Pain in the butt

After I posted the last Maddie update, she got sick. She had diarrhea and some vomiting. No fevers. It lasted way too long, poor baby. The diarrhea caused a major diaper rash. I'd never really seen diaper rash before, Fischer never had it, this was sooo terrible and appeared to be incredibly painful. I was trying anything and everything to relieve her pain, but the diarrhea kept coming, making it worse.

I had kept her lathered in Boudreaux Butt Paste, which has been my cream of choice for both kids. In fact, I credited Butt Paste for the fact that Fisch never had diaper rash... that and my amazing mothering skills -HA! Sorry. The rash started to look like tiny blisters which then popped... once there were open wounds, the Butt Paste seemed to be painful when applied to her tiny bum. The poor sweet thing screamed and looked at me in shock that I would do something to purposely hurt her! I cried too!

The wipes seemed to hurt her sore tush too. I tried everything to get her healed up. I started using wet paper towels and trying to pat her clean, I tried Vaseline, Desitin, Balmex, Neosporin, lots of baths (that she just kept pooping in - ew) and every combination of them that I could think of. Nothing really helped.

Finally the winning remedy was Balmex Healing Ointment and Maximum Strength Desitin. I put the Balmex on first and the Desitin on top... she was totally protected and started to heal. YAY! The great thing about that Maximum Strength Desitin was that it stayed on between diaper changes, whereas some of the others seemed to either get absorbed or rub off on the diaper.

Did you know that when you use diaper creams you are supposed to apply them like a paint rather than a lotion. You aren't supposed to rub them in. I didn't know that with Fischer.

A goal for the new year

Ok, here is my plan, thanks for your advice. Instead of running for 365 days, I am going to exercise for 365 days minus 52 days (one day off a week). So, I'll be exercising for at least 30 minutes for 313 days in 2010.

I'll be doing a lot of running to get ready for another marathon in October, but by using the term "exercise" I can do stretching or yoga if I am sick or injured (good idea Lauren).

Do you have any fitness plans for the new year, or fitness plans that work for you now? I'd love some ideas and advice to keep myself motivated. There is a 6 week plan in the Women's Health magazine that I think I'll incorporate at one point, and I'll do the Couch to 5k plan too. I'm thinking that if I keep changing it up, I won't get bored. Also, short term goals are good.

So this is where I am starting... I can always amp it up... but this is my overall goal.

I'm prepping right now by cutting out all of the sweet treats and refined sugar in my diet for a few weeks. December had me addicted to cookies! Seriously, they are THAT good! ;) By the way no sugar for me means real withdrawals, like headaches, grumpiness, and ravishing hunger. Yikes!

Get in Shape Girl

So, in an attempt to stay sane AND get in shape, I'm getting my groove on. Apparently an hour of exercise every day can possibly be just as effective as medication and/or counseling. As if I actually needed another reason to get my butt in gear... feeling like a crazy lady has given me that last little shove.
Running and a variety of The Biggest Loser workout videos from the library... and I'm well on my way to a new healthier and happier me. I will give my Bod a shout out for losing about 50 lbs after Maddie was born. Way to go Bod! My Bod deserves a little kudos after being so stubborn and refusing to lose weight after Fischer was born! Remember how I even ran another marathon between the two kids? NO weight lost!... or at least not any worth bragging about.

Ummm, wait a minute, did she just say she lost 50 pounds and still needs to get in shape? Ummm, YES - thanks for pointing that out! Jerk.

This is it, there is no reason to wait. I'm not having more kids, I don't need to gain more weight... I can only go up from here right? Or rather, go down from here. I'm outing myself as a chubby mama, now you know. BUT... oh just wait, soon I'll be outing myself as a card carrying member of the "HOT MAMA" club! In fact, on that day, I shall take a picture of myself in a white unitard and post it proudly... nothing to hide! See, now you are rooting for me... just because you want to see me in white spandex. Thank you for your support, and I forgive you for making that sarcastic comment about my 50 pounds.

Writer's Block

I seem to be having a terrible time coming up with something to write about these days. I start to think of things, and then can only think of a sentence or two OR I plan out an entire thought-provoking (yeah right) post in my head while I lay in bed at night, and then can't think of it in the morning. So I thought I'd brainstorm out all of the little thoughts, in hopes that a deep and powerful post will be around the corner.

• Fischer has his new big boy bedroom furniture and twin bed. SOOO cute! He's been a little anxious to fall asleep in it the past few nights, but it is getting better. He is still worried about monsters... even though we've reassured him that monsters are afraid of dogs, therefor there is no way we could have any monsters in our house.



• The baby's room is coming together beautifully. My mother-in-law painted it pink and green to compliment the bedding. It is so sweet and girlie in there. I am soo NOT girlie, but I'm lovin' this!


• She'll be here in less than 4 weeks! I'm scheduled to have a c-section in less than a month!! I can't wait to see her. Hopefully upon seeing her we may actually come up with a name for her!



• I have something called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction which is making life a little waddly these days. Basically, my pelvis is moving and separating. It often hurts to move and it is the worst while trying to turn over or change positions in bed... which I feel like doing about every hour. It also makes walking difficult, especially when I overdo it like today (t-ball, farmer's market, Costco, Home Depot). It should slowly go away after the baby is born. I'm worried about having a c-section with this because the drugs could mask the pain and make me hurt it worse and/or being immobile for an extended period of time can exacerbate it also. I've got to talk to my OB next week about it.
  


• I also injured my knee (doing nothing... I just knelt down on the floor) and now have something called Lateral Patella Plica Syndrome which should be remedied with anti-inflammatories. I went to my sports med doc yesterday and he prescribed Celebrex for 9 days, saying that it won't hurt the baby. I couldn't get a hold of my OB to double check that, so I called a doctor friend. He said to definitely NOT take the Celebrex in the third trimester because it could cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and renal ADRs in the fetus. Additionally, NSAIDs are linked with premature birth. So I guess, now I need to talk to my OB about that and whether or not a cortisone shot in my knee would be a safer route.


• Andy and Fisch harvested a huge bowl of beautiful juicy strawberries from the garden today. Andy is continually amazed at the difference in flavor between ours and the grocery store's. Yum! We've been chowing them down like crazy.



• Slugs were taking over and completely consuming everything in veggie garden... I went out early in the morning to find at least 30 slugs in my little green bean bed, half of the green bean plants were totally missing! We're not talking about a few holes in the leaves of this plant or that, we are talking about complete - without a trace- consumption of green bean plants, cantaloupe plants, cucumber plants, watermelon, etc. So we had to forgo being completely organic in order to save the crops. I bought Sluggo, which I found in the organic section of the garden store... but still. Of course I put that stuff all over right before we had 2 straight weeks of rain...so who knows. I do think it helped a little, but I may have to reapply.


• I think that I am one of the only people enjoying all of the overcast skies and rain this summer. My big pregnant body is loving the cooler June temps.

Well I hope that dull list sparked something intriguing for later. Happy rest of the weekend to you!

You know what totally sucks?

Kidney stones.

They are even worse when you are pregnant and there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING you can do to help relieve the pain.

I'm fine now... until those little ticking time bombs decide to start moving and hurt me again.

The first time I had them I was 19. It was a hellish day and by the end of it, the ER doctor announced, "Now that you've had them, you'll probably get them the rest of your life."

She was right. They've snuck up on me every few years since then. It doesn't get easier.

I didn't have any bouts with stones while I was pregnant with Fischer, but two months after he was born, I was in pain. It turned out that the stones were so big, I had to have a lithotripsy to blast them into passable bits.

In the three years since then, I've had them a handful of times, but not quite as painful.

I have had them TWICE during this pregnancy already! Bad ones! No pain killers, no help, just had to "tough it out". Tuesday was unbearable! I needed drugs!

Waaa! OK, enough of the sob story.

Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer

Recently a group of friends and I participated in a snowshoe 5k to benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure. My good friend Lauren put our team together in honor of her friend Cari. Cari blogs over at UnDomestic: "Writings of a teachermom, choosing to stay home with her kids, while loathing all domestic responsibilities! In late Aug. 2008, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer. After surgery, chemo and radiation, I was given the all clear. However, in the late summer of 2008, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which metastasized to other areas."

Cari has three little kids at home, and after learning of her story and checking out her blog, it was an honor to snowshoe for her. Our team carried fun balloons that said "Team Cari" on them and we had a blast! I actually had my butt kicked by the course... but supposedly it was REALLY easy. Hmmm. AND don't even try to cut me some slack on behalf of being pregnant... because two other of our team members were much further along that I, and they seemed to practically skip to the finish line!

Anyway, thank you Lauren for inviting me to be a part of such a fun experience and important cause!

4 days in... how are you doing?

Today is day four of the exercise challenge. There are 8 official participants, and not quite as many in the running for the fabulous prize.
How is it going for you? I figured we'll check in once a week over here... I'll post about it and you can let us know how you are doing. If you miss a day, you'll be out of the running for the prize, but just jump right back in and finish out the month with us. No use in quitting ;)

So, as predicted, I have a raging cold and feel like I've been run over by a truck. It is not getting the least bit better, only worse. HOWEVER, I have still exercised every day. Granted my sessions haven't been aerobic (since I can't breathe) BUT I have challenged myself nonetheless, which is WAY more than I would normally do when I am sick. So, I figure that is good.

I'd love to hear what you've done the past 4 days. By commenting about it, we'll inspire each other to keep on sweating!

Anyway, let's cheers to healthy habits!!

A December Exercise Challenge

Last night I announced my personal challenge to exercise 31 days in December. I just wanted to remind you in case you'd like to join. That exercise can be whatever is right for you. You know what would be a good personal challenge for yourself.

So... If you are in, leave a comment below or email me. Then at the end of the month... whoever made it all 31 days will be entered for a fabulous prize. I'll let you know what the prize is later.

No excuses. Today I woke up with nausea, sore throat, runny nose, itchy ears, the works... and I'm still going to run today. Usually when I start a new exercise goal I immediately get sick, or sprain my ankle or the jogging stroller tire is popped... or ... the list goes on. My goal is to not let any setbacks stop me. If I sprain my ankle today, then I will go swimming tomorrow or work on my abs and my upper body. I can do this, and I'll feel so much better too!

By the way, if I can do this, ANYONE can! Whoot whoot! Let's do it!

UPDATE: If you don't get to read this until Tuesday, then your Challenge will be 30 days of exercise in December... and it will still count for the prize. The rest of us will just be one day healthier ;).

FYI: Important Halloween Warning

Be smart, and be careful with what you give and what you get on Halloween this year. PLEASE HELP GET THE WORD OUT! Check this out on CNN and over at snopes.com, for more information. Thanks for the warning Renee. Say a Little Prayer is asking for your prayers to help with this disastrous and tragic milk problem.

Beautiful Autumn Weekend

This weekend was gorgeous. The leaves have changed, the weather was warm... it was perfect. Saturday, Fischer, BFF and I met some friends at the coolest farm for fabulous fall fun! They had everything you could want: animals, hayrides, slides, a spook alley, food - you name it! We had a great time. Unfortunately my camera died after the first picture:

Fischer and BFF had a great time... Fischer even shared his water bottle with a goat! Ew!

Today, my best run-pal and I went on a hike. It was beautiful and sweaty, and I even was stung by a bee! I guess it doesn't sound too fun, but when we reached the top and were able to lounge in some cozy stone chairs and look across the entire valley... it was sooo worth it! Here is the view half way up, I turned around to take a pic of the fall colors (ok that was just my excuse to stop and catch my breath):I'm thinking this picture may be the first in a series I'd like to call: Views from the "gym". Meaning... I'll show you what I can see while exercising and maybe that will help me to do it everyday.

Look what we missed!

Did you know about this? I didn't!

Boobie-Thon

This site spends one week a year raising money for breast cancer research. During a specific week in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), people send in pictures of their "racks" and/or monetary donations to fund raise for a cure. I think in the past they have gotten some negative feedback, but in 7 years they've raised over $50,000.00 - they shut everyone up!

Go poke around over there... go ahead and peruse the photo gallery - you know your curious... I'll admit that I looked at all the pics. Be aware that you'll be looking at all kinds of boobies - covered and uncovered, even man-boobies (because after all they get breast cancer too).

I cannot believe it! Talk about a FABULOUS fundraiser idea!!! Why didn't I think of this? Oh yeah... because I'd never submit a picture for it! - Or would I? Hmm, we shall see next year.

I'll remind you about it next year, in case you are interested. What do you think about this? Is it offensive to you or smart and original or what?

Read more about the history of the Boobie-Thon here, it all started in 2002. This year, in one week they raised $9,300.00, not bad, not bad at all.

What can you do while you wait for next October? Well after you buy new bras and get your own boobies in photo-shape, you can click, click, click to give free mammograms.

AND - don't forget to do your self breast exams AND don't forget what we've learned from Toddler Planet about Inflammatory Breast Cancer and NO lumps!

First Trip to the Dentist

Fischer went to the dentist for the first time ever today. I picked up Going to The Dentist by Dorling Kindersley at the grocery store last night to help him prepare. This morning, we read the little story about Dora's first dentist experience, and studied the photographs of all things dental. I really think it helped Fischer to know what to expect. Although, he still cried when they said it was his turn (he's gone strange - more about that in a minute), he quickly calmed down and let the dentist look in his mouth and count his teeth. The doc said that his teeth were healthy, and in fact the ones that had turned gray after he bonked them a few months ago, are fine now!
I had heard conflicting stories about when is the best age to have your first exam, so I thought we'd just go and make sure everything was going well. Yay, it is. Fischer received a green sticky hand for a bravery prize. I was going to take his picture in the big chair, but he was glued to me the whole time, so that wasn't going to happen.

About "strange", the other day I met a woman who told me that children this age may "go strange". In fact she asked me if Fisch had "gone strange yet". Huh? Apparently the phrase is referring to the clingy whiny, shy, scared, crying 2 1/2 year old that is my son. So, yes, he has officially "gone strange". Let's hope he comes back soon!

Pit Putty

I've been testing out an organic deodorant the past few weeks. The name is not very feminine, Pit Putty, but the results have been great. I've asked numerous people on hot sweaty days and after running, if I stink... and they've said no. Because they might be lying, I've done a number of sniffs under my arms (geez this is a gross topic) and I haven't detected an odor!

Pit Putty is made by Bubble & Bee Organic. it uses only certified organic ingredients, no chemicals, no animal testing, and the company is environmentally friendly.

Sheila bought the spray, and has been really happy with her results. The spray is also good for stinky sandal feet!

Bubble and Bee Organic has all kinds of organic personal care products. If you are interested you may want to poke around their site and learn more about the reasons that we don't want chemicals in our beauty products. I'd never really thought about it before.

Oh... one more thing... they completely guarantee their products (or at least the deodorant for sure) there really isn't any risk in trying them out. They are better for your body and your skin. I have pretty sensitive skin and haven't suffered any reactions from the Pit Putty. I think I'm ready to try their soaps and lotions too.