David's First Haircut

On July 11th, David got his first haircut! I waited as long as I could because I didn't want him to lose those precious curls. I know he's a boy and all, but they are adorable! Anyways, Phil and his dad kept asking when we were getting his haircut, so I finally caved. My hair appointment before I left on the mission trip was a great time to do it. Of course, I had to take a few pictures of him before we left for the salon!

{The view from the back}

{David's curls look a lot like my brother's when he was a toddler}

{That sweet face! He's my little cherub baby <3}

My MIL met us at the salon, and was kind enough to take pictures for us! I got my color in to set, and then Miss Sarah was ready for David. I came prepared, and he did well for the most part! I was told he did very well, but he had a few freak-out moments. {There may have also been a small sucker-in-the-hair moment as well.} All in all, Miss Sarah did a great job with his hair, and David did well for a first time! And the best part is his hair still has some curl to it :)

{Not a big fan of the spray, even though it's just water}

{Checking out Miss Sarah to make sure she's not up to something ;)}

{Sucker in each hand. He was relatively calm here!}

{Almost done}

{His sweet baby curls}
{I didn't keep them because I didn't keep Jillian's}

{The finished product! He looks happy, no?}

{Sweet boy! It was a little harder leaving him for my mission trip because he looked like such a big boy :'(}

I didn't get a video of him, but these pictures will suffice. Plus, it would mostly be of him yelling out every 2 minutes, and shaking his head no. Plus, I have the memory of it ;) 

It's so funny to me because he just does not enjoy it at all. However, Jillian adores getting her hair cut! She is always ready to jump in the seat and get a trim. I think we have a diva on our hands! You can read about Jillian's first haircut here.

Jillian's First Day of 3 Day Preschool

Jillian is thrilled to be back in preschool! She has a new teacher, and a brand new class, and she did great on her first day!

She is the oldest kid in her class, which is for the best I think. She has been the youngest in any class or program we've put her in thus far. It'll be a good experience for her to experience being the older one. It does make me sad that none of her friends from class last year are in her class this year. She has no issues making friends, but it may make the adjustment just a tad harder than normal.

We are at the same preschool as last year, which is run by the church we attend! She is familiar with the building, and is very comfortable being there. Plus, we feel like it's a great school! Her teachers are great, and they have already done a few things in an effort to help with her hearing loss. As a mother, I very much appreciate that!

Jillian does well with drop off, but she is a tad weepy most days in class. Her initial response to anything is to cry. That means she usually gets time out at least once every day. However, her teacher is already reporting a difference in her ability to calm down, as well as follow directions the first time. {Something we are certainly working on diligently at home!}

Overall, she is very happy and is enjoying school. I pray that we can continue to foster that love of learning for most of her life :)

Here are some outtakes of our little miss on her first day of preschool! No pictures with the parents because she was ready to get inside and get going!

{Still a little sleepy}

{Her big smile that I asked for ;)}

{Cheeeeeeeese}

{David wanted in the picture too!}

{Right after this was taken, a fight started. Oh sibling love...}

{This conversation really took place}
{Me: Jillian, can I take your picture outside the sign?}
{J: Umm, maybe after school.}
{Me: Oh please Jillian? It will be real fast!}
{J: (half-heartedly) Alllllright}

{Me: Jillian, look at the camera and smile!}
{This is the resulting picture HAHAHA}

And a comparison of last year. She looks so grown up!

Onward

In full disclosure, after my last post, I stopped working out. Now, it's not because it was too hard, or I didn't have enough time. It was because I was starting to gain weight. I was eating back about half the calories I burned, (because I couldn't decide if I needed to at all), and I was working out twice a day. Whether I was pushing too hard or what, I decided to just forgo the strict workout regimen and focus on food. I am proud to say that I am down nearly 20 pounds, so I'm pretty satisfied :)

Also, Jillian started preschool! I'll save that for another day.

There is one final thing that happened I have no mentioned yet. {Not a pregnancy announcement} After the initial news, I wanted more information before I started going public with it. Here it goes...

Dear friends, Jillian's hearing loss has changed. Basically, her left ear has been compensating for her right ear so well, (I mean, she hears AMAZINGLY well in her left!), we were not able to truly see the level of loss in her right ear until her last booth test in August. They were able to do background noise in her left ear, while doing the "beep beep beep" sounds in her right. We always knew she had moderate to severe loss, but it is actually to the point where it is considered profound. She is not completely deaf in that ear, but it's the step above complete loss. That was hard to hear, even though I knew it was unlikely to stay moderate to severe her whole life.

Which brings me to this. Due to new research out, if she were born this year with the exact diagnosis she had at birth, the hearing clinic would recommend some type of hardware, (meaning either hearing aids or a cochlear implant depending.) Due to the fact that her loss is now considered profound, she would benefit most from a cochlear implant. I had read research before that suggested she would need some type of hardware eventually, so I was already prepared for that. Phil and I prayed, and discussed it with a few trusted consultants, and decided we want to move forward to give Jillian the best quality of life she can.

Now, don't get me wrong. We are well aware of how smart and verbal she is. Most people close to us forget that she has loss at all. And just try to tell Jillian is has a problem hearing. She would laugh in your face! She is an incredible little girl, and hearing loss is not an end of the world diagnosis. It's not as scary as cancer, or as debilitating as other things children have to live with every day. It is still a big deal to our family. It still affects us on a daily basis. It is still something I want to make sure Jillian never feels held back by. I want to give her the world, and I want her to believe she can have it. This device would help with things we take for granted. Things like, talking to your friends in a crowded lunch room at school, getting directions from your passenger in the car, and hearing a teacher's instructions during a fire drill. These are things that are, and will be, challenging for Jillian.

Phil and I met with Jillian's audiologist and speech pathologist yesterday. They gave us the bottom line. This would benefit Jillian in many ways, and this would be the time to do it.* However, most insurance companies will not cover a single cochlear implant, and therefore not many surgeons, including Jillian's, are able or willing to do the surgery. The out-of-pocket cost is outrageous. So, we are in a small group of people at this hearing clinic in a strange boat. We have a need, and a solution, but have no easy way to get from point A to point B. The clinic is working with us to come up with solutions, but it will be a long, yet quick road. Long because we're going to have to be vigilant and constantly advocating for Jillian, but quick because we only really have a full calendar year before this window will close.

*The window of time I keep talking about basically boils down to this: Jillian's brain is still , for lack of a better word, pliable. If she had this surgery, her recovery time would be quick, and her brain would have less challenges to rewire itself as it learns to hear with an ear that has never used those nerves to hear before. If we wait too long, we risk not only her not being able to adjust, but her brain would have a harder time. She would then most likely not use the technology, and therefore waste time and money on this procedure. That is why we only have until she's 5 at the latest to do this surgery.

I did leave the appointment feeling at peace. I really struggled with the idea of this surgery for Jillian because I wanted this to be for her and not me. I wanted to make sure this is the right decision. After our meeting, I knew deep in my heart that this is the way to go. Now we just have to figure out how to get there.

It makes me so mad that the research is there, and it's the exact same surgery they do for children who need it in two ears. Yet, they can't seem to agree to do this. I mean, if you were blind in one eye, would you just let the insurance company tell you they won't help you medically because you can see well enough with the one eye that you will live a relatively normal life? Of course not! So why is it that way with hearing? If the technology is there, and the research backs it up, why not?!

One of the options we may have, (it's not set in stone yet), is a trial through a medical clinic. It's not experimental, but it's considered a trial because it's not FDA approved yet. This would not only help Jillian, but potentially help other kids in her situation in the future. We're waiting to hear if that is an option or not.

So the next year is going to be hard, and interesting. We've got a few things in mind to get the ball rolling, but for now it's a waiting game. We always appreciate prayers, and positive vibes! We have a great support system, and know that whatever outcome happens, it's going to be ok :)

Bravely onward!

August Highlights

August was the last full month of summer for us. Jillian starts school on September 1st, so we had to squeeze in as much summer fun as possible! Here are the highlights :)

{I did really well sticking to my carb-cycling diet! This was my attempt at a cauliflower pizza. I found a recipe that you were supposed to be able to pick up with your hands. Sadly, my pizza was too soggy. I don't know if I just didn't get enough water out or what. It was pretty tasty anyways!}

{My sweet girl enjoying the weather in the backyard. Her allergies have gotten much better, but we still have to do certain things to keep them at bay. I'm just thankful it's nowhere near what it was in summer of 2013}

{Headed to WI to see my folks! It usually takes two full days of driving. We have to stop every 2ish hours, (especially with Jillian being iffy about potty training still), and David even got sick at one point. We tried leaving at 5 am the first day thinking the kids would sleep for at least an hour or so. David didn't go to sleep and got car sick from an empty stomach. Learned our lesson!}

{These are the greatest things ever! We got them at a rest stop in Iowa, and they saved our sanity! They come with 4 pages that you "color", (it's just water), and when they dry, you can color it again! Best $5 a piece I've ever spent!}

{I never take enough pictures with my folks, but I took a few during our fun trip together! We stopped at a farm that had several attractions, and we got Jillian to pose for us!}

{They both loved the animals, (especially the goats), and the tiny buildings they were allowed to climb all over. It was a great little farm to visit!}

{David and Gee-Chaz having a harmonica jam session ;) This was one of the last days we were there. We always have a great time with Jemma and Gee-Chaz!}

{Back home recovering. I just love my babies' feet! I take more pictures than I should of their precious feet.}

{This is one of my favorite "treats" that are on plan with carb-cycling! It sounds like it wouldn't taste good, but I think it's delicious! Bonus, it doesn't make my stomach hurt like regular ice cream}

{Poor guy got sick for a little bit. Feverish for 2 days, but was over it after that :)}

{To give her a break for the sickies, Phil took Jillian to Sonic for a treat and fresh air. She LOVED time with her daddy, and getting to sit in the front seat with him to eat her hot dog. She looks like a teenager to me!}

{Got the Save the Date card for my bro's wedding this spring! Can't wait to have Julia officially join the family! She's the best :)}

{Summer nights are perfect for early bedtimes, and a little porch sitting with my hubby. The weather was gorgeous, and the beer was refreshing :)}

{I participated in the blood drive at church this year! I usually don't, and the last time I donated with this particular bank, I was in high school. Pretty sure my email isn't CAdiva04 anymore!}

{I love taking selfies with this guy! He makes my heart melt with his smile}

{We finished a puzzle Phil bought at a railway museum in WI. Jillian thought she was in the picture Phil was taking, so I had to take I picture of her pose ;)}

Working Out

Well, my first workouts were not too terrible! I did get a little nauseous/light-headed at first, but that wore off after I was done. It seems to be correlated with my heart rate.

I am doing two workouts a day right now. In the morning, I am doing my Biggest Loser Power Sculpt DVD that I've had for years. In the evening, I am doing either C25K, or my Sweating to the Oldies video which is even older! {I got that VHS tape when I was in 8th grade}

I want to do a 5K on Thanksgiving, so I need to start training now. Jogging wasn't awful, but I can definitely tell I haven't done it in a long time. Also, my allergies were getting worked up in just the 30 minutes I went walking/jogging. Anyone a runner? Any tips or advice for allergies? I am open to suggestions!

Also, I'm not too terribly sore this morning, which made my morning workout a lot easier. And, in all honesty, if I was hurting too much, I would have just skipped it. That's how I roll ;)

I feel like I need a new workout mix too, just to get something fresh. Do you have a playlist? What songs get you moving?

Happy Tuesday!

Carb-Cycling Update {1 Month Progress}

Now that I have done carb-cycling for a full 4 weeks, (the whole cycle according to my book), I thought I'd do a quick update to tell you my progress. On my next update, as long as things continue to go well, I will start including pictures :)

The Breakdown:
- I am currently doing the Turbo Cycle from Chris Powell's book, Choose More, Lose More for Life.
- I did not work out intentionally the last 4 weeks so that I could get used to the meal prepping and portion control side of this lifestyle.
- Even though this was the Slingshot Week for my cycle, I was sick Friday, and I could not eat on plan because I barely ate. This was the only time I strayed from the plan.
- I am taking vitamins everyday, but I will be including a calcium supplement starting Monday.


Struggles:
- Having to go to multiple grocery stores. (or purchase online), to get what I need to be successful. It's more annoying than anything really.
- Trying not to eat after my kids
- Having Phil offer me a treat, and forgetting that I am saying no for a reason. Being asked once is hard enough, but multiple times? Forget it! I'm usually less polite with my "no" after the second or third time. {Sorry honey!}


What's Been Easy:
- I actually do well with a structured meal plan. I like being told what to eat, when to eat it, and how much I get.
- I don't mind eating basically the same meal/snacks everyday.
- My guilt-free reward day is always great. Even when I get to satisfy any cravings, I usually don't pig out because I'm so used to my portion sizes already!


Non-Scale Victories (NSV):
- I can put on and zip up my jeans without having to suck in at all.
- Some of my undergarments are loose enough, I should probably stop wearing them.
- I can drink 1 gallon of water a day without feeling waterlogged.
- I have the desire to workout, and look forward to it.
- Staying on plan despite traveling, and being out of town.
- Finding like-minded inspirations on Instagram so that I can continually be encouraged.
- Getting great support from my parents, as well as my husband :)


The Nitty-Gritty Numbers:

{Starting Weight} - 225.6
{Current Weight*} - 210.8

I will start recording measurements next time.

*This is after a day of hardly eating due to being sick Friday. If I go by the number of the scale Friday morning, my current weight is 212.0

Overall, I would say it has been a successful month, and I look forward to see what next month brings!

Let's Wrap This Summer Up With A Bow

I failed to mention that we were taking one final trip this summer. Phil was able to go to my parents' house with us this year, so no one was home to watch over the house. We made it back from Wisconsin in one piece. It'll be the last time I see my folks before Thanksgiving. Well, unless the Royals do well post-season again. {Another reason to cheer 'em on!} It's always good to be with them, and the week always feels shorter than normal. I guess that's a good problem to have though!

Even though we have a few more weeks until Jillian is in school again, Summer is basically over for us. No more out of town trips, or special BBQs. No more pool parties, or fireworks in our plans. We are winding down for school. I do, however, have a special night planned for next week. I haven't decided what day it will be, but we're going to play outside, then let Jillian and the parent of her choice sleep in our tent in the living room. She's been asking for a few days, so I thought she'd like to do it before school starts :)

Speaking of school, I recently got all of Jillian's school supplies. There is always one item I can't find exactly what they are asking for. It's frustrating, but I guess it's close enough because no one said anything to me last year. We are having the "Meet the Teacher" day next week. It's definitely an exciting time! Jillian has been asking to go to preschool for a few weeks now. It'll be nice to finally send her off to be with friends! It will be a little different because she won't have her hearing clinic preschool class to go to. She will be in school 3 mornings a week, which is plenty for now!

As I look back on our summer, I feel mixed emotions. We did several things, but I worry my kids were bored most of the time. All in all, I know when we did do things, we had fun. Lots of things have changed this summer, me included. There is so much I want to say, but there is a time and place for everything. Instead of unloading it all now, I will wrap up Summer 2015 in a sweet box, and be thankful for everything that did or did not happen. There is so much to look forward to for the rest of the year. It's hard to keep from smiling :)