Peak 313 Work Out

My last challenge group ended, so I am going to try one that incorporates the Word of God into it.  I pray I can stay diligent and not get discouraged.  - Living and Active Challenge - Facebook

I do not have all the items that were discussed in the blog for exercise, but I will still find ways to work out.

In my posting of this, I am hoping that any that see will encourage me to keep pressing on to better health mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Here are some of the things that I plan to do throughout this challenge.

1. Kettle bells
2. Walking
3. Exercise ball 
4. Shaun T Rockin Body
5. Elastic Bands

So, we are off....

4 Month Check Up

3/2/09
Went to the Doctors today and Turner weighs 14 pounds and 14 ounces. He is 25 inches long and his head is 17 inches around. He is in the 50% for weight and length and the 75% for head.

PUPP, Gas and what next?

So, who knew that you can experience all kinds of things AFTER pregnancy. I figured once I had Turner I would feel better and things would go away...Not so much.

Immediately following my arrival home I ended up with gas pain so bad from the c-section that I thought I was having a heart attack. That lasted for about 3 weeks.

Immediately following the gas (actually it was during and even before delivery, but I hadn't identified it as such), I ended up with a rash on my stomach that caused me to itch. My sister had mentioned that itching was normal so I just thought that was it....well, it continued to spread to my arms and that is when I started to wonder. My Doctor was on vacation at this time and I didn't trust the other doctors as my doctor knew my oddities already, so I waited for him to get back. In the mean time my mom and I were doing research on what it could be and my rash continued to spread to my legs and chest and back.

When my doctor got back, I went in and told him I had PUPP and he said he could give me some salve or oral medication. I told him to give me something strong to kill it. He told me that most people that get PUPP get it in the third tri-mester and not after delivery. He also said most don't have it so bad and it will resolve quickly on its own. He then told me that I was right that I do like to had the odd things and break the normal molds. He then thanked me for making the diagnosis so easy so the visit was fast.

He gave me my prescription and a refill as he said I might need a couple rounds. I used the first and each day you take less pills. The first few days things were looking good, but by the time I was at the 4th day and taking less pills, the rash started to come back with a vengenace so I took had to get the second round. This round of medication seemed to do the trick. I made it through it all and the rash faded, but a day after I was done with the medication it came back and of course it was the weekend where the doctor isn't in to approve another refill, so now I wait.

Here are some of the things that I have tried and how the rash feels: I take some benedryl to help with the itch, but it really does nothing. I have tried oatmeal baths and they provide a little relief until I get out. I use Caladryl, Cortizone 10 as well as Aloe Vera and all of these things provide a little relief but when night sets in and I want to sleep, anything that touches my skin just sends me to itching so rest just doesn't happen and as a result, I am incredibly tired and frustrated. The odd thing about this rash is that the raised patches also have raised bumps within them and each bump contains a center that feels like a thistle is in it and when anything rubs up against that it makes you just itch and them the itch wanders around that area until you are itching until you bleed.

Anyway, I called in the prescription and they will have to verify it tomorrow and then I will pick it up and hope it works. The sad thing is that we are getting pictures taken on Tuesday and now I will have bumps in the picture as well as the fact I have a big pimple in the MIDDLE of my forehead. I never get pimples and I don't usually like pictures so, I continued to be amused with my life and just laugh at what God is doing.

My sense of humor at my life is growing and at times I can laugh. I have found that it can be really hard to have joy in the middle of this, but I am trying and have reminders daily to press on.

If you think about it though, please pray for me as I have not been as patient and loving with my husband and even with my son as I should be. It has been so easy to blame my husband for the lack of patience and understanding and feel sorry for myself because I am not getting what I need, but that is the WRONG attitude and I know it. Praise God that his grace is new every morning and GREAT is His faithfulness.

For those of you that have never heard of PUPPS and are curious, here is a site so you can educate yourself and be prepared if anything like this happens to you during your pregnancy or after. The good news is that they say once you get it, you don't tend to get it again. I am not going to count on that but just be ready to rejoice in the next affliction. :)

Now you are all aware why my blogging and picture posts have diminished...I am tired and am trying to figure out how to be a mom and get everything done. It is funny because at the end of each day I am not sure what I have done, but I was busy doing something all day. Mostly feeding it seems. :) My husband and son both need to eat every 3 hours or so. That is how it works with a newborn and diabetic.

Big Boy Turner

My visit to the doctor was a bit of a surprise. I am very aware that my child has grown, but I haven't seen a picture of him for a couple months and was SHOCKED when my doctor captured a picture of his head. It was GIANT. I freaked out and the doctor asked how far was I again. I told him I was at 31 and he said, "oh, that is so much better." He had down that I was at 29 weeks. He did say that his head is still large but not concerning. While he was checking out his head, he caught a picture of the ear and as I was looking at it I was amazed at how much his ear looks just like his dad's from the back. It was crazy and cool.

Pretty much all the measurements are showing us 2 weeks ahead. He checked the size of the head, the size of the stomach and the length of the femur as well as calculated the weight which is coming in at 4 pounds 12 ounces so far. Oh, he also measured my uterus which is coming in at the same calculations as well.

My doctor said that the baby is appearing a bit large but since everything is calculating the same distance ahead he isn't too shook. He said my sugar's are looking good as well as my blood pressure. He also said that I am doing great on my weight which I will break down for you. During the first part of the pregnancy, I lost 17 pounds. The doctor put in the chart my starting weight 3 lbs higher than what I completely had lost. So based on his starting weight I have gained 8 pounds, but according to my loss I have gained 11. I am still down by 6 pounds in all accounts and am thrilled with that. It is giving me hope that I might end up less than I started and that I will kick the diabetes and get into better shape for Jesus, Torrey, Turner and our future children.

So, there you have it. I think that is all there is outside the fact that I am SCARED to DEATH at the size of the head and am now wondering about drugs which I really want to avoid.

Oh, those of you that are reading...what do you think about taking a Childbirth preparation class? Did any of you? was it helpful?

A1C and Iron

It is crazy how quick your blood work can come back. I am not used to getting results so speedily. I absolutely love the Doctor and the office I am at.

My A1C is doing great. I am at a 6.6. When I was first pregnant, they ran it and I was at an 8.7 so that is huge improvement. They did inform me that my iron is low so now I need to get some Iron supplements.

17 Weeks and Counting

Well, went to the doctor yesterday and they said this time I am measuring in at 16 weeks 6 days which would make me 17 weeks today. From what they have said before it should have been 16 weeks 1 day. They will not change my due date though as the Doctor said it is so close to the first ultrasound that they will stick with that.

Really doesn't matter as this baby will come when she/he wants to.

Oh, and as of the view yesterday it is still being said to be a girl, but the doctor will not make a conclusion as, I guess, a little boy can make his appearance at any point. Twenty-four weeks will be more conclusive if they cooperate as I really want to call this baby by their name. Tired of the generics and Torrey HATES me calling the baby It.

Oh, and for the total pregnancy, I have lost 17 pounds, but as of this visit, I gained one. Not too bad I would say. I am happy with it as these shorts were tight last year and this year I am pregnant and they are looser than last. Can't complain.

I will be blogging more on this stuff later as my Grandma sent me some fun presents that I want to post on my blog.

Stay tuned...I am worn out tonight though from working at Nina's and baking all day as well as doing some cleaning. Ready to fall into bed.

Time is going fast, yet oh so slow...

When you find out that you are pregnant pretty much at the moment of conception, the times seems to drag, yet here I am at 15/16 weeks (depending on who you ask) and I can hardly believe we are here and hopefully will soon be able to find out what we are having.

This pregnancy has been very different as I have been dealing with diabetes with it as well so am never sure if what I am feeling is related to being pregnant or being diabetic.

Overall, I have lost 17 pounds since becoming pregnant and pretty much have my sugars under control I do have days where things vacillate, but the way I seem to watch it, I think I am doing pretty good. I am sure it could do better, but that would require testing my blood about 20 times a day and that just becomes consuming.

Since I lost weight, I haven't really noticed a lot of change due to the baby, but just recently I have started to feel a little tighter in my pants and can feel my uterus when I am laying down. It is quite incredible. I still feel the occasional fluttering and floating feeling in my belly from the baby and am looking forward to feeling the hiccups and some kicking here soon I hope.

I did take a picture as my cousins have asked me to do so so they can feel a part of this from a long way away. The picture is absolutely terrible, but it captures me at this stage for better or worse. It is all just a moment in time and I at least remembered to capture it. I am great at capturing moments for others, but have never liked to have my own picture taken. I think that is rather typical of photographers to start with. :D

Our New Life

As you can see, it is VERY little, but we did see a heart beat and that was reassuring and exciting all at the same time.

Torrey and I have been fighting over this picture and I have been fighting with the scanner as it didn't want to work. The issue was IE7.0. Got to love technology.

oh, and at this point they are unwilling to state for sure when I am due. The first appointment he thought I was farther along and this one he thinks I am not as far along. So, right now it is anywhere between November 7 and November 13. He said at the next visit we should know better.

So, I am also being recommended to do one of three different testings. Any thoughts?

they are
1 - Quad Screen
2 - Amniocentesis
3 - some kind of ultrasound that checks the folds in the brain I guess.

He wants to do an intense ultrasound at some point to make sure there are no birth defects due to the diabetes.

He told me today that I am doing well which is good to hear as I have been freaking out with things. He said the fasting he still wants lower so we are playing. He told me that my compulsiveness and determination will serve me well with my pregnancy. There is a first time for everything.

He said he can see the frustration in my eyes and he understands the need for perfection, but said that I am doing well for only having known a few weeks.

Please pray for us as we are both dealing with our own set of fears during this time and my emotions are nuts and I think that Torrey is affected as well but not due to hormones.

I need Torrey to talk and he seems to have gotten really withdrawn lately and has me concerned.

I know God is here and any reminders you want to send my way during this time I would appreciate. There is so much going on that it is hard to keep moving especially with how tired I have been these days.

Blue Light Special

This last weekend was a big weekend in my life and those around me. You never seem to prepare for such things and then once they are out there you try to figure out what steps to take next. Let me explain:

I went to the Doctor's office on Friday to discuss medication to help my high sugars as well as talk to him about my basal temperatures that he told me to track.

All last week I had been tracking what I ate, what my blood sugar levels were, how much weight I was loosing and how much exercise I got. I did a line graph of my blood sugars so that it was easier to see the peaks and such. My doctor took one look at it and said, "Yeah, you are diabetic." I was fortunately a little prepared for that as I had been researching all week and just before I got to the doctor's I had told Amy that Dr. Yeash was going to say that I was in fact Diabetic.

He was surprised that I was taking it so well, but said he can see that I have already been working on things and that I appear to be very organized. He even asked me for a copy of my charting so he could put it in my file.

He was then talking to me about Diabetes and pregnancy, and if I get pregnant, He said I will need to go on insulin. He then asked if it is possible that I could be. I told him that there is nothing stopping it, so at this point I transitioned into my basal charting.

He looked at the charts and informed me that there really doesn't appear to be a trend at all and I seem abnormal in this. I told him I have heard that I am abnormal from every possible doctor so that doesn't shock me.

While looking at the chart he tells me that if I ovulated when I said I did, then I should have started and might be pregnant. I just thought, "Whatever."

I went and did my blood tests and asked if they were running one for pregnancy which they weren't.

I went to the store and bought some tests just to see. I have taken several of these since being married and they all just had one DARK pink line. This time I took 2 and it had such a faint pink second line that I thought I was making it up or they were defective. I didn't say anything to Torrey and asked a few of my girlfriends and my sister to see what they thought. They informed me that a line is a line.

I still didn't want to tell Torrey in case it was wrong. He wants a baby so bad. My sister changed my mind though. She called to tell me that Torrey should get to go through this with me. She also mentioned that she had done some research and found out that a lot of people that are diabetic or close often find out when they are pregnant. I did further study to find out if often goes away after pregnancy. VERY HOPEFUL.

So, I went and got the Dad's rootbeer from the closet and the card from the drawer and gave him the test. He saw the line and instead of hugging and kissing me, he pet his dog. This caused a reaction because I wanted the attention and he told me that I had said not to kiss me because I had a cold sore. A friend of mine told me that this reaction was enough to determine pregnancy. It was a bit over reactive. I had time to sit with it and he was just learning with it and trying to keep it in check too.

I was bummed because I had it all planned how I wanted to tell him and it didn't work out.

On Monday we decided to go get a test that said yes or no and not fuss with the lines. We went to Kmart and while we were there, I LOVE to check clearance, there were maternity clothes on great clearance, so we decided to check while we were there and if I was, get the clothes cheap before I have to pay a ton. So, Torrey went and bought the test and I went to the bathroom. As I was reading the directions, I determined I didn't need to read them because the test popped up to say yes+. I showed Torrey and he started to cry and I started to laugh. A poor lady walked by and I think she thought we were nuts.

I told Torrey that is seems right we should find out at Kmart since I met him at Sateway in checkout lane 4.

All of this explains so much of what I had been feeling. I was afraid to be hopeful, but had bought some pregnancy clothes that were on sale at Target a week ago.

So, God used this baby and my husband to help me find the diabetes and get me in gear to take care of myself and work to get rid of it and be healthy.

Amy knew from the start so there wasn't much to say to her, Cristina I asked her if she would always have gum (just like how she told me with Christopher - from Friends) and mom and dad we told last night. We gave dad a goodbye card and asked if he was ready to start two hand waving to us when we leave (he does this for the grandkids when the leave) and we gave mom a card asking if she was ready to make us a sea shell blanket (she had made one when I was in HS and I told her I wanted one when I had a baby). The family know and work will get out fast as some friends know too.

We are not telling Torrey's family until Torrey's birthday where he will be sporting a #1 dad hat and a Greatest Dad T-Shirt if we can get our hands on one.

Oh, I also found out that my thyroid is not working anymore either so have to take meds for that.

Please pray with us as our desire is that I can stay home or at least work from home when we have this baby and right now it doesn't appear it can happen, but we are looking with eyes of flesh and not God's. He can do many things and we are open to see how He will work in our lives through this.

What you learn when you take the time.

I have been reading a really great book on Diabetes and have learned a lot that really troubles me and I am ready to educate everyone that has children, those with Diabetes in their family line, and just anyone.

I have been doing a lot of tracking of my blood sugar, exercise and have bought higher quality food. The numbers still are higher than I would like, but I have lost 5 lbs since Saturday. It is a start, and now that my eyes are open to what is going on, I hope to make some beneficial changes and ward of Diabetes for me.

I watch my poor husband struggle with it and I don't want to end up with it especially since the way I am heading is my own fault.

How God Provides through People

For years I have been watched for Diabetes as it runs in my family. Well, some of you may know that I have married a man that has had Diabetes for 25 years and because I have married him I have been more aware of things that need to change and also how it can impact you physically if you are not doing what you should.

Well, I have not been feeling well for a while and just for "fun" I tested by blood this weekend and found that it was TOO HIGH.

My husband has several meters from having diabetes for so long, that I have claimed one and am working to figure out what is causing it to be high. I have been working on the "right" foods, the "right" quantities and exercise to help me get the numbers down. I have seen some improvements already, but hope for more.

This will require great diligence and a focus on learning so that I can do what is best for me as well as my husband. I am hoping that God will help me find that healthy balance for my life so that I am honoring Him in how I eat and live my life.

As I have been researching, there is so much stuff that we are never taught and you would think that the healthcare industry would want to educate you on prevention rather than wait for you to have it. Prevention is so much cheaper, but then we are also to care for our own bodies, so part of that is on me for not having researched enough.

I do not want to live with what my dear Torrey deals with every day. I see how exhausting it can be as well as frustrating when you don't know why you are having a high or a low.

I am going to visit my Doctor on Friday and show him my readings, what I have been eating and see if there are some natural options to deal with this rather than the medication I have been on before that makes me very ill.

Ultimately, pray with me that I will be diligent to change my lifestyle. There is a lot to learn and a lot to adjust from bad habits and not knowing the best foods to make, so I have a tall hill to climb to better care for me and my husband, but with God, I can do it and hopefully it will be something that I can pass on to my children and others.

I want to be healthy and not end up on medication forever and be able to hopefully have a safe pregnancy someday.

Sleep & Men

So, I am continuing to see a pattern that men seem to be able to sleep just about anywhere and at any time.

Growing up, I honestly thought it was something odd that my Grandpa and dad were able to do. You might be talking to either of them and all of a sudden they were sleeping. Now that I am married, I really wonder if men get a good night sleep ever. I don't think that my husband sleeps soundly ever. I am sure part of that is due to his diabetes.

For women, I think we do not always understand from their side as I know I have to often separate the need for sleep and laziness. Women are motivated very differently and that was designed by God. It is a process to learn about the differences in male and female and learn to appreciate the differences.

God states is best in His Word:
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:7, NLT

Here is a link to Sleep Education. I thought the title was funny. I guess whatever is out there can be learned and interestingly enough, this article is named the same as mine and I promise that I didn't copy, but found it after I wrote this.
Sleep Education


I did find some interesting documents that tie too much sleep or lack of sleep leading to type 2 diabetes as well as heart risk, hypertension & death.

Too Much Sleep
Too Much, or Too little sleep linked to diabetes in men
Too Much or Too Little Sleep increases Diabetes Risk
Type 1 Diabetes
Sleep Apnea & Diabetese Connection
Diabetes Risk Pronounced With Too Much or Too Little Sleep