Today is Max Day for GiveMN.org. What that means is that every donation to the Preeclampsia Foundation will be matched, up $500,000. 100% of your donation goes to the organization thanks to the way GiveMN.org has their system set up.
Turn your $5 into $10 by visiting GiveMN Preeclampsia Foundation
$10 puts 10 brochures into the hands of pregnant women. You can help create awareness and make a difference.
Thank you!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Too Many Born Too Soon
November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth with the March of Dimes. November is Prematurity Awareness Month.
As all of you know, prematurity has touched our lives. Ariana was born 5 weeks too early after I developed severe preeclampsia. I was so naive and thought everything would be perfect. Unexpectedly thrust into a world where I didn't understand what was happening was so overwhelming and frightening. A's & B's, NG tubes, oxygen supplementation, etc. When one becomes pregnant, she dreams of the perfect baby and all it's wrappings, the crib, the clothes, what color to paint the nursery. Unless you've been touched by prematurity or other complications, one doesn't wonder if you'll bring home a live baby or one who needs to be resucitated at birth. Prematurity is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. These preemies face challenges that no parent dreams of when that plus sign shows up on the HPT.
There are too many babies who don't make it to take that first breath, that have to struggle to breath or to learn how to eat, crawl, or walk. Lifelong effects of prematurity such as cerebal palsy.
So for all the preemies out there, please keep them in your thoughts and do what you can to help stop prematurity by raising funds & awareness. If you are pregnant or will become pregnant, YOU are the best advocate for yourself & your child.
While I wish that our experience didn't happen at times, I am also grateful for it. It has taught me to appreciate my children and has allowed me to meet & become friends with some of the most remarkable individuals.
As all of you know, prematurity has touched our lives. Ariana was born 5 weeks too early after I developed severe preeclampsia. I was so naive and thought everything would be perfect. Unexpectedly thrust into a world where I didn't understand what was happening was so overwhelming and frightening. A's & B's, NG tubes, oxygen supplementation, etc. When one becomes pregnant, she dreams of the perfect baby and all it's wrappings, the crib, the clothes, what color to paint the nursery. Unless you've been touched by prematurity or other complications, one doesn't wonder if you'll bring home a live baby or one who needs to be resucitated at birth. Prematurity is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. These preemies face challenges that no parent dreams of when that plus sign shows up on the HPT.
There are too many babies who don't make it to take that first breath, that have to struggle to breath or to learn how to eat, crawl, or walk. Lifelong effects of prematurity such as cerebal palsy.
So for all the preemies out there, please keep them in your thoughts and do what you can to help stop prematurity by raising funds & awareness. If you are pregnant or will become pregnant, YOU are the best advocate for yourself & your child.
While I wish that our experience didn't happen at times, I am also grateful for it. It has taught me to appreciate my children and has allowed me to meet & become friends with some of the most remarkable individuals.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
10 Honest Things About Myself
1. I pretty much listen to anything for music, except for country. I can only stand listening to a few country artists out there...Tim McGraw, Johnny Cash, Faith Hill, Reba.
2. I have OCD tendencies in certain aspects of my life. My closet is organized by color, however the floor outside the closet next to my bed usually is a pile of books, jeans, and whatever else lands there.
3. I have a geographical tongue.
4. I can tell myself that I will lay in bed, wearing jammies all day, watching movies & reading books....but when it comes down to it, I can't pull it off.
5. I take responsibility for things that are not my fault or I haven't really had much to do with it.
6. I cry when I get upset and/or frustrated. One of THE traits I wish I could change about myself. I'd even be willing to stay overweight if I could get rid of this one.
7. I love to sing, but don't do it as often as I use to. Life seems to get in the way of enjoying myself that way.
8. I wish I could get my act together and utilize my wonderful D-SLR camera the way it was intended.
9. I suck at the willpower thing when it comes to staying on task. It could be healthy eating, exercise, buying gifts for the kids, whatever. I'll be strong for a while, but then cave.
10. I am afraid of the dark.
2. I have OCD tendencies in certain aspects of my life. My closet is organized by color, however the floor outside the closet next to my bed usually is a pile of books, jeans, and whatever else lands there.
3. I have a geographical tongue.
4. I can tell myself that I will lay in bed, wearing jammies all day, watching movies & reading books....but when it comes down to it, I can't pull it off.
5. I take responsibility for things that are not my fault or I haven't really had much to do with it.
6. I cry when I get upset and/or frustrated. One of THE traits I wish I could change about myself. I'd even be willing to stay overweight if I could get rid of this one.
7. I love to sing, but don't do it as often as I use to. Life seems to get in the way of enjoying myself that way.
8. I wish I could get my act together and utilize my wonderful D-SLR camera the way it was intended.
9. I suck at the willpower thing when it comes to staying on task. It could be healthy eating, exercise, buying gifts for the kids, whatever. I'll be strong for a while, but then cave.
10. I am afraid of the dark.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Time Goes On
I've visited my blog a couple times over the last month, but just haven't had the heart to post. I feel as if I have nothing to say when I sit down, even if there are moments during the day I think about sharing something.
I'll share some highlights, and lowlights, from recent weeks.
And thank you to those who have kept visiting, even if I have been a major turd.
Love ya!
-------------------------------------------------------
**My baby girl earned her High Yellow belt in karate on Oct 17th.
She is a rock star and I adore her. She is quite good at sparring, which should come as no surprise as I watch her fight with her brother. There are still a few hiccups along the way, but gosh darn it....the girl is good. And I want her to keep on doing this. The fine line between encouragement and pushing has become apparent at our home with karate. It's something that I tend to fall more on the encouragement side and Jason falls on the pushing side. We balance each other out, I guess.
As they drove to the studio tonight, about a block away Ariana stated she hated karate and didn't want to do it anymore. Jason told her she needed to go as they were almost there. She got to class and loved it. Talked about all the fun she had. He shared the experience with me and I took her by herself to discuss it. With no pressure. She thinks it's fun and wants to earn her Green Belt next, eventually getting to her Black Belt. When I asked her what that meant, she said she cannot quit. And recited the phrase, "A black belt is a white belt who never quit." I was so proud of her at that moment.
We'll see how class tomorrow goes. She could potentially have her first tournament on Nov 7th.
-----------------------------------------------------
*Ariana and her math homework -- she struggled at first with math, but has seemed to come into her own with it. I was so fearful that she was going to struggle and watching her at first was heartbreaking. Her perfectionism was killing her. And me. Let's just say I spent some nights in tears.
But she has improved and quite honestly, I'm surprised at how well she has been doing because of her struggles at first. She's naming off the answer like nothing.
-------------------------------------------------------
*Phoenix switched to a new classroom at daycare that is more preschool based back in Sept. That didn't go to well either. They do this behavior reward thing where have a flower on their cubby and if they misbehave the flower gets taken away. This child had many more days of a flowerless cubby than a flowered cubby upon pickup. Piss me off, and kind of befuddling. His other teachers never said anything about him not listening or being rowdy. Sure, I know the kid has boundless energy. I guess now that he's expected to be more student-like it's an issue. But come on, the kids are 3. Eventually, he figured it out (add in a change in the flower reward--the kids could earn it back later in the day, along with a teacher change) and my little buddy has earned the Megatron transformer we told him we'd buy him if he got 5 flowers in a row. (That took a while, let me tell ya.)
So, now we have a cross dressing Megatron walking around the house, being silly like usual.
----------------------------------------------------
*My dad had a cancer check up last week. He had a scope last Wed and the doc said things look great. We are still waiting on lab tests, but it sounds promising. Take that cancer! Just hoping it continues to stay away. With the recurrence rate so high, it worries me, but I can't dwell on that.
-----------------------------------------------------
*Jason and I have had our issues over the last weeks, hell...months. Communication has been lacking and we are working on it. We're both so tired that we snap at each other and then the other gets pissed off. I can't tell you how many nights I wanted to sleep on the couch or cried tears in the bathroom. Marriage is a work in progess, and it's been a little bumpy lately. We need to step up our game when it comes to the kids, to our home, to ourselves. And I know we can.
------------------------------------------------------
*We had the pleasure and opportunity to attend the Preeclampsia Foundation's annual fundraising gala, Saving Grace: A Night of Hope this past weekend in Chicago. It's always a treat to see old faces and to meet in person others you've chatted online with. The night was fun and highly emotional. (I've got a post for that coming too). Lots of tears, lots. It was a successful evening, and I am so grateful we were able to attend.
-------------------------------------------------------
*My other big time-taker-upper is work. My day job has been exhausting. What the fuck is so hard about following rules people? You screwed up and broke the law, now pay your toll and get off probation. We were many hats with this job: agent turns into social worker, couples counselor, life coach, miracle worker. And it can be draining if one doesn't figure out how to balance it. Which I'm working on. I haven't been all that successful lately, but it's improving. There is never a dull day, that's for sure.
-----------------------------------------------------
Well those are our family highlights. I'm preparing an emotional post, one that I'm scared yet anxious to write. I've got some major things happening at work, then it's on it's way.
Sleep tight all, may your dreams be sweet and saucy.
I'll share some highlights, and lowlights, from recent weeks.
And thank you to those who have kept visiting, even if I have been a major turd.
Love ya!
-------------------------------------------------------
**My baby girl earned her High Yellow belt in karate on Oct 17th.
She is a rock star and I adore her. She is quite good at sparring, which should come as no surprise as I watch her fight with her brother. There are still a few hiccups along the way, but gosh darn it....the girl is good. And I want her to keep on doing this. The fine line between encouragement and pushing has become apparent at our home with karate. It's something that I tend to fall more on the encouragement side and Jason falls on the pushing side. We balance each other out, I guess.
As they drove to the studio tonight, about a block away Ariana stated she hated karate and didn't want to do it anymore. Jason told her she needed to go as they were almost there. She got to class and loved it. Talked about all the fun she had. He shared the experience with me and I took her by herself to discuss it. With no pressure. She thinks it's fun and wants to earn her Green Belt next, eventually getting to her Black Belt. When I asked her what that meant, she said she cannot quit. And recited the phrase, "A black belt is a white belt who never quit." I was so proud of her at that moment.
We'll see how class tomorrow goes. She could potentially have her first tournament on Nov 7th.
-----------------------------------------------------
*Ariana and her math homework -- she struggled at first with math, but has seemed to come into her own with it. I was so fearful that she was going to struggle and watching her at first was heartbreaking. Her perfectionism was killing her. And me. Let's just say I spent some nights in tears.
But she has improved and quite honestly, I'm surprised at how well she has been doing because of her struggles at first. She's naming off the answer like nothing.
-------------------------------------------------------
*Phoenix switched to a new classroom at daycare that is more preschool based back in Sept. That didn't go to well either. They do this behavior reward thing where have a flower on their cubby and if they misbehave the flower gets taken away. This child had many more days of a flowerless cubby than a flowered cubby upon pickup. Piss me off, and kind of befuddling. His other teachers never said anything about him not listening or being rowdy. Sure, I know the kid has boundless energy. I guess now that he's expected to be more student-like it's an issue. But come on, the kids are 3. Eventually, he figured it out (add in a change in the flower reward--the kids could earn it back later in the day, along with a teacher change) and my little buddy has earned the Megatron transformer we told him we'd buy him if he got 5 flowers in a row. (That took a while, let me tell ya.)
So, now we have a cross dressing Megatron walking around the house, being silly like usual.
----------------------------------------------------
*My dad had a cancer check up last week. He had a scope last Wed and the doc said things look great. We are still waiting on lab tests, but it sounds promising. Take that cancer! Just hoping it continues to stay away. With the recurrence rate so high, it worries me, but I can't dwell on that.
-----------------------------------------------------
*Jason and I have had our issues over the last weeks, hell...months. Communication has been lacking and we are working on it. We're both so tired that we snap at each other and then the other gets pissed off. I can't tell you how many nights I wanted to sleep on the couch or cried tears in the bathroom. Marriage is a work in progess, and it's been a little bumpy lately. We need to step up our game when it comes to the kids, to our home, to ourselves. And I know we can.
------------------------------------------------------
*We had the pleasure and opportunity to attend the Preeclampsia Foundation's annual fundraising gala, Saving Grace: A Night of Hope this past weekend in Chicago. It's always a treat to see old faces and to meet in person others you've chatted online with. The night was fun and highly emotional. (I've got a post for that coming too). Lots of tears, lots. It was a successful evening, and I am so grateful we were able to attend.
-------------------------------------------------------
*My other big time-taker-upper is work. My day job has been exhausting. What the fuck is so hard about following rules people? You screwed up and broke the law, now pay your toll and get off probation. We were many hats with this job: agent turns into social worker, couples counselor, life coach, miracle worker. And it can be draining if one doesn't figure out how to balance it. Which I'm working on. I haven't been all that successful lately, but it's improving. There is never a dull day, that's for sure.
-----------------------------------------------------
Well those are our family highlights. I'm preparing an emotional post, one that I'm scared yet anxious to write. I've got some major things happening at work, then it's on it's way.
Sleep tight all, may your dreams be sweet and saucy.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Time for Change?
I'm thinking about moving the blog to private. Or creating another in addition (like I can keep both going, right Denise) that is private. I've got some eyes that read that make it difficult to post about certain issues, and therefore I don't post it. I think that is a piece of why I've lost my blog mojo. In addition to having little time.
Do I stay? Write what I write, hell with the eyes? Or set up a new house?
Do I stay? Write what I write, hell with the eyes? Or set up a new house?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Shrinking Jeans Week 4
Oye, I missed last week. I didn't lose anything last week and am down a single pound this week. Food choices have been okay, still working on cutting out the soda. I am finding my attraction to that is almost as strong as it is to chips & dip.
I admit that I will not eat well this weekend. I'm heading out for a weekend getaway, and I'll make some good choices, hopefully not too many bad ones. There will be a yummy bevvie along some of the meals.
I need to up my water intake and get moving my behind more. At least I'll have quite a bit of walking this weekend.
I admit that I will not eat well this weekend. I'm heading out for a weekend getaway, and I'll make some good choices, hopefully not too many bad ones. There will be a yummy bevvie along some of the meals.
I need to up my water intake and get moving my behind more. At least I'll have quite a bit of walking this weekend.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tears
This week I've shed too many tears. Tears for families who are without a loved one. Since the end of August, there have been 3 moms that I've read about who have lost their lives, or will lose their lives, due to complications from preeclampsia. Husbands left behind, children left behind. Parents unexpectedly trying to make sense of why their daughter is gone before them. A life ended too soon.
At a time when joy is supposed to happen, hell it's expected, these families are literally going through hell. Bri, a mom in MN, is being taken off life support today. After suffering HELLP Syndrome and having to have an emergency liver transplant to attempt to save her life, brain swelling will end her life. A mom died on Aug 30th after developing eclampsia with her pregnancy. And another mom who died that weekend was lost after preeclampsia led to complications. They all leave their children behind. Children who will grow up without their mother. It's not fair. It's not right.
This is why I continue to wage war on preeclampsia. Until know one had to shed a tear over a loss from this condition.
RIP ladies. You did not know me and the others who are thinking of you and your families, but you have touched us deeply.
At a time when joy is supposed to happen, hell it's expected, these families are literally going through hell. Bri, a mom in MN, is being taken off life support today. After suffering HELLP Syndrome and having to have an emergency liver transplant to attempt to save her life, brain swelling will end her life. A mom died on Aug 30th after developing eclampsia with her pregnancy. And another mom who died that weekend was lost after preeclampsia led to complications. They all leave their children behind. Children who will grow up without their mother. It's not fair. It's not right.
This is why I continue to wage war on preeclampsia. Until know one had to shed a tear over a loss from this condition.
RIP ladies. You did not know me and the others who are thinking of you and your families, but you have touched us deeply.
Friday, September 4, 2009
I'm late for an important date
I missed weigh in on Wed. Bah. But I did step on the scale and I'm down 2lbs! Of course, the lovely Aunt Flo is making an appearance it seems this weekend...I'm hoping I can hold it together for the week. I've got a sick child, who is on the mend, but it was a pretty awful week with little sleep and lots of coughsies that lead to puking. For him. Not me.
Good things this week:
*I denied myself chips & dip, no matter how badly I wanted them. And it was bad this week.
*I cut waaaaay down on the soda since Monday. Still having at least one a day, but for a while there the other week I was having 3-4.
Bad things this week: I didn't exercise like I had planned.
This weeks goals: To exercise more and to drink more water!
Good things this week:
*I denied myself chips & dip, no matter how badly I wanted them. And it was bad this week.
*I cut waaaaay down on the soda since Monday. Still having at least one a day, but for a while there the other week I was having 3-4.
Bad things this week: I didn't exercise like I had planned.
This weeks goals: To exercise more and to drink more water!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Something new for fall
I'm hopping back on the healthier me train and decided to join the ladies over at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. Each week, we weigh in and will be collecting food items for local pantries. Check it out if you are interested!
I got word that my cholesterol was back up (&@$K) and entering into my "mid 30's next year...I think this is the time. I can't put it off any longer. No more excuses. Well, I'm sure there will be some, but no lame excuses. I want to be able to actually run a full 5K. I know that's not a big thing for some, but it's pretty huge for me. I don't run. Well. At all. For the most part.
I may have bumps along the way and am not sure I can give up ALL soda, but I'm going to do my best. Wish me luck!
I got word that my cholesterol was back up (&@$K) and entering into my "mid 30's next year...I think this is the time. I can't put it off any longer. No more excuses. Well, I'm sure there will be some, but no lame excuses. I want to be able to actually run a full 5K. I know that's not a big thing for some, but it's pretty huge for me. I don't run. Well. At all. For the most part.
I may have bumps along the way and am not sure I can give up ALL soda, but I'm going to do my best. Wish me luck!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Another Year In
Today, Jason and I have been married for 11 years. The last couple years haven't been easy, especially this last one...but we've managed to work together to overcome the obstacles life has brought us. Communication has been key for us and has been something we've always felt was necessary, along with lots of belly shaking laughter. Marriage isn't always easy, some days it is a great deal of work. There are times when I've thought, I love you but I don't like you today. And that's okay. I'm not likeable at moments either. And later on, we laugh about those moments.
This man loves me. Loves me when I'm being stubborn and obstinate. Loves me when I need it the most, on the dark days. Loves me the way that I am; ugly feet, fat rolls, and all. He sees my crazy hair in the morning after awaking and tells me I'm beautiful.
He's not exactly perfect, well neither of us are. But he's mine. And the trials of life that we've traversed together have brought us closer together and made us that much stronger.
My dear Jason....I love you.
This man loves me. Loves me when I'm being stubborn and obstinate. Loves me when I need it the most, on the dark days. Loves me the way that I am; ugly feet, fat rolls, and all. He sees my crazy hair in the morning after awaking and tells me I'm beautiful.
He's not exactly perfect, well neither of us are. But he's mine. And the trials of life that we've traversed together have brought us closer together and made us that much stronger.
My dear Jason....I love you.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Miss Yellow Belt
Here are some photo's from graduation of the summer camp class for karate. Ariana went to her first "official" class and was given her yellow belt at the end of class. (no pics of that) She's lovin' it. And so are we.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
This $7 contraption has saved our mornings. Literally. We have the kids set up with clothes for Mon-Fri, down to underwear & socks. Ariana picks out her own clothes each Sunday for the week and it has allowed the mornings to be much less painful. We had been picking out clothes the night before, but the process to that was excrutiatingly slow and then in the morning she'd change her mind. This system, however, has changed all that. She grabs her clothes out with no issues...getting dressed the first (or the second or third) time we ask still causes a slight bump....but that's to be expected.
Face Block
Ariana had the opportunity to try karate this summer while at camp. She loves it. Just hates the uniform. We're working on that, it's a source of frustration on everyone's part here lately. But....here are some photos from a class back on July 24th.
Master Likes remarks quite often that she is one of the strongest girls in class and she gets picked quite a bit to demonstrate her push-ups.
Look at that kick!
Completing basic form
Earning her second yellow stripe
Master Likes remarks quite often that she is one of the strongest girls in class and she gets picked quite a bit to demonstrate her push-ups.
Look at that kick!
Completing basic form
Earning her second yellow stripe
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