So here I sit, trying not to make 6.5 lbs of fudge. Oh, but it's the perfect day for fudge. Elliot was extra aggressive and antagonistic. It was hot and humid and muggy. I got a sunburn. And a headache. The house is a disaster. Felix discovered jumping in his crib instead of napping (and even the bloody mouth he gave himself wouldn't dissuade him from doing it more.) Pure chaos. And chaos deserves fudge.
And how do I celebrate such a day? I decide to take the MEC jogging trailer out for a spin with the boys. We've been putting off using it as they sit shoulder to shoulder in it. Lots of opportunity for damage. In fact, we made it only 3 blocks before Elliot's whiny voice came up saying "Felix is touching me!" *sigh* I'm surprised it took that long. Actually, they did really well in the stroller. It was only after we got to the grocery store that Elliot started hitting and slapping and pinching his brother. And when I grabbed his wrist and sternly told him to be nice, he yelled "Don't do that - you're touching me wrong!"
Cheeky monkey, isn't he?
Listening to him bickering about Felix touching him made me remember my own childhood. Lots of car rides spent with the 3 of us in the back seat, breathing in as deeply as possible so that our ribs would touch the person next to us, setting off the next round of "He/she is on my siiiiiiide!" Ahhhhh, memories.
I put the fan in our room tonight, at the foot of the bed. I think I'll turn in early, get a bit further in the mystery novel I'm reading... and avoid making fudge again tonight. We'll see how long I can hold out. Not past this weekend, I know that. But if I can only make it until then...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Intro
This will be VERRRY long. (Abbreviations, in case they are confusing: CD = cloth diaper. BF = breast feeding)
We started with prefolds and covers when Elliot was 5 weeks old and they worked really well when he was small. This is the least expensive CDing option, as you go through many dipes in those early days - at least 12, usually more, in a 24 hour period. We fastened them with a Snappi and I found they held in those explosive BF poos well enough. He grew fast though, and the next size prefolds didn't fold down small enough for me. We then moved on to Mother-Ease One Size diapers and covers (I LOVE the ME airflow covers - so light and they fit well and dry fast. I'm not a fan of Bummis covers, as they are stiff and they smelled and they ended up leaking quickly. But they have such cute prints!)
I then moved him into the ME Sandys diapers, which I've found to be much more absorbent and leak-proof than the one-size. You still need a cover with these. They come in small and large sizes and are based on the child's weight. With Felix, I skipped the prefolds and started using Small Sandys diapers and covers almost right away. LOVED them! The odd time I did use a prefold, I was able to put the Mother Ease cover over it with no problems.
We also have a good supply of Fuzzi Bunz sized pocket diapers. These didn't work so well when the boys were small and had those BF poops - it would run right out the legs, which surprised me since their thighs were both so chunky and the diaper was done up as tight as possible and seemed to fit really well. But they work great now. I love how trim they are! And, the pocket allows you to customize the absorbency by added different types of inserts. (Great for overnight!) Pockets are more expensive, but they don't need a cover. Most come in sizes, so you have to buy a new size as your child grows. We only had 1 small FB, and then 10-14 medium and 8-10 large ones in our rotation. Though, there are new Fuzzi Bunz One-Size dipes now!
We had a few Bum Genius pockets, which velcro closed. These diapers are a one-size diaper - they snap down to a small size for infants and open up bigger for older children. I prefer them for younger babies. I like them, except that they are super expensive in Canada. For fit and absorption, I prefer Fuzzi Bunz. In fact, I ended up selling all my BGs and won't buy any new ones, even if they were cheaper. The velcro wore out very quickly. The diaper actually fell off Elliot once, as he was walking outside, because the weight of the wet dipe (and it wasn't excessive!) caused the velcro to let go. Oops.
The most recent diaper I tried with Felix is an AMP diaper. The pocket is in the front instead of at the back, which makes it easier to get the insert out of a poopy diaper! They fit well, too, and I like the gusseting at the legs and around the waist. I am discovering that they aren't as absorbent as the Fuzzi Bunz, though. They will leak sooner. Another draw back is that the fleece tends to roll out at the legs/waist, which can cause wicking into the clothes. This seems to be created by the extra fabric remaining on the other side of the gusset - it's too long and flips easily. Disappointing.
I tried Happy Heinys when Elliot was small and didn't like them - too leaky and I wasn't able to get them tight enough. I know that HH is now making a one-size diaper and it looks like it might have a better fit to it, though, which is good. We also tried the very pricey Berry Plush AIO (all-in-one), which was cozy and ultra-soft, but again, not great for liquidy BF poops.) I tried a Thirsties AIO pocket with Felix and it worked well, but it was too small so I didn't get to try it for long.
We used flushable bio-liners when the nastier poops started when we introduced solid foods. It made clean up a lot easier. Otherwise, it's so hard to scrape out of a CD!!! We also use fleece liners (especially overnight, to help wick away moisture), which I dunk in the toilet and swish if necessary, but otherwise go into the laundry with the rest of the diapers.
At first I did a dry pail for pee diapers and kept a wet pail (with a bit of vinegar added to the water) in the basement for poopy dipes. The night before wash day (every 3 days), I would take the dry pail down to the laundry room and fill it with water to soak over night, then drain both pails in the laundry sink the next morning and dump the dipes in the wash.
As Elliot grew, I found that keeping a wet pail makes the dipes smell terrible, even after several washings. They just wouldn't come clean and the poopy water seems to seep deep into the diapers fibres and cling or something. (Note: you can also get tote bags in large and small sizes, which are good for lining the diaper pail or putting in the diaper bag for bringing home soiled dipes.)
So, I stopped soaking my dry pail over night and stopped using a wet pail, and started washing every other day. (The poop pail is a dry pail, except that the diapers are wet when they go in due to the rinsing I give them.) I just dump everything in the wash, do a cold rinse cycle (I have to manually turn the dial to do this, my washer sucks) and then I do a hot wash cycle as normal. I did have to change my detergent from Tide Free and Clear (contains enzymes that build up over time and cause stink in the dipes and a red rash on Elliot) to Nature Clean powder, and finally to Allen's Naturally powder. (I've always found that powdered detergent works best for CDs) And I sun them to dry whenever possible - this is amazing for getting out stains and keeping things fresh. Otherwise, I use the dryer. We don't use dryer sheets (ie bounce) - we have dryer balls. Sheets cause a build up on the diapers and makes them less absorbent.
Now, with both boys in CDs, I wash every other day. It's best to keep the wash load to under 20 diapers (15 is best, I think) and to make sure to wash with the largest water setting, no matter how full the load looks.
Bottom line - for babies, I prefer Sandys with covers, then as they grow out of the small, I love both FuzziBunz pockets and the large Sandys with covers.
Shhhhhhh... secrets: I will admit to now putting both boys in disposables at night. It's a habit I want to break.
We started with prefolds and covers when Elliot was 5 weeks old and they worked really well when he was small. This is the least expensive CDing option, as you go through many dipes in those early days - at least 12, usually more, in a 24 hour period. We fastened them with a Snappi and I found they held in those explosive BF poos well enough. He grew fast though, and the next size prefolds didn't fold down small enough for me. We then moved on to Mother-Ease One Size diapers and covers (I LOVE the ME airflow covers - so light and they fit well and dry fast. I'm not a fan of Bummis covers, as they are stiff and they smelled and they ended up leaking quickly. But they have such cute prints!)
I then moved him into the ME Sandys diapers, which I've found to be much more absorbent and leak-proof than the one-size. You still need a cover with these. They come in small and large sizes and are based on the child's weight. With Felix, I skipped the prefolds and started using Small Sandys diapers and covers almost right away. LOVED them! The odd time I did use a prefold, I was able to put the Mother Ease cover over it with no problems.
We also have a good supply of Fuzzi Bunz sized pocket diapers. These didn't work so well when the boys were small and had those BF poops - it would run right out the legs, which surprised me since their thighs were both so chunky and the diaper was done up as tight as possible and seemed to fit really well. But they work great now. I love how trim they are! And, the pocket allows you to customize the absorbency by added different types of inserts. (Great for overnight!) Pockets are more expensive, but they don't need a cover. Most come in sizes, so you have to buy a new size as your child grows. We only had 1 small FB, and then 10-14 medium and 8-10 large ones in our rotation. Though, there are new Fuzzi Bunz One-Size dipes now!
We had a few Bum Genius pockets, which velcro closed. These diapers are a one-size diaper - they snap down to a small size for infants and open up bigger for older children. I prefer them for younger babies. I like them, except that they are super expensive in Canada. For fit and absorption, I prefer Fuzzi Bunz. In fact, I ended up selling all my BGs and won't buy any new ones, even if they were cheaper. The velcro wore out very quickly. The diaper actually fell off Elliot once, as he was walking outside, because the weight of the wet dipe (and it wasn't excessive!) caused the velcro to let go. Oops.
The most recent diaper I tried with Felix is an AMP diaper. The pocket is in the front instead of at the back, which makes it easier to get the insert out of a poopy diaper! They fit well, too, and I like the gusseting at the legs and around the waist. I am discovering that they aren't as absorbent as the Fuzzi Bunz, though. They will leak sooner. Another draw back is that the fleece tends to roll out at the legs/waist, which can cause wicking into the clothes. This seems to be created by the extra fabric remaining on the other side of the gusset - it's too long and flips easily. Disappointing.
I tried Happy Heinys when Elliot was small and didn't like them - too leaky and I wasn't able to get them tight enough. I know that HH is now making a one-size diaper and it looks like it might have a better fit to it, though, which is good. We also tried the very pricey Berry Plush AIO (all-in-one), which was cozy and ultra-soft, but again, not great for liquidy BF poops.) I tried a Thirsties AIO pocket with Felix and it worked well, but it was too small so I didn't get to try it for long.
We used flushable bio-liners when the nastier poops started when we introduced solid foods. It made clean up a lot easier. Otherwise, it's so hard to scrape out of a CD!!! We also use fleece liners (especially overnight, to help wick away moisture), which I dunk in the toilet and swish if necessary, but otherwise go into the laundry with the rest of the diapers.
At first I did a dry pail for pee diapers and kept a wet pail (with a bit of vinegar added to the water) in the basement for poopy dipes. The night before wash day (every 3 days), I would take the dry pail down to the laundry room and fill it with water to soak over night, then drain both pails in the laundry sink the next morning and dump the dipes in the wash.
As Elliot grew, I found that keeping a wet pail makes the dipes smell terrible, even after several washings. They just wouldn't come clean and the poopy water seems to seep deep into the diapers fibres and cling or something. (Note: you can also get tote bags in large and small sizes, which are good for lining the diaper pail or putting in the diaper bag for bringing home soiled dipes.)
So, I stopped soaking my dry pail over night and stopped using a wet pail, and started washing every other day. (The poop pail is a dry pail, except that the diapers are wet when they go in due to the rinsing I give them.) I just dump everything in the wash, do a cold rinse cycle (I have to manually turn the dial to do this, my washer sucks) and then I do a hot wash cycle as normal. I did have to change my detergent from Tide Free and Clear (contains enzymes that build up over time and cause stink in the dipes and a red rash on Elliot) to Nature Clean powder, and finally to Allen's Naturally powder. (I've always found that powdered detergent works best for CDs) And I sun them to dry whenever possible - this is amazing for getting out stains and keeping things fresh. Otherwise, I use the dryer. We don't use dryer sheets (ie bounce) - we have dryer balls. Sheets cause a build up on the diapers and makes them less absorbent.
Now, with both boys in CDs, I wash every other day. It's best to keep the wash load to under 20 diapers (15 is best, I think) and to make sure to wash with the largest water setting, no matter how full the load looks.
Bottom line - for babies, I prefer Sandys with covers, then as they grow out of the small, I love both FuzziBunz pockets and the large Sandys with covers.
Shhhhhhh... secrets: I will admit to now putting both boys in disposables at night. It's a habit I want to break.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Mother's Wrist
Elliot was always a good sleeper. He just needed help. Whether it was nursing him to sleep or rocking or singing, he needed someone with him until he passed out, then we'd silently creep from the room, cursing every creaky floorboard in our 60+ year old house.
When Felix was born, we were determined to do things differently. He would learn to self-soothe. I wouldn't nurse him to sleep. He'd go in his bed (first, a cradle next to our bed, then a crib in his own room) drowsy but awake and would learn to sleep on his own.
But, life often makes different choices for you, of course.
We tried. But Felix got accustomed to sleeping on me or next to me in the first weeks of his life, as I tried to protect him from Elliot's pinching fingers and loud toy crashes. I didn't have time to nurse or rock him to sleep, like I did with Elliot. I thought I was on the right track. He did fall asleep on his own a few times. Then he got a cold and was so badly congested I ended up sleeping with him on my chest, upright in the arm chair in our living room for nearly a week.
After that, he was old enough that a habit formed. And I was too tired and frazzled to break it. From 3-7 months of age, our nights went like this: bath, book, boob, fall asleep in my arms while I watched TV and then fell asleep myself until Jay woke me around midnight, then we'd all go to bed. In our bed. We never coslept with Elliot - Jay was nervous about it. Plus, he was a good sleeper, once he went to sleep, so he did well in the cradle and then his crib.
Felix slept in our bed from very early on. I admit I loved snuggling up next to him. It was special cozy time I wouldn't get otherwise, as I spent the days entertaining Elliot and keeping Felix out of harm's way. When I could get Felix to sleep in his crib or the playyard, I would have to be next to him the whole time. He wouldn't fall asleep nursing, but would lay there watching me, lifting his head to find me if I moved out of sight. I would rub his back or head or just pat him... then sneak away as quiet as could be. Of course, when he woke I would be gone and he'd scream the place down.
So yes, lots of evenings spent in the arm chair, Felix cradled in my arms while I watched show after show after show, until I too fell asleep. When Felix was around 6 months old, I noticed a pain in my right wrist. I figured it was his weight straining the joints.
I mentioned it to my chiropractor and she did an adjustment. Together, we determined what movements caused the most pain. I use my right hand to support myself when nursing, no matter which side I'm nursing from. I use my right hand with the computer mouse. I do a lot with my right, despite being left handed, but it seemed that those repetitive motions, combined with the long nights with Felix cradled in my arms, my right wrist curled around his head, were damaging.
I contacted my doula to see what suggestions she had for nursing positions that would be easy on my wrists, as by now I was feeling pain in both. She suggested a 'breast sling' - a length of fabric tied in a sash on my chest, resting under the breast so hopefully I wouldn't need to hold it in position. It worked! But it wasn't a natural position for me and I kept forgetting to use it, and so before long my right wrist was throbbing again.
At 7 months, we transitioned Felix into his crib. Keeping it in a separate room was useless, so we took the side rail off and lashed it up against our bed. Voila! Instant space in our bed and a mostly happy baby. I could even get him to sleep there in the early evenings so I didn't have to be chained to that armchair. Wow - such freedom in my nights! I could check my email. Walk around the house. Have a phone conversation. Chat with my husband. Pee!
But my wrist still ached. It got so bad I couldn't bend it to unclasp my bra before bed. Or catch Elliot as he came down the slide. Or take pans out of the oven. Or a million other unconscious movements preformed in the run of an average day. I stubbornly ignored it and found ways around the pain.
I was on one of my parenting message boards recently when someone posted about having de Quervain's Tendonitis, also known as Mother's Wrist. Many other woman exclaimed that they also had the same pain. It sounded very familiar. All of the Dr. Googling I did indicated that a
corticosteroid injection into the inflamed area or surgery would best relieve the tendinitis. Those options scared the crap outta me, so back to my chiropractor I went. She did another adjustment (sweet relief!) and also gave me a wonderful stretch to help release the tendons in my hand: Lean over a chair, onto the hand that hurts. Twist the wrist around so the fingers are splayed pointing behind you. Lean down into it. When I first did this, I actually cried out in pain. I couldn't believe how badly it stung!
I've been trying to do this stretch several times per day over the last week or so. I can feel things releasing a bit, but the ache is still there. The difference between the right and left wrists is amazing. I hope that with regular chiro and stretching that I can get normal wrist function back.
Felix is now 11 months old. He's been in his crib in his own room for the last 2 weeks. He's had 3 whole nights where he stayed in his crib from 8pm-5:30am and then I'd have to bring him into the guest bed with me. (Ok, to clarify, he wasn't sleeping through the night, there were at least 3, more like 6 wake ups in there that had him needing to be nursed or shhhhh'd back to sleep.) Most nights, I end up in the guest bed, co-sleeping with him from 11pm onwards, but right now I don't mind. I miss sleeping next to Jay, but I'm confident it will happen again someday. Plus, I'm next to him for most of the night, anyway... :P
I picked up a white noise machine this week. Our neighbour is adding on a room and the construction borders Felix's bedroom wall. And it's LOUD. The noise has been helping him to nap through it. He naps anywhere from 30-90 minutes now. Such a change from even a month ago!!
When Felix was born, we were determined to do things differently. He would learn to self-soothe. I wouldn't nurse him to sleep. He'd go in his bed (first, a cradle next to our bed, then a crib in his own room) drowsy but awake and would learn to sleep on his own.
But, life often makes different choices for you, of course.
We tried. But Felix got accustomed to sleeping on me or next to me in the first weeks of his life, as I tried to protect him from Elliot's pinching fingers and loud toy crashes. I didn't have time to nurse or rock him to sleep, like I did with Elliot. I thought I was on the right track. He did fall asleep on his own a few times. Then he got a cold and was so badly congested I ended up sleeping with him on my chest, upright in the arm chair in our living room for nearly a week.
After that, he was old enough that a habit formed. And I was too tired and frazzled to break it. From 3-7 months of age, our nights went like this: bath, book, boob, fall asleep in my arms while I watched TV and then fell asleep myself until Jay woke me around midnight, then we'd all go to bed. In our bed. We never coslept with Elliot - Jay was nervous about it. Plus, he was a good sleeper, once he went to sleep, so he did well in the cradle and then his crib.
Felix slept in our bed from very early on. I admit I loved snuggling up next to him. It was special cozy time I wouldn't get otherwise, as I spent the days entertaining Elliot and keeping Felix out of harm's way. When I could get Felix to sleep in his crib or the playyard, I would have to be next to him the whole time. He wouldn't fall asleep nursing, but would lay there watching me, lifting his head to find me if I moved out of sight. I would rub his back or head or just pat him... then sneak away as quiet as could be. Of course, when he woke I would be gone and he'd scream the place down.
So yes, lots of evenings spent in the arm chair, Felix cradled in my arms while I watched show after show after show, until I too fell asleep. When Felix was around 6 months old, I noticed a pain in my right wrist. I figured it was his weight straining the joints.
I mentioned it to my chiropractor and she did an adjustment. Together, we determined what movements caused the most pain. I use my right hand to support myself when nursing, no matter which side I'm nursing from. I use my right hand with the computer mouse. I do a lot with my right, despite being left handed, but it seemed that those repetitive motions, combined with the long nights with Felix cradled in my arms, my right wrist curled around his head, were damaging.
I contacted my doula to see what suggestions she had for nursing positions that would be easy on my wrists, as by now I was feeling pain in both. She suggested a 'breast sling' - a length of fabric tied in a sash on my chest, resting under the breast so hopefully I wouldn't need to hold it in position. It worked! But it wasn't a natural position for me and I kept forgetting to use it, and so before long my right wrist was throbbing again.
At 7 months, we transitioned Felix into his crib. Keeping it in a separate room was useless, so we took the side rail off and lashed it up against our bed. Voila! Instant space in our bed and a mostly happy baby. I could even get him to sleep there in the early evenings so I didn't have to be chained to that armchair. Wow - such freedom in my nights! I could check my email. Walk around the house. Have a phone conversation. Chat with my husband. Pee!
But my wrist still ached. It got so bad I couldn't bend it to unclasp my bra before bed. Or catch Elliot as he came down the slide. Or take pans out of the oven. Or a million other unconscious movements preformed in the run of an average day. I stubbornly ignored it and found ways around the pain.
I was on one of my parenting message boards recently when someone posted about having de Quervain's Tendonitis, also known as Mother's Wrist. Many other woman exclaimed that they also had the same pain. It sounded very familiar. All of the Dr. Googling I did indicated that a
corticosteroid injection into the inflamed area or surgery would best relieve the tendinitis. Those options scared the crap outta me, so back to my chiropractor I went. She did another adjustment (sweet relief!) and also gave me a wonderful stretch to help release the tendons in my hand: Lean over a chair, onto the hand that hurts. Twist the wrist around so the fingers are splayed pointing behind you. Lean down into it. When I first did this, I actually cried out in pain. I couldn't believe how badly it stung!
I've been trying to do this stretch several times per day over the last week or so. I can feel things releasing a bit, but the ache is still there. The difference between the right and left wrists is amazing. I hope that with regular chiro and stretching that I can get normal wrist function back.
Felix is now 11 months old. He's been in his crib in his own room for the last 2 weeks. He's had 3 whole nights where he stayed in his crib from 8pm-5:30am and then I'd have to bring him into the guest bed with me. (Ok, to clarify, he wasn't sleeping through the night, there were at least 3, more like 6 wake ups in there that had him needing to be nursed or shhhhh'd back to sleep.) Most nights, I end up in the guest bed, co-sleeping with him from 11pm onwards, but right now I don't mind. I miss sleeping next to Jay, but I'm confident it will happen again someday. Plus, I'm next to him for most of the night, anyway... :P
I picked up a white noise machine this week. Our neighbour is adding on a room and the construction borders Felix's bedroom wall. And it's LOUD. The noise has been helping him to nap through it. He naps anywhere from 30-90 minutes now. Such a change from even a month ago!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Lacing up my running shoes
So I nearly went off my meds again this week, and it wasn't by choice! Wednesday night as I took my pill, I realized I'd forgotten to venture out with the hooligans, er, boys, to get my refill and I'd just taken the last pill. I was headed to visit my mom on Thursday, leaving early in the morning and not returning until well after midnight. So, after tucking Felix in for the night and Jay was well into the bedtime routine with Elliot, I put on my running shoes and set out.
Ahhhh running. How I have missed you! I started running on the treadmill at the gym in the months leading up to our wedding. I had worked up to being able to run for 30 minutes straight. I stuck with it, but when I became pregnant with Elliot, I decided to take a break. (Actually, that's not completely accurate. There was a pregnancy before Elliot. I kept up my usual routines: running several times per week, visiting my chiropractor, sleeping on my tummy... but I had an early miscarriage and although none of those things were at all likely to have contributed to it, I was v.e.r.y cautious.) And thus ended my relationship with my running shoes.
Fast forward 3 years. With 2 kids, running is going to be the fastest way to get in shape. I don't have much time to take care of myself, but need to make it a priority. I go to my Mommies in Motion exercise class (formerly Stroller Strides, but there were copyright issues) one a week. Usually we're late getting out of the house, so I run with the jogging stroller. Elliot laughs and encourages me "Faster, mama! Faster! Why are you stopping? Go fast!!!"
Ok... getting back on track: I headed out to the drug store around 8:30 Wednesday night. I ran most of the way there. I thought I was doing pretty good, until I'd get in between songs on my iPod and I could hear myself gasping. Funny, it didn't feel like I was all out of breath.
The pharmacist looked up my file and then said, "Actually, there are no more refills left on this prescription." I actually had a total 'WHAT - you've got to be shitting me' moment. My jaw must have dropped and that, combined with my red from exertion face (it was horrible - I caught a glimpse of my reflection on the way out the door) and my sucking in the air, quickly had her adding "But we can probably loan you a few to tide you over until you can get in to see your doctor." BIG relief. They loaned me six and I now have an appointment to get a refill on Tuesday. Phew!
It was getting dark when I left the drugstore. The air was very damp and misty. I didn't feel like running anymore, but imagined Jay at home with 2 screaming boys, so I decided I should pick up my feet. It's amazing how heavy and sore your legs can be at first. They were protesting the simple action of walking, and here I was prodding them to propel my body faster.
Within seconds of starting to run again, instinct took over and it felt totally natural. Everytime I'd slow to catch my breath, I could feel the aches and pains returning. Then I had to start all over again. But the wind in my face was refreshing. I love looking up as I run, watching the tree branches above me fly by. But that is how you fall into holes and smack into construction signs, so I don't do that anymore.
It was a good thing I ran home. Within 5 minutes of arriving, Felix was crying. It was a simple resettle, but I'm glad I was there for it.
Ahhhh running. How I have missed you! I started running on the treadmill at the gym in the months leading up to our wedding. I had worked up to being able to run for 30 minutes straight. I stuck with it, but when I became pregnant with Elliot, I decided to take a break. (Actually, that's not completely accurate. There was a pregnancy before Elliot. I kept up my usual routines: running several times per week, visiting my chiropractor, sleeping on my tummy... but I had an early miscarriage and although none of those things were at all likely to have contributed to it, I was v.e.r.y cautious.) And thus ended my relationship with my running shoes.
Fast forward 3 years. With 2 kids, running is going to be the fastest way to get in shape. I don't have much time to take care of myself, but need to make it a priority. I go to my Mommies in Motion exercise class (formerly Stroller Strides, but there were copyright issues) one a week. Usually we're late getting out of the house, so I run with the jogging stroller. Elliot laughs and encourages me "Faster, mama! Faster! Why are you stopping? Go fast!!!"
Ok... getting back on track: I headed out to the drug store around 8:30 Wednesday night. I ran most of the way there. I thought I was doing pretty good, until I'd get in between songs on my iPod and I could hear myself gasping. Funny, it didn't feel like I was all out of breath.
The pharmacist looked up my file and then said, "Actually, there are no more refills left on this prescription." I actually had a total 'WHAT - you've got to be shitting me' moment. My jaw must have dropped and that, combined with my red from exertion face (it was horrible - I caught a glimpse of my reflection on the way out the door) and my sucking in the air, quickly had her adding "But we can probably loan you a few to tide you over until you can get in to see your doctor." BIG relief. They loaned me six and I now have an appointment to get a refill on Tuesday. Phew!
It was getting dark when I left the drugstore. The air was very damp and misty. I didn't feel like running anymore, but imagined Jay at home with 2 screaming boys, so I decided I should pick up my feet. It's amazing how heavy and sore your legs can be at first. They were protesting the simple action of walking, and here I was prodding them to propel my body faster.
Within seconds of starting to run again, instinct took over and it felt totally natural. Everytime I'd slow to catch my breath, I could feel the aches and pains returning. Then I had to start all over again. But the wind in my face was refreshing. I love looking up as I run, watching the tree branches above me fly by. But that is how you fall into holes and smack into construction signs, so I don't do that anymore.
It was a good thing I ran home. Within 5 minutes of arriving, Felix was crying. It was a simple resettle, but I'm glad I was there for it.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mmmm Fudge
Freezer Fudge - a 'healthy' alternative
1 cup cocoa
1 cup natural nut butter
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2-3 TBSP water
Warm the nut butter (I usually use peanut butter, as it's what I have on hand), either in small pot on stove or in microwave. Mix in cocoa, water and maple syrup. Pat flat into freezer safe container. Freeze. Enjoy!
It's best to use all natural ingredients: 'peanut only' butter, for example, and pure maple syrup, not Aunt Jemima! Since the nut butter is a good protein source and there wouldn't be any/many refined sugars, it would be a bit filling and should satisfy a chocolate or fudge craving without tempting you to go overboard and eat the whole pan in one sitting. In theory.
It makes a very bold flavoured 'fudge', dark chocolate fans should enjoy it. I brought this to a party once, but it wasn't a bit hit, since it's not sweet & creamy like traditional fudge. Oh well, I don't like traditional fudge, so more for me!
Mmmm. Fitting, since today is very rainy. If only the kids could amuse themselves safely long enough for me to curl up with a good book, a cup of coffee and a few pieces of my fudge. If only....
1 cup cocoa
1 cup natural nut butter
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2-3 TBSP water
Warm the nut butter (I usually use peanut butter, as it's what I have on hand), either in small pot on stove or in microwave. Mix in cocoa, water and maple syrup. Pat flat into freezer safe container. Freeze. Enjoy!
It's best to use all natural ingredients: 'peanut only' butter, for example, and pure maple syrup, not Aunt Jemima! Since the nut butter is a good protein source and there wouldn't be any/many refined sugars, it would be a bit filling and should satisfy a chocolate or fudge craving without tempting you to go overboard and eat the whole pan in one sitting. In theory.
It makes a very bold flavoured 'fudge', dark chocolate fans should enjoy it. I brought this to a party once, but it wasn't a bit hit, since it's not sweet & creamy like traditional fudge. Oh well, I don't like traditional fudge, so more for me!
Today, I was out of maple syrup, so used about half a cup of brown sugar, which I melted with some water in a pot on the stove. I added the last few drops of maple syrup in the bottle and added a tiny splash of vanilla, then mixed in the cocoa and peanut butter. It's sweeter than usual, and a good variation. Next time I think I might try a different kind of butter - maybe almond or hazelnut - and add a splash of mint extract.
Mmmm. Fitting, since today is very rainy. If only the kids could amuse themselves safely long enough for me to curl up with a good book, a cup of coffee and a few pieces of my fudge. If only....
Saturday, June 20, 2009
10 inches gone
Soooo, I finally did it. I went and chopped off all my hair. No more mom ponytail for me, thank you very much! The great part is that the length cut off was just over 10 inches, which met the requirements to donate it to Locks of Love a non-profit organization that donates hair pieces to children who've lost their hair to cancer and other diseases.
I made sure my hair was clean and dry, without any styling products in it. Then I told the hairdresser what I wanted to do and asked that she lop off as much as possible before washing it. She split it into two ponytails, did a dry cut, and Voila!
It's going to take a while to get used to having such short hair (a cute little bob), but I love it!
While I was out getting chopped, Jay and Elliot were home rearranging the guest room (again) to accommodate the crib. As of tonight, Felix is in his own room. We'll just see how well this goes. I'm certain I'll be spending most of the night in the spare bed!
While I was out getting chopped, Jay and Elliot were home rearranging the guest room (again) to accommodate the crib. As of tonight, Felix is in his own room. We'll just see how well this goes. I'm certain I'll be spending most of the night in the spare bed!
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