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Monday, August 13, 2012

To Butterbean on the occasion of his 6 month birthday

Oh my sweet Butterbean,

Has it really only been 6 months? Has it already been 6 months? It seems like you have been a part of our family forever and it seems like it was just yesterday that the anesthesiologist yelled, " Holy shit that's the biggest baby I've ever seen" as they pulled you out of me.

You are such a great addition to our family. I'll admit, I was nervous about you joining the crew. How would you fit in when I already gave my all to your sister? But you, amazing you, made my all expand and I can't even imagine our lives without you in it. We all smile when you're around. Even your big sister.

Speaking of smiles, yours is the BEST. It comes so easily to you. You are always looking for a reason to smile. And to laugh. I defy any person on the planet to hear you laugh and not get a huge smile on their face. It can't be done. Your laugh is infectious. And it is even better because you are so generous with it. A simple fake sneeze can send you into long fits of laughter. I can't get enough of it.

You are hitting some big milestones, sweet boy. You can now sit on your own. Your army crawl is so fast that soldiers should come to you for lessons. You are amazingly close to a real belly-off-the-floor-crawl. This morning you even gave me a kiss. Well, it was a rasberry on the cheek but I knew what you meant.

You are loving solid foods. You take after your mama in you extreme love of carrots. A special thank you for eating food that your mama makes you. Something big sissie would never do. That means you always get the good stuff.

But don't grow up too fast. I know you are anxious to keep up with your sister but you are my last baby and I need you to slow down a bit. I need snuggles and nursing and soft baby flesh. I'm not ready for you to run away just yet. But when you do know that your mama is always here with open arms to welcome you back.

I love you, Butterbean. Now and forever.

Love,
Mama

Friday, August 3, 2012

Fat Friday

Hello!!!

It's been a good week here in the land of Cochranicity. I have for the first time in a month practiced a little self control when it comes to eating. July was what it was and now I'm done. The damage wasn't as bad as it could have been. I'm up 2 pounds from the end of June.

This week I've managed to go for a couple of runs and I did something that I have needed to do for a while. Something I've known, I needed to do but been resistant too. I gave up refined carbs. This is not a no carb thing, there is still room in my life for whole grains, fruit and veggies but refined and processed carbs are a no go for me. They are my drug. They my meth. Sugar is heroin injected straight into the vein. Giving them up is a little like detoxing, but 5 days in the cravings have subsided and I feel wonderfully physically. No more highs and lows as my insulin levels vary.

The other thing that gives me less options when it comes to mindless snacking. It is easier for me to tell myself that I can't have any Doritoes ever, than to try to practice moderation. These are the foods that send me on binges.

Like I said, it was what needed to be done and I am finally ready.

It's not so hard right now. It's summer and fresh fruits and veggies are abundant. Fall will be more of a challenge with pumpkin flavored everything and chilly days that long for comfort food. If I slip, it's not the end of the world. It will happen. I will move on.

I also found this photo from a few years back. I was working out everyday and eating clean, like I am trying to now. I look at this to remind myself what hard work and discipline can lead to (minus the irreversible effects to 2 pregnancies one of which resulted in a freaking 11 pound baby). I can do this. I have done this.



What healthy change did you make this week?