The miracle of life is obviously just that - a miracle! It's just amazing what happens from a group of cells (hello cellular BIO). And once a baby is born, it is just incredible the growth, both physically and developmentally, that incurs! HMB has been making strides with words lately. Every day he seems to pick up another word, so I thought I would share. And by "talk" I mean, HMB attempts to say a word and clearly knows what the word means. He started with ball, as we all know (in addition to mama and da). Then came dog, and I lose track of the sequence?! But we are now up to: bag, night night, nap, AND the most incredible ones - balloon and banana. Really? So he might not pronounciate like an English major but the kid is DEFINITELY saying balloon and banana. I might have to catch it on video and post it up here for the masses: my 9 readers :) Once a week, I meet up with my friend and biz partner to work. She SWEARS HMB has said some other words and that he can count to three. We are still working on the counting thing, he definitely repeats something after you say ONE, TWO, THREE. But so far it doesn't always sound like ONE, TWO, THREE. We did pretty clearly hear him say "Yeah" yesterday but I haven't heard it again so might have been a fluke...but who knows!?
I am allowed to brag once in a while, right? Especially since HMB's sleep is, and always has been, less than stellar. Physically, I think he is still a little string bean with some baby leg chub left over, but the kid doesn't stop moving long enough to eat! And he is a climber, on pretty much anything and everything, including rock walls at the park. Yes, it's true! I need to get him signed up for something so we can start training for whatever sport will make him wealthy enough to buy his parents a vacation home in Maui! Just kidding....
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
What's up with Mom of HMB?
This will be another post about mom of HMB - I have some thyroid updates and thought I would share. I have been on a medication to control my hyperthyroidism aka Graves' disease, for over two months. I get labs done and go to the doctor every two weeks to see how my thyroid levels are as well and to check and make sure the medication is not damaging my liver or lowering my white blood cell count. The past two visits, I was informed that my thyroid levels are getting better, woo hoo!!! Sadly, my white blood cells are low and my liver isn't doing too well. I was told we would wait two weeks and check again. I went to the doctor last week and was told that although my WBC count has stabilized, my liver is still not doing well. So I am off the medication...and on another one....that could also cause liver damage and low WBC count.
At this point, it is important to note that I was on the original medication (PTU) because the doctor knows I would like to get pregnant sometime in the next few months. With the new medication, this is not the case. In fact, it could take a year to a year and a half to be stable and get pregnant on this new medication. WOW! OK, my health is the most important thing because if I'm not healthy, how can I take care of a baby (and HMB) or even BE pregnant? The doctor stressed another option, that will not only allow me to become pregnant within a few months, but be free from hyperthyroidism forever - a total thyroidectomy. Yep, take it all out! So I will meet with a surgeon in the next couple weeks to talk about what he/she thinks and possibly, possibly, schedule a surgery.
This is a big decision, one I will live with forever, as I take synthroid or another type of medication for the rest of my life, as I will NEVER have a thyroid again. Another issue at the doctor, which seems silly compared to the whole TT thing, is that I GAINED a pound!! I have been running 5 miles, 5 times per week PLUS a longer run on the weekends, AND been on a gluten free and meat free diet (and alcohol) and I gained weight?!? In the grand scheme of things, the weight gain and the thyroid are things I can handle. I have A LOT of things to be happy for and I don't want the masses (all 9 of my readers) to think I am not grateful! Because I most definitely am, HMB and all!
I actually wrote all of this the day I found out about the meds not working but didn't post it. I think I just needed to vent. OK, keep you all posted :)
At this point, it is important to note that I was on the original medication (PTU) because the doctor knows I would like to get pregnant sometime in the next few months. With the new medication, this is not the case. In fact, it could take a year to a year and a half to be stable and get pregnant on this new medication. WOW! OK, my health is the most important thing because if I'm not healthy, how can I take care of a baby (and HMB) or even BE pregnant? The doctor stressed another option, that will not only allow me to become pregnant within a few months, but be free from hyperthyroidism forever - a total thyroidectomy. Yep, take it all out! So I will meet with a surgeon in the next couple weeks to talk about what he/she thinks and possibly, possibly, schedule a surgery.
This is a big decision, one I will live with forever, as I take synthroid or another type of medication for the rest of my life, as I will NEVER have a thyroid again. Another issue at the doctor, which seems silly compared to the whole TT thing, is that I GAINED a pound!! I have been running 5 miles, 5 times per week PLUS a longer run on the weekends, AND been on a gluten free and meat free diet (and alcohol) and I gained weight?!? In the grand scheme of things, the weight gain and the thyroid are things I can handle. I have A LOT of things to be happy for and I don't want the masses (all 9 of my readers) to think I am not grateful! Because I most definitely am, HMB and all!
I actually wrote all of this the day I found out about the meds not working but didn't post it. I think I just needed to vent. OK, keep you all posted :)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"What do you do?" Addendum
I forgot to mention a few important things in the last post! First, I did a workshop for new moms a couple weeks ago on Work/Life Balance and Deciding Whether to go Back to Work. It was amazing to hear all the stories from these wonderful women! It was such a wide variety, too! Some moms were going back full-time to high powered jobs with law firms and government contractors, some were teachers, some were working from home, others has nannies and some were putting their child in daycare. Overall, it was a great forum for the moms to see that they are not alone with whatever they decide, that they have support out there! AS a counselor, I was so happy to see women supporting each other, reglardless of their own situations. GO MOMS!!!
What do you do?
As I have said in a previous post, I read a lot of blogs. I read a lot of mom blogs. Some moms work outside of the home, some moms work in the home, some have many kids, some have one. Well, I definitely only have one child (so far) but when I am asked the question of whether or not I work, it's a little more complicated.
I do have a Master's in Counseling Psychology (you pretty much have to go to grad school to do anything in the counseling field) and I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia - so I can see private therapy clients and call myself a therapist, as well as bill insurance.
That's nice, but what does this all mean?? It means that I DO work, but not in a traditional 9-5 job. After HMB was born, I quit my crazy, on-call 24/7 job as a supervisor for a team of family counselors. In 2003, I started a business with a good friend and colleague called Washington Career Services (www.dccareerservices.com), and we provide workshops and trainings t universities and companies, as well as provide career counseling to individuals. So when I left my other job, I decided to dedicate myself to private clients and the business. I also provide supervision to a few (awesome) counselors at my old company so they can also get licensed, too.
So let's see, I am a career counselor, a clinical counselor, a supervisor, a trainer...and a mom. I guess that's about it. I usually work at least 2 days per week, NOT counting various workshops and evening clients. HMB comes with me to supervision and plays while we talk, he also comes with me to work with my business partner once a week. We call him our little intern.
I could say it was a tough decision as to whether or not to work full-time for an agency after HMB was born. But it really wasn't. The toughest part was leaving my co-workers and supervisor, who I love (and still get to see once a week). But it just made sense for me, both professionally and personally. I can now focus on building up my private client base and expanding the business, as well as be with HMB. Although being self-employed has it's challenges - no guaranteed paycheck every two weeks, no paid vacation, etc - it has been worth it.
I do have a Master's in Counseling Psychology (you pretty much have to go to grad school to do anything in the counseling field) and I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia - so I can see private therapy clients and call myself a therapist, as well as bill insurance.
That's nice, but what does this all mean?? It means that I DO work, but not in a traditional 9-5 job. After HMB was born, I quit my crazy, on-call 24/7 job as a supervisor for a team of family counselors. In 2003, I started a business with a good friend and colleague called Washington Career Services (www.dccareerservices.com), and we provide workshops and trainings t universities and companies, as well as provide career counseling to individuals. So when I left my other job, I decided to dedicate myself to private clients and the business. I also provide supervision to a few (awesome) counselors at my old company so they can also get licensed, too.
So let's see, I am a career counselor, a clinical counselor, a supervisor, a trainer...and a mom. I guess that's about it. I usually work at least 2 days per week, NOT counting various workshops and evening clients. HMB comes with me to supervision and plays while we talk, he also comes with me to work with my business partner once a week. We call him our little intern.
I could say it was a tough decision as to whether or not to work full-time for an agency after HMB was born. But it really wasn't. The toughest part was leaving my co-workers and supervisor, who I love (and still get to see once a week). But it just made sense for me, both professionally and personally. I can now focus on building up my private client base and expanding the business, as well as be with HMB. Although being self-employed has it's challenges - no guaranteed paycheck every two weeks, no paid vacation, etc - it has been worth it.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Good Weekend With the Grandparents
As I think I have said in previous posts, my husband's parents live about 4 hours away in PA. We make the trip a few times a year and it's not too bad. My husband's mom tries to come down at least once per month. She has helped us out a lot - painting, cleaning windows, and watching HMB when I need to work. This time, we went up to help her so some Spring cleaning, as well as celebrate my husband's dad's birthday on Sunday. We headed out on Friday and I was so happy because although HMB generally just takes one nap per day, he had had a very early nap that morning and was bound to take another nap in the afternoon. And he did, a short little nap on the way to meet my husband. Dang. So he was up the entire 4 hour trip! And when we got there and met up for dinner, he was running around the restaurant like a crazy man!!
Saturday, we took HMB over to his grandpa's house so they could watch him while we cleaned. Grandpa and Carol B. played and played with HMB, took him for a walk, fed him lunch, theywere worn out but HMB didn't seem to want to nap. Finally, I went and got him and he finally crashed...for three hours!
Sunday was the big party and we headed over for a barbecue. Although I am meat and gluten free right now, there was plenty for me to eat by way of vegetable, cheese, and fruit! After all the veggies and fruit, I figured I could treat myself to some ice cream! HMB had a great time showing off for all of his great-aunts and other family. They loved that he made a car sounds when he rolled the toy car around and actually knew how to use to play blood pressure cuff (hmm, maybe it's because he comes with me to the doctor every two weeks).
All in all, it was a great weekend, with HMB sleeping about an hour on the way home and doing all right the rest of the way. So maybe more four hour trips to PA will be in our future!
Saturday, we took HMB over to his grandpa's house so they could watch him while we cleaned. Grandpa and Carol B. played and played with HMB, took him for a walk, fed him lunch, theywere worn out but HMB didn't seem to want to nap. Finally, I went and got him and he finally crashed...for three hours!
Sunday was the big party and we headed over for a barbecue. Although I am meat and gluten free right now, there was plenty for me to eat by way of vegetable, cheese, and fruit! After all the veggies and fruit, I figured I could treat myself to some ice cream! HMB had a great time showing off for all of his great-aunts and other family. They loved that he made a car sounds when he rolled the toy car around and actually knew how to use to play blood pressure cuff (hmm, maybe it's because he comes with me to the doctor every two weeks).
All in all, it was a great weekend, with HMB sleeping about an hour on the way home and doing all right the rest of the way. So maybe more four hour trips to PA will be in our future!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sleep and Other (Fun) Things
Although our sleep issues continue, HMB has been MUCH better about going down in his crib...initially! And even if I get him, as I did last night after waking up in a frenzied terror thinking that he was falling out of the crib (he wasn't, of course), he will go back into his crib, usually without too much fuss and go back to sleep. Until he wakes up at 2:30am like he did last night. And I think my husband got him, but honestly I am not sure!? Do we really have to resort to handcuffing me to the bed so I am physically unable to go get him?
In other news, we love the warm weather! I have been taking HMB to the park in the afternoon at least three days a week and he LOVES it. Although we don't have a backyard (or front yard or side yard for that matter) we do have a plethora of parks within walking distance and many more within driving distance (in addition to the National Mall about 3 miles away)! HMB pretty much loves anything park-related - slides, sandboxes, toys (they have TOYS at the park and no one steals them!!!!), other kids, and of course, BALLS! We usually bring a ball to the park but HMB manages to find dirty tennis balls that he would rather play with. At two of our parks, there's a basketball court nearby and what HMB really loves to do is chase the big kids (or teenagers or adults) around and scream BAH, BAH, BAH! What I like to think he is really saying is: "I know you are bigger than me but give me the ball and no one will get hurt". I think we are in need of a basketball, among some other things I have on my list (gate for the kitchen so HMB stops opening the over door and climbing on it).
So despite our continued sleep issues, HMB is such a great 14 month old! He is so smiley and waves and blows kisses when he says good-bye! Oh, and I almost forgot! He says dog now! Well, he says DAH, whenever he sees a dog. We were slightly confused as to why he says dog, since we don't have a dog and although my mom does and my husband's dad does, he doesn't see them regularly. But what do we do regularly? Read Go, Dog, Go! And he loves it! So he learned dog from a book, damn kid, you are smart!
In other news, we love the warm weather! I have been taking HMB to the park in the afternoon at least three days a week and he LOVES it. Although we don't have a backyard (or front yard or side yard for that matter) we do have a plethora of parks within walking distance and many more within driving distance (in addition to the National Mall about 3 miles away)! HMB pretty much loves anything park-related - slides, sandboxes, toys (they have TOYS at the park and no one steals them!!!!), other kids, and of course, BALLS! We usually bring a ball to the park but HMB manages to find dirty tennis balls that he would rather play with. At two of our parks, there's a basketball court nearby and what HMB really loves to do is chase the big kids (or teenagers or adults) around and scream BAH, BAH, BAH! What I like to think he is really saying is: "I know you are bigger than me but give me the ball and no one will get hurt". I think we are in need of a basketball, among some other things I have on my list (gate for the kitchen so HMB stops opening the over door and climbing on it).
So despite our continued sleep issues, HMB is such a great 14 month old! He is so smiley and waves and blows kisses when he says good-bye! Oh, and I almost forgot! He says dog now! Well, he says DAH, whenever he sees a dog. We were slightly confused as to why he says dog, since we don't have a dog and although my mom does and my husband's dad does, he doesn't see them regularly. But what do we do regularly? Read Go, Dog, Go! And he loves it! So he learned dog from a book, damn kid, you are smart!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Delicate Art of Blogging
I am new to this, I am not keen on blog etiquette, but I try and make this blog interesting and informative! I was re-acquainted with a good friend from high school about 2 years ago and she sent me the link to her blog. I had certinly HEARD of blogs, but rarely read any and definitely did not have my very own. Mommy Esq (www.mommyesq.com) was suh a great way to catch up without having to spend hours on the phone, while trying to corral twins on Mommy Esq's part and an HMB on mine. So I follow what's going on with her and make comments and look at cute pictures of her kids. I found out her sisters have their own blogs and started to occasionall look at those as well. It has been so nice being aa part of their lives through the blog, seeing pics of the kids, and reading about work and life challenges. Then I started my own and try to be good about posting. When I went gluten free, another friend suggested a blog and from there, you could say I became obsessed. I just kept reading and clicking links to other blogs and reading more and more!! This all happens after both HMB and my husband are fast asleep. Suddenly, I realize hours have gone by, precious hours of sleep I could have gotten before HMB wakes up! I thought I would give a list of my recent favorites!
http://fedupwithschoollunch.blogspot.com/ This one is my fave right now, an anonymous teacher decides to do an experiment and eat a school lunch every day in 2010. So brave!
http://www.theslowcook.com/ A DC dad who writes this blog but also went into his daugher's DC public school kitchen to check out how they do things.
http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/ A GF mom and great cook!
http://www.elanaspantry.com/ She has AMAZING GF recipes, like lemon poppy seed bunny cookies today, uh YUM!
Then there are my friend's blogs and since I don't have many followers and you can't search for this blog, I don't think they will mind if I post them!
http://20lbstogo.blogspot.com/ A friend who is blogging about her quest to lose weight (she is prett hilarious).
http://mommyesq.com/ Previously mentioned blog written by a friend from high school and mom of two children with one on the way (did I mention she is also a lawyer!?).
http://staceysbloghasgotitgoinon.blogspot.com/ Blog by Mommyesq's sister, also a great blog about being a working mom (she has an adorable little girl about two months younger than HMB).
http://uncontrolledexperiment.blogspot.com/2010/03/who-am-i-kidding-theres-no-title-for.html Blog also by the sister of Mommyesq, also a working mom with two little ones.
OK, thats it for now, ENJOY!!
http://fedupwithschoollunch.blogspot.com/ This one is my fave right now, an anonymous teacher decides to do an experiment and eat a school lunch every day in 2010. So brave!
http://www.theslowcook.com/ A DC dad who writes this blog but also went into his daugher's DC public school kitchen to check out how they do things.
http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/ A GF mom and great cook!
http://www.elanaspantry.com/ She has AMAZING GF recipes, like lemon poppy seed bunny cookies today, uh YUM!
Then there are my friend's blogs and since I don't have many followers and you can't search for this blog, I don't think they will mind if I post them!
http://20lbstogo.blogspot.com/ A friend who is blogging about her quest to lose weight (she is prett hilarious).
http://mommyesq.com/ Previously mentioned blog written by a friend from high school and mom of two children with one on the way (did I mention she is also a lawyer!?).
http://staceysbloghasgotitgoinon.blogspot.com/ Blog by Mommyesq's sister, also a great blog about being a working mom (she has an adorable little girl about two months younger than HMB).
http://uncontrolledexperiment.blogspot.com/2010/03/who-am-i-kidding-theres-no-title-for.html Blog also by the sister of Mommyesq, also a working mom with two little ones.
OK, thats it for now, ENJOY!!
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