90 Day Challenge - Day 3

I was feeling great,  and still am, but after my last post I realized that now that it's winter and I'm seeing the return of some hypothyroid symptoms I better do all that I can to get into "tip top" shape.  A friend of mine recently posted some before and after pictures on Facebook, she truly underwent a transformation and looks amazing.  Obviously, I wanted to know how she did it, so I told her how awesome I think she looks and she chatted me up.  It turns out she's a Beachbody Coach and she started out doing Turbo Jam, had some success and then big results came after resistance training with CHAlene Extreme.  I have to be honest, I was hesitant because I am always worried that people are trying to sell me something, but I kept myself open to the possibility of doing the same.  I always hear that losing weight starts in the kitchen, and I couldn't agree more, but I get really frustrated with this because I eat VERY well.  I know a lot of people say this, but I honestly do.  I have zero processed foods in my diet.  Loads of veggies and the highest quality protein that I can find, which is all local and grass fed.  I am currently working on portion control and almost have that aspect down. 

But after lots of thought, I realized that I have never given weight training an honest shot.  And when I even made a minimal effort to lift at the gym (which I have on and off) I did see serious results.  I read many great reviews online about the Chalene Extreme program and decided to dedicate myself to a 90 Day Challenge.  I invested in the system itself, resistance bands, and a heart rate monitor.  I am waking up early and making the time for this each day- NO EXCUSES. 

My motivation to write about it, post on Facebook etc. is not to brag or promote products, it's to keep myself accountable, get excited and inspire others to do the same. 

I think I've found my ticket to health -  The Weston A. Price diet- with lots of Raw Vegan items incorporated - Weight Training and being productive in all areas of my life daily.   I realize that my health issues DEMAND that I exercise on a daily basis.  I need to think of exercise as my medicine, a way of life.  I vow to continue to work on myself and adjust if needed on the road ahead.  

3 Months Post Partum

I don't feel three months post partum, I feel more like 8 months post partum.   I think this is due to the fact that I've recovered so quickly and am in rather great shape compared to my first post-partum experience.   Paddy is everything that I expected a baby to be - he laughs, smiles, giggles and coos almost on demand!  He wants to cuddle constantly and he is an awesome at breastfeeding.  He is finally, just now, napping/sleeping for long periods of time.  This is giving me more time to blog and cook!  Yay!

Wanted to share tonight's easy burdock soup recipe with everyone! FYI - Nursing Mamas this soup may not agree with your little one.  I know mine had a hard time with it :(

New Year - New Me

Hello 2011!   I really do feel like I'm beginning this year as a "new" version of myself.  Being a Mother of two has a LOT to do with it.  Never in my life have I felt so challenged, yet so happy.  The moments go from one strong feeling to another, sometimes very quickly.   I have great days and terrible ones, but one thing is certain, I'm not the same. 

Last year was an adventure in my first year of being gluten free.  Honest-to-goodness gluten free, due to celiac disease.  This year the adventure continues on, and I have decided to treat sugar the same way that I treat gluten.  Sugar is my own personal hell, for me it's a drug, much like crack.  I also see that it takes hold of my daughter, and she becomes obsessed with it, I decided to nix it for myself and for her as well.  2011 for me is about enjoying time with my family, and bringing myself to a level of optimal health so that I truly can enjoy every moment that I can.  I would love to shed another 20-30lbs, and feel that it would be in my best interest to do so.   Paddy is only 3 months old so I try not to expect too much from myself, but truth is, with all that I've learned recently I know that it can and will be done, and I'm so excited about this.  I always think it's great to make resolutions that are reasonable, lifestyle changes is what they really are - after removing gluten I know that I can remove the sugary items from my diet too.  Things like brownies, cookies and cupcakes will just have to take a backseat like gluten has.  I'll allow myself raw desserts and chocolates and those awesome primal coconut muffins :)  It's all good enough for me.  I can't wait to experience life without both gluten and sugar! 

It's That Time of Year

It's Holiday time.  I'm done with everything but the big meal (obviously).  I never liked the holidays much, I always felt it was over-hyped.  But now that I have kids, I see it in an entirely different light. 
The look of amazement on Grace's face when my husband put up the Christmas tree was precious. 
And even though I wasn't going to do gifts, I felt that Grace should have a few things to open, and that as long as I kept it simple, all would be well. 

As far as traditions go, my husband and I love Bing Crosby's voice, so we always play his Christmas music.   And my fond memory is  of watching the 1960's classis "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" - Can't beat the Burl Ive's soundtrack for that either!  I always felt like the misfit-dentist-Elf - and Bumble is just too adorable.   I hope Grace likes this classic as much as I do.  I already played it for her one night and she could care less about the movie.  Maybe she'll jive to some "Silver and Gold" on the soundtrack :) 

What are your favorite holiday traditions?  

The Birth of Padraic

Tons of stuff has gone down since my last Blessingway post!  Paddy is here, boy did he come quickly!  I would have never thought that I'd be so blessed with a speedy labor!  It was intense, but awesome!

My due date was Sept 21st, I was sure this was VERY accurate too, but I know some baby's need more time and some need less.  Because Grace came at 38 weeks I figured that Paddy could choose to come early, but because he is a boy, I thought he also might need some extra time to bake so I wasn't really surprised to be past 40 weeks.  I did become annoyed when people made comments about him not being here yet, etc.   Isn't it normal to go a few days past the due date?   Near the end I started to stress out because the last thing I wanted was a hospital induction.  But, at the same time, I knew that my body responds really well to natural induction methods, so I wasn't completely on edge.

I decided to have my membranes swept at noon on Sept 27th, prior to this appointment I took a walk and put on my beautiful Blessingway necklace to remind me of all of the women in my community who were praying and sending positive vibes my way.   I was already 4cm dilated and 90% effaced -1 station.  This day was my maternal Grandfathers birthday.  He was like a 2nd father to me, we always lived VERY close to or with my Grandparents as I was growing up.  I have always felt so fortunate that I had such a great relationship with him.  While on his deathbed I saw him surrounded by his eight children, they sang to him and comforted him as he was in terrible pain.  It wasn't until I witnessed his last few hours that I truly realized the importance of family.  He and my Grandmother had what really matters in this lifetime- they were truly rich people.  I decided that having a family of my own would be meaningful and important on that sad, yet beautiful night.  As I took a walk with my Mother In Law that morning, I noticed not a cloud was in the sky and the temperature was ideal "this has to be it!"  I said, being very hopeful, while feeling a great vibe in my body as I walked.


At about 9:15pm or so, my husband, daughter, mother in law, both dogs and myself were watching "Castle".    While they were watching I received an email from my friend Amelie, she sent a list of things that she did to encourage labor.  One of them was whipping out the breast pump.  This was the second time someone suggested this to me.  I had an episode of "Mad Men" that was on DVR, and I wanted to watch it so I thought I'd go to the other room and watch it while I pumped.    I probably started at about 9:20 or 9:30, not exactly sure.  But I do know that after pumping for what was probably about 30 minutes I felt a monster contraction that forced me to stand up.  Before I knew it, I was leaking water just like I did while I was in labor with Grace.   My husband came to the door and asked why I was making strange noises, I explained that I had a major contraction and labor was underway.  I called Delilah, my doula, after the contraction and told her that there may be some action that night and to be on alert.  She told me to try to get some sleep, relax, take a bath etc.   After 2 more contractions I knew a bath wasn't going to work.  Andrew started to time them, he called the photographer and the midwife on call, Kathleen and decided he should eat something. While he ate, my Mother in Law started to time the contractions.   I leaned into and pressed my forehead against the wall to manage the severe pain.  After just a few contractions my forehead was dripping with sweat, my body was working HARD, I could not talk through these  hardcore contractions.  They quickly became 3 minutes apart and I started to scream.  Andrew was still eating, piddling around, his mother told him he needed to get the car ready and pull it around front, we needed to go ASAP.  As we were getting ready to go Kathleen called and Andrew told her that we were on our way. 



I was happy to have  so many people there after the birth!  Having the photos from Stephenie is priceless, she was very helpful showing me the photos during some difficult moments after the birth.   I knew that Delilah was so happy for me and my family, the joy of seeing the baby just showed on her face.  She was really glowing!  Delilah also helped us get off to an awesome start by helping me with breastfeeding.  With her help, Paddy and I were sucessful!   Kathleen was so awesome during those crucial moments upon arrival.  I was grateful that she told me it was time to push!  It all happened so fast, and her encouragement was spot on.  I'm also so glad that my Mother in Law was with us to help with Grace.

It felt really wonderful to see my friend Rheagan after the birth, she stopped by to meet Padraic and to wish us well.  She was and still is a source of constant support for me before/during and after pregnancy.  I loved the fact that I had some women friends there to share in the joy!  We were only at the Birth Center for a total of 4 hours so it was brief, but meaningful. 

Padraic was born at 11:27pm on Sept 27th.  Just 33 minutes shy of being exactly 41 weeks.  My labor was only about 90 minutes long, and I pushed for about 10-15 minutes.  I never thought it would be so fast! 

The entire pregnancy was ideal.  It was exactly what I wanted.  I only had one sonogram, and the only invasive procedures were having 1 exam and my membranes swept.  I love all of my midwives and am thankful and fortunate to have such amazing prenatal care! 

The only drug I had was 2 Alleve after the birth!  How awesome is that?  My recovery was FAST and EASY.

The Amazing Blessingway

I was so honored two weeks ago by my friends and family, my community of mothers when they hosted and organized a "Blessingway" in my honor.  This is my second pregnancy, and I was inspired by my friend Rebecca to request a Blessingway rather than a traditional baby shower.   Many people have asked me what a Blessingway is - it can hold many meanings but on this particular occasion it consisted of my friends and family showing their support for me in my transition to "Mother of two".  All of the mothers who attended are positive influences and women who are part of my "Mothering Community" here in North Texas.  They inspire, teach, advise and understand me as a woman.   My daughter, Grace plays with their children, and I enjoy their company.  My closest female family members were encouraged to send a bead with an explanation for the bead ceremony.  All the beads received are strung together as a necklace for the mother to wear during labor.  It reminds her of all the support and love that she has when she needs it most.   

I loved opening up the packets of beads and reading the explanations as to why each person chose their particular beads.  Some of the explanations nearly brought tears to my eyes, and touched me more that I could have ever thought possible.  It was very moving for me. 


The host, my sweet friend Rheagan prepared an incredible gluten-free meal for myself and all the guests.  It was refreshing, and delicious.  I am always touched when someone goes so far out of their way to make a meal that is gluten free just because I'm celiac.  I never expect it, so when it happens I'm in awe of the kindness that I experience.  Rheagan also filled up a basin of warm water for me to soak my feet in, she then gave me an amazing foot massage that rivaled the best pedicure that I ever had!   She even buffed my toe nails for me, because I'm not a fan of using polish.  I NEVER expected the amazing foot massage, I felt so loved and pampered.


My dear friend Uzma is an incredible henna artist - she created an awesome henna design on my belly which consisted of a heart around my navel surrounded by beautiful flowery designs.  It's hard for me to describe so I'll post a photo to do it justice.  She studiously and quietly worked to adorn my baby bump despite the fact that she was not feeling well that day - again, I felt very special and very loved. 

It's not often that as women we come together and share in the joy of a birth in such a way.   Many times the focus is primarily on receiving material items.  Some of my friends did give me some awesome gifts and outfits for the new baby, but it was not expected and it certainly was not the focus of the evening. 

I loved the connection and the spiritual vibe that the night consisted of.  I am grateful to G-d for bringing these women into my life.  Without them, motherhood would in no way be the same for me.  On the rare occasion that Grace was sick I heeded their sage advice and she was better.  When I needed something (without even asking) it was left quietly on my doorstep.   Sadly, I have no family in close proximity to where I live,  which makes me all the more grateful for the amazing women in my community.   I LOVE YOU ALL!  You made me feel more loved than I have felt in a very long time.  I truly appreciate all that you did for me on that amazing night, and I cherish the womanly bond that we share together.  I only hope that I can make you feel as loved as I did that night.

My Story

So in my last post, I mentioned that I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease last September.    Prior to being diagnosed I knew that something was seriously VERY wrong.  I had abdominal pain so severe that it almost felt like I was in labor all over again.  My allergies flared up like they never had before the spring prior to diagnosis.  I remember doing a google search along the lines of "Hashimotos Thyroiditis and sudden severe allergies" and up popped a story about a woman just like me who stated that this is what she had prior to her Celiac diagnosis.

I did more online research on celiac - I certainly didn't fit most of the "textbook" symptom criteria.   I would tell friends and family that I felt like I had celiac, and that maybe because of my thyroid condition instead of losing weight I was gaining.  People were really quick to brush that off and say things like "nah I don't think you have that - your symptoms don't match". 

What made me think that I did indeed have celiac was the fact that I had stopped my intake of beer for the most part.  I was avoiding it, because it, more than anything else caused excessive abdominal pain and discomfort.   My good friends back home in St Louis know me as a kind of "Beer Connoisseur Extraordinaire"  how I loved to try new beers and enjoy the warm and fuzzy feeling they provided me with. 

I finally informed my Dr that things were so severe that I was referring myself to a gastroenterolgist.  I waited for 1 month to see him, and upon hearing my symptoms he was perplexed, but suggested testing for celiac - I told him that even thought I didn't "look" celiac I wanted to rule it out.  Two days after the blood work was taken on Sept 25, 2009 I received the call that I did in fact test positive - the test was followed up by an endoscopy which also showed that I had damage to my villi and small intestine from the evil known as gluten. 

Rather than be upset about it, I felt like jumping up and down!  I was so thrilled to have a diagnosis that did not require medicine.   I was also excited about eating better, not worrying about the cost involved in eating gluten free and hopefully being closer to feeling better and losing all the excess weight that I had been carrying since pregnancy.

It took about 4-5 months for me to lose 35-45lbs of weight that I was beginning to think I'd never lose.  Eating gluten free isn't difficult for me, but what (and still is) difficult is waiting for the intestines to fully heal.  I'm currently 9 months into it and I'm just now able to feel somewhat back to normal a fraction of the time.  I'm told it can take up to 2 years for my intestines to heal completely.

I have learned to *truly* listen to my body now.  I even find at times that foods  labeled as Gluten Free can cause reactions that zap me of my energy, and cause abdominal pain.  I'm really careful about everything that I eat.  I eat more fresh foods, raw foods, and local foods than I ever have before.  I'm eager to share all of my passion on the subject of health with friends and family.  On September 25, 2009 - a new Elle entered the world full of gratitude (for a quick diagnosis and a wonderful Dr), full of hope (that I would feel better and lose the weight that I needed to) and overall happiness, because I could finally see that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.