What's Up?!

Well, a lot actually!! September has proven to be a super busy month for us, which is exactly the way I like it!

Miss E is still having some diaper issues. I'm not one to divulge a whole lot of less-than-ladylike descriptions about my sweet Elli-bean to the blog-o-sphere, so suffice to say that what we've been dealing with here for the past 5 weeks is pretty gross. AND, for the record, I just want to say that sometimes Mama really does know best :) The first 2x we went to her pediatrician, we were told that what she's experiencing is normal (for some)...and let me just tell you that if what she's going through is normal, I'd MUCH rather her be dealing with something weird. Ha! So I kept pushing, and after our appointment yesterday he agreed that this is indeed not normal. We'll be seeing a Pediatric Gastroenterologist just as soon as we can get an appointment. We think she's allergic to milk protein, but until some more tests are run we won't know for sure. So if you could keep Elli in your prayers, we'd greatly appreciate it :)

Something that I'm super excited about is that C & I have really started to get a lot more involved with our church community. We've started going to a bible study led by our pastor once a week, and we're studying Romans. It's the first time that we've done anything like this together (outside of our home). Our pastor is one of the most intelligent men that I've ever met, and I'm just thrilled that we've been given the opportunity to learn from him and grow in our relationship with Christ together. I also joined a women's weekly bible study at the church, and we're doing Beth Moore's study on Esther. I've done it once before, but if you know anything about Beth you know that you can always benefit from going through her studies again & again :) I've really been longing to meet some women from church, and this has been such a blessing!

Because of our growing involvement in church, Elli has been spending a lot more time in the nursery with Miss Annie (whom she loves so very much!). Some of you may already know this, but I really struggled with whether or not I should put E in a Mother's Day Out program so that she could get some interaction with other kids, and I could get some much needed "me time". I struggled with the decision for several reasons. Money was a big one, and the nap schedule was another problem...I know, I know, one day wouldn't have killed her! But I was also conflicted b/c I didn't need someone else to watch her, I just wanted it...my heart was torn. I finally decided to just do it, and when I went to sign her up they had pulled the 1 yr old program due to lack of interest. Ha!! Serves me right :) But the cool thing is that now that we've been getting a little bit more involved, E is getting exactly what she needed anyway...a little bit of kid time :)

The other really exciting thing that has happened this month is that I joined MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers)! Ever heard of it? It's a great organization where mother's support mother's, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. What's even more exciting is that the organizers have asked me to be a Discussion Group Leader, which is basically exactly what it sounds like...a small group leader of sorts. We meet twice a month at our church, and while the moms get together, their kiddo's participate in their own little group activities. It's a win-win! And for us, it's another opportunity for Elli to interact with some friends.

September has been crazy around here...I wonder what October will bring!!

Easier Said Than Done

It's not easy to give up control. I'm learning that more and more in my role as a mother. And it's not really just the not being in control that bothers me, but the not knowing that is the hardest to swallow. Do you feel me on that one?

Miss E really hasn't been herself lately. She's been crying a lot more, waking up in the middle of the night (which she hasn't done in over 7 months), changed her eating habits, and has had a few diaper issues (and by a few I mean a TON!). Part of it is that she's growing up, which in and of itself is hard to deal with :) Ha! But the other part of it is a mystery to me...which drives me crazy.

I thought she might be lactose intolerant, though after a little bit of research I've found that it's extremely rare for babies/toddler's to develop that issue. But there is a definite correlation between what she eats/drinks and what happens afterwards...though she didn't seem to have a problem during the first 12 months of her life so I'm a little bit baffled as to why it started now. Or, it could be that she's cutting 3 teeth. Or that she just has toddler's diarrhea (something I had never heard of before until the Dr mentioned it yesterday). Or it could be something worse, or nothing at all. So you see, it's the not knowing that's killing me here!

We've been to the Dr; he's running tests & we've changed her diet in the meantime. All of our parents (and we have 4 sets!) have reassured me that she's fine, and have encouraged me to not panic (who me?!) and to just wait it out. And that's exactly what I need to do, I KNOW this. But it's hard, isn't it? As a mom, the not being able to fix it? I have this inherent need to be able to spot, diagnose, treat, and cure every single thing that E faces in a short 24 hr time span. Don't we all? I mean, no one wants to see their child hurting, or uncomfortable. But, in trying to see the lesson here, I have come to the conclusion that this is only the beginning in a long line of things that I won't be able to fix for her. Or at least fix immediately. Sometimes a doctor knows best, or a mentor, or a grandparent. That's not to say that there isn't something to be said for trusting your gut, but I think that on this one, at least, I just need to take a deep breath and relax a little bit. But friends, I'm telling you right now, that's a lot easier said than done.

Joining the Crowd

There are very few things that I hate...running is one of them. I've been guilty, in the past, of claiming that I just can't do it. Granted, my asthma does give me major issues (especially when it's cold outside), but it doesn't quite make it impossible...much to my disappointment. I just plain don't like it. I don't like the side cramps, the tightness in my chest, the sweating, or the fact that I get bored after exactly 2 minutes.

But, do you know what I hate even more? Feeling completely out of shape, and unhealthy. I think I've made excuses long enough; though the heat index sitting at 118 yesterday is more of a health risk than an excuse, really. I was actually pretty proud of myself for losing the "baby weight" so quickly after Elli was born. But now, 11 months later, I've regained 10 of those lbs and I'm feeling pretty...well, un-proud. I turn 30 this year (EEK!!), and I want to feel GREAT about myself. I want to be as healthy as I am happy, and I think if I can just get past my running issues I can easily accomplish that.

I have lots of friends who are runners. I mean, hard-core, 1/2 and full marathon, runners. And while I have to admit that I do think they may all be a little bit crazy, they seem to be in great shape (go figure!) & to have a great time doing it. And lately, everyone keeps raving about this Couch to 5K thing, and I can't help but feel like I'm might be missing out on some big secret. I mean, maybe there is something to this...could there really be hope for me and my running hatred? So I researched it a little bit, and I think it looks do-able. Unfortunately, I might be getting up at 3am to beat the heat, but all good things come with a little bit of sacrifice right? I'm starting tomorrow, I'm joining the crowd. And who knows, maybe by the end I'll actually be able tolerate a leisurely jog!

What are some of your exercise tips, and when do you find time to work-out? Is running a strength for you, or are you more like me...someone who would rather eat lima beans than do sprints?! And what do you do with your kiddo's (if you have them) while you focus on your health? Around here, the only place that even accepts kids is the Y, and they charge $3/hour for their Childwatch Program. If I went everyday, it'd be $60/month on top of my regular monthly dues...not exactly cost friendly!! I'd love to hear some of your solutions, you guys always have great ideas!