Transformation Tuesday 9/30 - Quick Update

As a quick way to record how things are going, I thought I'd do a mini-Transformation Tuesday post. No pictures this time, but I will keep up with those every 30 days :)

I will make a note that I actually haven't lost as much as I would have hoped since my 30 day check in. I sprained my back and actually had to quit working out for 2 weeks while it healed. I know success is only 20% exercise, but I also know I have a slow metabolism. With my one and only cheat day I've had so far being a trip to the state fair during the 2 week hiatus, it was not the best combination. Without that kick start for my metabolism with exercising, I had a feeling things would slow. Now I am able to use my workout DVD again, but I am substituting a different move so I don't hurt my back again. Hopefully my back will be 100% again soon! Once I finish my current workout DVD, then do 6 weeks with one more, I will most likely start doing C25K again.

With all that said, here's my transformation:

Starting Weight: 239.8
Current Weight: 227.0  (12.8 lbs lost)

I am almost to my first goal with a reward! When I hit 15 pounds, I get a pedicure :) Hopefully I can get there soon!

Waves

There are many times I reflect back and wonder how on earth I have 20/20 vision. I used to do horrible things to my eyes as a kid, which may have included having contests of who can stare at a flashlight the longest. {See? How am I not blind?! Also, sorry mom!} One particular thing I used to do with my eyes sticks out in my mind.

As a typical child, I enjoyed swimming at the local pool. One of the things I loved to show off was my ability to see underwater without goggles. It never hurt my eyes, and I was quite proud of it. Around the time I turned 8, I discovered the next level of this talent. I dubbed it "crocodile eyes." I would place my head where the water level of the pool hit just under my eyes. This meant, when waves and ripples came my way, the water would splash in my eyes. I didn't even blink because that's what crocodiles do. I thought it was the neatest thing ever. I would get in trouble for doing this because it would "ruin my eyes" and whatnot.

I don't think I've even attempted this trick in the last decade, let alone been in a pool more than a handful of times. I can guarantee I can still do this trick. Well, at least in part.

You see, I have had several moments in just the last year where I felt like I was almost completely submerged in water. I had just enough water to cover everything except for my eyes. There were moments where I could just see the next wave coming.

Even though I was calm during my trick, this time was different. I had fear. I had no sense of hope. I could only hold my breath as I waited for the waves to briefly overcome me, making me completely submerged for a fleeting moment. Panic would set in. The worst part was feeling like I was the only one stuck in the water. It felt as if everyone else received a life jacket and was at least bouying with their head above water.

{In my opinion, that is one of the hardest feelings you can deal with.}

Honestly, nothing that has happened beyond my post-partum depression*, (which I got professional help for), has been a super big deal. Nothing life-altering, and nothing that can't be resolved eventually. But that constant feeling of being overtaken by something stronger than you? That is so tiring.

Have you ever been to the beach and played in the waves? The few times I have, I could never be there for longer than an hour at a time. You can get so physically drained so quickly that you may not even realize it until it's too late.

If I'm being honest, things are looking up. It's not great yet, but I know we're at least on the upwards climb toward positivity. Having a great support system that includes family, friends, and a church family is really the only way I could have ever gotten to this point. And plus also? This song.

Asking God to "lead [you] where [your] trust is without borders" {via} is scary. It means letting go of your solutions. It means stepping out of your comfort zone. If you're feeling like you're lost, going out of your comfort zone is 1024979081560347653 times harder.

Sometimes my prayer is for the courage to ask for things like stepping out of my comfort zone, or trusting that He will lead me to the solution that will be best. God knows the situation at hand even better than I do. He has an escape route, so I just have to hold his hand, take a deep breath, and walk. Please bear with me as I breathe in and take a little stroll.

*One of the good things lately is the fact that I'm officially off the medicine I was prescribed for my post-partum depression! I could be feeling things a bit more because of that, but this has just been in the last 2 weeks, and I am very thankful to be feeling more like my old self {because normal is so subjective ;)}

Granted

What does the word granted even mean?

Well, it could be: "to give or accord"

Or even: "something granted, as a privilege or right, a sum of money, or a tract of land"

{source}

In this instance, I'm using the idiom "take for granted," which means "to accept without question or objection; assume." There are many things I have taken for granted lately, and it has really kicked my butt.

The car starting when I'm running behind

My physical health and the ability to pick up my children without my back killing me

Finances and the art of budgeting

My sweet toddler's good behavior and the fact that preschool is a big transition

Not missing the trash truck because they come around 10 am instead of 7:30 am {Happy Monday y'all}

I know everyone has similar struggles in various combinations of these things. With my current combo, I'm going a little crazy. And by crazy, I mean I am breaking down.

I feel worn out and beaten down.

I feel like there is very little hope.

Deep down I know all these things will be resolved. Whether or not it is resolved how I want is a completely different story ;)

Holding it together in order to go about your daily life is sometimes the hardest part about struggles. I'm just super ready for this little cluster of madness to be over. {You know, so I can have a break before my next cluster!}

If I could have about a 24 hour period where nothing felt like a crisis, I think my hope would begin to rebuild a bit. We're getting closer, (I had about 13 hours yesterday!), so I just have to remember that God is on my side. With His help, I can get through this and everything will be calm again :)

Day 30 - Herbalife Check In

30 days ago, I started using Herbalife. Thanks to a great woman who works with Phil, and is now a sweet friend too, I was introduced to this concept. With her guidance, I was able to easily transition into Herbalife.

As I mentioned before, I am using Herbalife, counting calories, and working out daily for at least 35 minutes. This is what 30 days with this new lifestyle has done for me!

Starting Weight: 239.8
Current Weight: 229.1  (10.7 lbs lost)

Inches Lost: 12.5

Starting Picture:

Current Picture: 

Another Reason to Celebrate

Today, while already special, has another reason to be happy. David has been in this world 39 weeks and 5 days. That's the exact amount of time I was pregnant with him before he made his quick entrance into the world :)

To think that he went from this

to this

is just incredible. I am so thankful that God chose us to be his parents. I can't wait to watch him grow even more!

Jillian's Last First Day of Listening for Littles

Time and again I am reminded of how blessed we are to have the connections we do.

After doing lots of research in 2011, we picked a great pediatrician. This pediatrician got us connected to Hearts for Hearing when Jillian failed the newborn hearing screening at the hospital after she was born. With the sweet, knowledgeable, and incredible staff at Hearts, we discovered Jillian's hearing loss and made a plan to aid her with the best resources we could. After starting speech therapy at 6 months old, Jillian has truly made leaps and bounds after over a year of hard work. This clinic, these workers, have truly touched my heart. I can't thank them enough for all they have done.

Not only do they have an incredible staff that includes Jillian's speech pathologist, Miss Casey, they also offer a preschool class as well as a class for younger children called Listening for Littles. This is the last year Jillian is eligible for this class, so we are going to really soak it up and enjoy being with our friends and Miss Jenn for the second year. The best part about this year is they are able to offer babysitting onsite for younger siblings! This definitely helped me out a bunch.

I actually had a hair appointment during the class today, so Phil was able to take off work to take her. He told me she did a great job, and overall had a great first day :)

Also, due to the day of the week being moved from last year, her first day was on the same calendar day as last year! So here is my girl on the 1st day, 365 days apart

{Left: Jillian 9/5/13 Right: Jillian 9/5/14}

 {This was actually the first photo I took, hence the sucker ;)}

 {She looks so old in this one!}

{My silly girl ready to get in the car and go to school with Miss Jenn :)}

Jillian's First Day of Mini 3's Preschool

Even though this isn't full-on school, it's still a big step. Jillian hasn't even been in MDO! Besides, this is just the first step before she's off to Kindergarten, then college, then her first-born will be off to preschool! {I know, I know, but she's my baby, so this is hard and big for me!!}

Jillian was so excited that she woke up extra early! She had a good breakfast of plain oatmeal, and was ready to get dressed and go. Phil was able to work out his schedule that he could come with us to drop her off at preschool. We started our morning with a quick photo shoot.

 {Goofy Girl}

 {Cheese!}

Then it was time to jump in the car. It was stormy and rainy the whole way, but Jillian was still excited.

 {On our way!}

I wanted a picture with my girl before she ran into the classroom.

 {My sweet girl}

She barely paused to take this picture before she took off towards her room.

 {Can I go to school now mom?}

Before we knew it, she was in her room and ready to play. She didn't even really tell us goodbye.

{Off she goes...}

When I came back to pick her up, she was all hyped up and wanted to go back to her room. Her teacher told me she did great, and my church spies told me she only cried twice. {Both times were because she was told "no"} I'm so glad she loved it :)

{What a big girl!}

I'm sure it really helps that the school is at our church. She knows the area, she's in the habit of being dropped off and we come back later. I'm actually doing really well with it too! Now when it's David's turn to go, that might be another story ;)

I know David and I will have more time to bond. I know that she's going to continue to love it! It's just... I will miss my little partner-in-crime two days a week.

David: {Nine Months}

David –

You are nine months old today!

According to our measurements at home, you are 18 lbs, 4 oz and 26-3/4 inches long. You have a well check-up on Friday, so I will update with your official numbers then. Update: You are 18 lbs, 6.4 oz and 27-1/4 inches long

You can wear a 3-6 Month button down shirt, but you are most comfortable in 6-9 Month, and 9 clothes. You also have to wear 6-9 Month PJs consistently. You wear size 3 diapers, but you will be moving to size 4 as soon as we run out. We have Pampers Cruisers or Luvs for the day, and Huggies Overnight for bedtime.

You decided that you no longer want anything to do with puree food a few days after your 8 month birthday. You are my bottomless pit, so I'm trying to give you anything I can. You seem to like Cheerios, Mum-Mums, spaghetti, turkey meat, broccoli, and rice cakes the best! You still drink 4 bottles a day on average.

You sleep from 8:30 pm to 7 am most nights. You usually get a nice big nap in the afternoon, but one small morning nap, and only if I hold you. There is a bit of crying when I put you down for you big nap, but you will settle down after awhile a sleep pretty well. You are able to sleep without being swaddled, which is good because you like to sleep on your side or your tummy.

Baths are better in the big tub, and you definitely like to bathe with sister in the tub with you. You're starting to like bubbles, but mostly you just want to splash everything :) 

You have 2 teeth! I don't seem any more coming at the moment, but you are still gumming and gnawing on everything you can!

Overall you are an easy baby and we just love watching your sweet personality bloom. You are starting to raise one eyebrow when you're being flirty and I find it hilarious! Also, you love hold hair and touching faces. You don't do it in a mean way, but because you just want to be close. You are also starting to say "mamamama" more consistently and with a little bit of intent :)

Your current nicknames are: Baby Davey, Davey Boy, LT, Bug, Dude, Dahveed, and Bubbie.

You are showing more signs of separation anxiety, but still go to the church nursery pretty easily. Hopefully we can get you through that phase relatively easily :)

You can roll in both directions, crawl backwards, and, (as of three days ago), you can army crawl! You do the little pelvic thrust, turn on your tummy 360*, and can even get on all four for a few seconds. You also love to bounce and stand on your legs.

Everything goes in your mouth right now. Toys, non-toys, hair, baby wipes, really whatever you can grab. You don't have any favorite toys just yet, but we'll see if that changes!

Sister is starting school this week, which means we'll get 2 mornings a week with just the two of us. I know we'll have some fun, but I also hope you don't miss your sister too much. You may not know what to do without her running around and talking all day long.

LT, I just love you so much. Even on the hardest days, looking into your face makes me so happy. It's so much fun to watch you grow, and I'm honored to be your mommy. I just know you will do great things and pray that God continues to bless you and keep you in His grace :)

Now some outtakes:

 {Just chillaxin' for the ladies ;)}

 {Uh oh! We are on full LT alert! This is not a drill!}

 {Daddy is making some faces to help calm him down...}

 {and there's the cool camera that's always in his face}

{p.s. Those eyes? Love :)}

{Aaaaaaand we're done}

And some comparisons!

{Months 1-3}

{Months 4-6}

{Months 7-9}

{Left: Jillian 9/2012 Right: David 9/2014}

{Read Jillian's 9 Month Update Here}