Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Vein Update - Dr Appointment

Well, here is what went down. Yes, my leg is worse. No, it is not fatal and it cannot kill me. And it is a superficial clot, in a superficial varicose vein. I am able to walk, exercise whenever I want. I have my doctors blessings to exercise, walk etc. It just hurts and it is uncomfortable for me. So, my doc is going to call the vein specialist aka my vascular surgeon (I met him just after I had Caroline) and my doc is going to ask what he can do for me. What can he do to help me. As it stands, my doctor gave me the strongest drugs he could give me because I am breastfeeding. Now, he needs to get some help! That is good! I need the help!

So, if my doc can get a hold of the vascular surgeon tomorrow, and if he talks to him, and gets an answer my doctor will call me tomorrow. If not tomorrow, as soon as he hears back from him.

So, at least their is a game plan in place. Now, I wait.

My doc said my legs will be fixed up as good as new. I sure hope so, because as I see my legs today I wonder what they will be able to do to fix me up! *fingers crossed*

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

That was me then...

See, I did have abs!! I just need to find them! I was on vacation in Hawaii here!

Oh, and I found a photo of my legs, pre veins! This was me in Whistler back in tha day.

See...I had nice legs!! Oh, I cannot wait to get my legs fixed up!! I miss you legs!!

Walking feels so good!

I have been walking a lot with all 6 kids. Pushing 2 in the double stroller to school and back. The weather, although cold has been PERFECT for walking. It feels good to be able to move, without huffing and puffing and having troubles bending down like when I was pregnant. Walking makes me feel more alive, healthy and calm. I even feel better about my body when I walk. Then the trouble is when I look into the mirror at home. Then I wonder who is that person staring back at me? You don't look like Cathy I remember. What happened to FUN CATHY? Where did she go?

I like the person I am inside, but I want the outside to reflect back the person I am in person, and inside. They just do not jive. I have felt like this after the birth of EACH of my kids. With time, I know I will reach my goal. But, I feel impatient. Chill! lol. Chill.

I think I will just not look in the mirror until I can start feeling better about myself. No, I will look in the mirror, and try to come up with ONE positive thing about my looks that I like right now.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Dr. Phil Advice for Mom's

Four-Step Priority Plan for Mothers- by Dr. Phil

If you are stressed, mentally exhausted and out of balance, you aren't being fair to yourself or your family. You'll be a happier person — not to mention a better wife, mother and friend — once you stop putting your own needs last. Dr. Phil has advice for making yourself a priority.

1. Get over the guilt.
Don't feel guilty for taking time for yourself. It's not selfish to make yourself a priority. Redefine what it means to be a "good mother." Instead of using society's definition, create your own measure of success as a parent. A good mother is not one who only sacrifices; a good mother is also able to give of herself. If you don't have passion and happiness in your own life, you can't give it to your children. Give yourself permission to be more than half of a couple, more than "just" a mom.

2. Make yourself a priority.
Don't confuse the quality and quantity of your time. They simply aren't the same things. Focus on the impact that your time does have, and give yourself the same attention you'd give someone else you love. Don't do everything for your children. They are able to do some tasks on their own. Take the time to teach them how to do things for themselves. Learn the art of saying no, the ability to delegate and the capacity to accept help without feeling guilty.

3. Discover your passions.
Find something that you love to do. What gives you a sense of pride, accomplishment or enjoyment? Think back to when you last felt this sort of passion. Now, ask yourself: "What would it take to put that feeling back into my life? What can I do to recreate that feeling now?" When you've found your passion, make time for it in your regular schedule. Don't allow yourself to treat this "me time" as an option. It should be as important as anything else.

4. Gain the support of your family.
This isn't always easy, but it can be done. Let your family know how and why you need to do things for yourself — so you can be a better mom and wife. Compromise with your family. Help them to understand that while things may change, you won't be abandoning them.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Note to self:

Don't even bother watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show...when you are in the postpartum phase, when you can't even imagine putting on anything remotely close to those outfits (are they outfits?!) Anyways, the show was AMAZING, and fun (especially the Spice Girls and Seal) BUT it made me feel very yuck about my current body...

My belly hangs over my granny pants still. Not so nice. So, why did I have to watch it again today? I think for inspiration...yup. Inspiration. If Heidi Klum can do it, so can I! Thanks Heidi you are inspiring me to get back to the way I was years ago!! You did it after 3 kids, so it is possible after 6!!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Weight Loss Quotes

Carl Sandburg: Weight Loss Quotes
The time for action is now. It's never too late to do something.

Harold Wilkins: Weight Loss Quotes
The world of achievement has always belonged to the optimist.

Heraclitus: Weight Loss Quotes
There is nothing permanent except change.

Swedish Proverb: Weight Loss Quotes
Those who wish to sing, always find a song.

3 weeks postpartum

Today, Courtney is 3 weeks old. I am still having issues with my veins, and made a follow up appointment with my doctor.

Just when you think that bleeding is slowing down, life gets busy and the bleeding picks up. So, that is my body telling me I am trying to do too much too soon. Hard to not do much when life is busy with family stuff.

But, today the bleeding is slowing down again. That is good. I feel good other than my veins, and my sciatic issues in my back. That should resolve too.

As for the bum troubles, the vein is going down but it is really not gone. Not sure if it will ever go down? Only time will tell. Atleast it doesn't hurt to laugh or sit anymore.

As for my arm vein, well that is looking and feeling way better. There is just a slight bruise left and the arm is softening up again!

I have also found my body joints to be achy from feeds, and sleeping funny (or maybe just from lack of sleep) but I am finding the lack of sleep fine, except I don't feel I have much of a brain left lol.

I noticed I dropped 2 more pounds, so I have lost 22 pounds of 34. Not bad for me 3 weeks past delivery.

I am excited about starting my plan, but I am waiting until January 2nd to start that! I look forward to making positive changes and creating a new me! A different new me! A fresh start! I will be starting my 140 pound plan! Yup! That is my goal weight! I hope to reach that goal by my 37th birthday!