The Doctors Wife

I Have Issues

We went to the pool for the first time this summer on Monday. When Mike suggested that we take the kids to the pool, my first thought was I am still not in the shape that I want to be. The baby weight is gone, but I still have about 15 pounds of "getting pregnant" weight that I want to lose, plus I am just not in shape. (I am also ghastly white and could have used a little self tanner to get me started) But I put on my swimsuit, put on a good attitude and took my kids to the pool. And we had fun. And I did not care that I am a few pounds heavier than I would like. And Hannah will not remember that her Mommy had a few extra pounds (or was reflecting light off of her legs!!)  Hannah will remember swimming with her Mommy. I may have issues about how I look, but I will not pass them on to my daughter. I do not want Hannah to obsess about her weight, or feel like she can't participate in something because she isn't in the kind of shape she wants to be. Kids aren't born with those insecurities, we teach them. Right now, those thoughts are not on her radar and I do not want to put them there. I am her strongest role model and I will act accordingly. I will not be the Mom that misses out, doesn't participate or makes herself miserable. While I am getting back in shape and back to a healthier weight I am not going to agonize and teach Hannah self loathing. I am going to show her that her Mommy is happy, active and willing to play and participate. 

Growing up, I was a healthy, active child. There were never diet foods in our home. We ate lots of good, healthy food (and our fair share of junk food, don't get me wrong, but moderation was in effect) As a teenager I was comfortable in my skin. I was active and healthy and happy with who I was. (My parents did such an amazing job!) I never had any kind of body image issues until I started gaining weight while trying to get pregnant. And you know what? I would gain it all over again in a heartbeat. Those two precious babies are worth every single pound. So while I may have issues about my weight, it is something that I must get over. Not only for myself, but for my kids. My kids deserve a Mom who is healthy, active, and happy. I do not want my kids to have a mother who misses out. I do not want my children's memories to include a weight obsessed, always on a diet Mom. And I am determined that my issues will not become Hannah's. So while I am a few pounds heavier than I would like to be, I will not let it weigh me down, my happiness will not depend on a number on a scale. 

A Bit More Random...

So yesterday was Monday...huh. Sorry no Medical Monday post, it completely slipped my mind! Things have been busy, we've been trying to get back into a routine, I've been trying to catch up on housework, and since we are all finally feeling better and the weather has been beautiful, we've been out enjoying ourselves! 

• We went to the zoo on Friday. After announcing to Hannah that we were going to see the polar bear and mentioning several times that we were going to see the big, white, polar bear, we got to the polar bear exhibit only to find out that it had died the week before. Sad huh? It apparently had kidney disease. Luckily Hannah didn't seem to notice that we didn't see the polar bear- we were too distracted by the adorable baby chimpanzees.

• Saturday evening we went for a walk to one of the ponds in our neighborhood. I had big plans to feed the ducks and create lasting memories for Hannah. I loved feeding the ducks when I was little and was hoping to pass on the experience to Hannah. The ducks would have none of it and wanted absolutely nothing to do with us. It wasn't like we were trying to pet them, just throw some bread their way. It was a bust, but Hannah had a good time anyway.

• Monday we made our first trip to the pool. The water was COLD. I only got in up to my thighs, and Hannah was happy playing on the steps up to her waist. Even though the water was a little chilly to swim, we still had a good time. 

Hope you all had a great long weekend!

A Whole Lotta' Random

So many things to write about, and so little time. I'm still not feeling 100%, but am still so much better than I was! Hannah is also feeling much better and she has been hilarious! Oh boy- get ready for the random!

• Hannah has started clasping her hands together when she says please- it is so dramatic it's funny! 

• David can roll from his back to his tummy. I can't believe how fast he is growing!

• Hannah has a little purple hand mirror that she loves to carry around. She insists on napping with it, and taking it to bed at night. Today she insisted on taking it on our drive to Sonic (happy hour!) and I tell you, this child cracks me up! She sat in her seat holding her mirror and watched herself eat french fries. (mouth closed) She was cracking me up- I wish I had a video camera with me.

• My house is a mess. Hannah being sick was pushing me to the edge, and the flu pushed me over. It is a mess!

• I only have three days of pumping left, and I cannot wait to be done. Pumping is fine occasionally, but every few hours is getting old. Fast. 

• The flu has turned me into one frumpy frau. I have spent the last few days in yoga pants, t-shirts, air dried hair, and no makeup. I would really like to be back to normal because when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I look old. The fact that it has rained for the last month and I have nary a hint of sun on my skin isn't helping. I'm all for sunscreen and am a little wary to actually "tan" but seriously? I. look. old.

• My parents spent last week in Florida and I believe my Mom is way more tan than me. 

• I have a slew of gifts that need to be given, dating back to April. Jill, Abbi, and Kate- we have gifts for you!

That is all of the random that is going to spill out of my mind for now. Have a lovely day!

Medical Mondays- Still Sick

Ugg! I'm still feeling under the weather and not 100%, so I'm going to keep it light today. Being married to a doctor poses a unique set of pros and cons when you are the patient. I'm curious to know, how does your husband handle it when you are the patient? Mike is very adamant about following doctors orders, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated.(I swear he thinks all evils of the world are caused by dehydration) He is a pretty awesome caretaker and would drive across town to get me a smoothie if I ever asked, does a great job with the kids so I can rest, and is just an all around sweetie. So dish, how does your husband handle it when you are the patient?

Hello, Flu

So I have the flu. And no, it's not swine flu, just regular misery inducing flu. Tuesday I was starting to feel a little run-down and was hoping to go to bed early, I assumed I was coming down with whatever Hannah had. Instead of going to bed early, I had a late night at the ER. Wednesday I felt pretty yucky and spent most of the day trying to catch up on sleep. Wednesday night was bad. Waking up with chills and a 103 fever bad. Using up an entire box of kleenex bad. Mike stayed home from work bad. Needless to say, my mucus filled head went to the doctor on Thursday. Because of the whole swine flu thing, I got to wear a mask. I felt like some diseased leper or something, but wearing a mask is certainly better than giving someone else the flu, even if it is just the regular old flu. I am now on medication, which is both good and bad. It will hopefully make me feel better sooner, but unfortunately I cannot nurse while on said medication. My poor little guy had to learn to take a bottle, and quickly. While he was initially very pissed, he has now accepted this and will now take a bottle like a champ. I'm hoping to go back to nursing and am praying that my milk supply will stay steady and David will happily go back to the breast when my course of medication is over. I was pretty upset about this turn of events, but am trying to make the best of it and so I have a standing date with my pump every few hours. The other thing that is torture is that I really haven't had much contact with Hannah or David for the past couple of days. And while I know that this is in their best interest, as I absolutely do not want them to get the flu, I miss them terribly and can't wait to love on them and kiss those sweet little chubby cheeks, and cuddle my two little sweeties. I am ready to be Mom again, not "Mommy is resting, you can't go in there". Mike is taking anti-virals in hopes that he will not succumb to this oh so lovely way to go through kleenex, and has been camped out in the guest room. He has been an absolute champ, taking care of the kids, the house and he even made a trip to the store, and a trip to the pediatrician. (David had a cough and while it didn't seem too bad we wanted to go ahead and have him checked out since we are at the start of a weekend) David is fine and Hannah is doing much better. My fever finally broke, so I am hoping that I am on the up-swing, and can fall in line and get better, so we'll be in good shape to start the summer! Plus I am really tired of breathing through my mouth. If you are breathing freely, take a moment to appreciate how marvelous it feels to breath easily and through your nose. (You know how when you're sick and it seems like you'll never feel normal again? Yeah, totally do not appreciate how wonderful it is to feel "normal") Now it is time to take my meds and go to bed and watch "You've Got Mail" for the millionth time.

ER- The Quick Version

Last night we took Hannah to the emergency room. My sweet friend Katie was gracious enough to come over and watch David so we didn't have to worry about taking him with us. Thank you Katie! Hannah has been sick, we went to the pediatrician on Monday and she had an ear infection (she also had her ears cleaned out, and let me say what a barrel of fun that was) Yesterday evening she threw up/ coughed up blood so off to the ER we went. Her chest x-ray came back clear and they suspect her stomach has been irritated by the antibiotic. We made it home about 2 am (Thank you Katie!) and have spent the day in jammies. I think I am coming down with whatever Hannah had so I have been trying to rest as much as possible (Mike stayed home today) and am praying that David and Mike stay healthy and that Hannah and I both feel better soon. We are waiting to hear back from the pediatrician, and otherwise are trying to take it easy. I have so much to say, but am exhausted and am going to go crawl back into bed. 

Medical Mondays- Come Back Next Week

No Medical Monday today, I've had a crazy busy week and haven't had a chance to write! Thursday night Hannah woke up in the middle of the night with a fever, and has been the most pitiful little sickie! Needless to say we are heading to the pediatrician- I have so many posts from the past few days floating around in my head- maybe I'll get a chance to post a few later. I hope you'll come back next week, when hopefully things will be back to normal!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! Thank you for all that you do- you are amazing and I am so thankful for our relationship! Hannah and David are so lucky to have such a wonderful Grammy!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday!

Taming The Two's- Activities To Go

Taking toddlers anywhere requires a bit of planning unless you want to find yourself in melt-down city. Having a few activities in your purse or diaper bag can be a huge sanity saver! I was tired of digging around in my diaper bag searching for things, and hated wasting zippy storage bags (they would get beat up so quickly and get holes) trying to keep things together. Then one day I was cleaning out my closet and ended up with a huge pile of cosmetics bags that I had accumulated (you know the little bags that are often free with purchase?) and never used, and inspiration struck. They are perfect for containing small activities on the go. I have one that has crayons and a small coloring book, one has some Duplo blocks in it, and one (that stays home) has sample make-up brushes and empty make-up containers. (when I would put on my makeup Hannah was constantly trying to play with my brushes and make-up, now I just hand her her bag and she can play to her little heart's content) It is so much easier to find and they don't get torn up. I rotate the activities so there is always something "new" to keep her interest when we have to wait at restaurants, the doctors office, etc. 

And one more because Oliver wanted his picture taken:

(seriously, bless his heart he kept trying to get in shots while I was taking pictures of Hannah right before I took these!)

It is easy to put small toys, make a mini- play set out of an existing toy (like the duplos), and have easy quiet entertainment!

What do you do to keep your little ones busy when you have to wait?

Medical Mondays- The G Rated Version

Like most couples, when Mike comes home from work we catch each other up on our days. Mike being a doctor, has some very interesting stories. When we were dating, he was working as a physical therapy assistant. One night we had gone out to eat at our favorite Chinese food place. We had gotten our food and had begun to eat, and Mike was telling me about his day.He began telling me about a case that he had assisted on using maggot therapy. (yes, I am totally not making this up) Mike finished his story and noticed that I had stopped eating. When he asked me why, I explained that there was not way I could finish my food (including steamed rice) when he had just told me such a disgusting story. Maggot therapy story= no appetite for Joy. So that is when Mike began telling me the g-rated version of his day. In medical school he would come home all excited about various cases and I would just cringe and remind him that I needed the g-version. Mike knows that I want to hear about his day, but I don't need details. I am squeamish, and wimpy when it comes to anything guts/ body fluid/procedure related. I always say that I am sure glad God makes people who can handle it, because I can't! Now we have a good balance- I can handle things as long as he doesn't get too descriptive and uses technical terms, and he has a pretty good idea where my limit is. So how about you? Do you like hearing all of the gory details? Or do you need the watered down g-rated version?