, however, come across one group (who will remain nameless) on there that after a week of being on there, drove me nuts with the posts.

First off, I know that losing weight for some is difficult. I went a number of years never having the motivation or desire to eat right and exercise, yet complained about my body and my weight. I get it, and I understand it. It can take a while to get on the right track. This group however flat out made me irate. First off, it was a group for only women, and although some seem to "get it", there was a number of gals that were/are obviously looking for the quick fix. Every day I went on there, there were posts about body wraps, pills and even one system that included some kind of shake, where when I went to the page, had a disclaimer on the bottom that said not to take it while pregnant, lactating or on blood thinners. Seriously? How "healthy" is that friggin' shake if it puts your baby at risk?

Now, not only were these products endorsed by these women, they were all consumers and sellers in the multiple MLM companies that sold these products. Most of these women were stay at home moms that used these MLM's to try to make some money. I'm all for working from home, but how can someone compromise not only their own health, but the health of those they come in contact with by promoting this type of weight loss? I boggles my mind!

I had one person criticize me because they saw I was going after my bachelors in Nutrition Science, after I made a comment about people needing to get off the science bandwagon and get back to natural things. Let me make this clear. There is a difference between chemical science and nutrition science!

These products are chemically made in a lab. What I study is how FOOD works in and for the body, not how some pill or shake that isn't even FDA approved is going to help you lose weight. And as for the body wraps... that's only water weight people! You're not going to lose fat or turn it into muscle by wrapping yourself up in a cocoon.

Lastly, these products also have the disclaimer that the weight losses shown on their website are not typical, and most should experience a weight loss of 1-2 lbs a week with proper diet and exercise with their product. HELLO!?!?!? Proper diet and exercise for ANYONE that is overweight will result in a 1-2 lbs weight loss a week. Why add chemicals to your body in order to do something that naturally it does on it's own?

Unfortunately, I ultimately left the group. I could not listen to these women talk about their quick fix successes and wonder what they will look like in a couple years when they reach their goals and stop taking whatever it is they were taking. They will not have learned how to eat properly, portion control, calories in/calories out, proper exercise, etc. There's only one true way to lose weight and get healthy people. It's so simple, yet people continue to try to make it so complicated and not accept that truth.

I love the fact there are support groups online for people trying to lose weight. Studies show that those with a great support system lose more weight and have more success than those that don't. My only problem is promoting anything other than proper diet and exercise.

Ok... rant over. Have a great week! :)


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Dylan Gets to Come Home!!

I have to say, I'm totally excited that we will be able to FINALLY bring Dylan home Saturday. It's been 5 weeks of worry, fear, tears, happiness and now joy. He will still have his feeding tube (you can see it in the pic), but Friday night, the hubby and I are staying overnight, and learning how to insert the tube if he pulls it out, which is quite common. He's supposed to take in a certain amount of noms, but is only doing about half via the bottle, so we have to gavage the rest through the tube, which I've done with him for the past 3 weeks, so that's no problem. It's the tube insertion that will be odd for me to do, but it's what he needs, and having him home will be worth it!

He will most likely still be on his feeding schedule of every 3 hours, so I'm going to try my best to follow it. My parents are flying in Sunday, so I'm so grateful that we can spend the time with Dylan at home, instead of limiting their time with him if we had to drive up to the hospital 2-3 times a day like we've been doing. I'm going to try to call my oldest boy again today to let him know his little brother is going to be coming home, as he's about to head to Florida with his dad's family this weekend.

Words just cannot describe how excited I am right now! Our lives are about to get blissfully hectic, and I cannot wait! Have a great weekend everyone!!

Please don't forget to donate to our March for Babies at http://marchforbabies.org/cherishable73 !!! We walk April 30th!! Thank you!

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Help Us in Helping to Give Back

click to donate today!

We are walking in the March for Babies for the March of Dimes foundation. The March of Dimes has done so much in helping us get through these rough times, and the walk coming up on April 20th in Boise is just the perfect way for us to say "THANK YOU!"

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Emotional Evening...

As many of you know, Dylan Thomas was born February 25th at 3:23am, weighing in a 7lbs 14oz and 20.5". There were a lot of complications leading up to his delivery, and many since. Right now though he's doing great. All his vitals are right on point, and so now the only thing is to teach him to drink and take in his milk on his own, as he's been on a feeding tube for almost 2 weeks now. Once he accomplishes that, we'll be able to bring him home. His original due date is in a week, and I wish so much we can make progress with his feedings so that he can be home with me instead of driving to the NICU of the hospital 2-3 times a week.

The hubby went back to work on base today, so it was a long and lonely day. I want so much for my baby boy to be home, so I can care for him here. I know this is all in his best interest, and health, but the selfish side of me just wants to snatch him from that crib and take him home with me.

I've healed up great from the c-section, so much so, that I want to start up my exercise regimen ASAP. I have my post delivery doc appointment tomorrow, so hopefully she'll be able to give me the green light on at least starting up something slowly. I know it's only been 2 1/2 weeks, but I physically feel great, and really think that the exercise will help with counteracting the overwhelming depression I've been feeling these past few weeks. It's so hard being a mom, but not having either of your boys home with you, and then with the hubby going back to work, this house feels so empty.

My first baby boy is doing great out at his dad's. Bringing up his grades, and for the most part, trying to stay out of trouble. He'll be coming out here the first week of June and staying until mid-July, because he has to go back to Wisconsin for football practice. I can't wait for him to meet his little brother, Dylan!! I've also picked up tickets for me and him to see his favorite band Disturbed, as well as Godsmack, Megadeth and others this summer at the Mayhem Festival at the Idaho Center. It's a few days before he heads back home, so it will be our last little fling before our summer together ends.

I just really needed to vent a little, because it's been heartbreaking every morning and night that I have to leave the NICU and leave Dylan behind. Hopefully he will be home by the time my parents get here on the 3rd of April. I want to be able for them to enjoy their time with us and him, instead of trecking up to the hospital every day.

Anyway, I guess I'll go for now. Dylan, Mommy loves you so much, and wants you here where you belong.


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