Wow… today marks 50 days until I reach 50 years of age. I am SUPER excited about this milestone. I know, you’re rolling your eyes, but I really am!
I am in better physical, emotional and spiritual health than I’ve ever been. And I feel great!
And I get to travel to catch really cute babies!
So join me on my count down! Tonights special… my first run since I broke my foot! WOO HOO!!!
Well thank you, Mona, for the kick in the butt to write a blog 🙂
Where to start? The radio show I talked about in my last blog was so much fun! I had nausea all day that day, for nothing! The hosts made me feel like we were sitting in a comfy den, chatting over coffee. If you missed it you can click here: Sandi on Maternally Yours radio
The first weekend in September I traveled to our nation’s capital to visit my friend Rana, her husband Mohammed and their son Azooz. They were here visiting from Abu Dhabi. So wonderful seeing Rana. She is like a sister to me and I cherish our friendship!
I can’t believe how big Azooz has gotten!
On Monday morning my dear friend Danielle came visiting!
We had a wonderful breakfast with Rana and then she dropped us off…
We visited The Mall, the Lincoln Memorial at one end, and the new Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial. We even saw President Obama when his helicopter flew just above our heads at the MLK Memorial.
Oh, and this happened first thing Monday morning! I didn’t let it prevent me from walking all over DC!
I just did this…
And continued on.
On Tuesday I spent about 5 hours walking around Arlington National Cemetery. What an amazing experience.
The servicemen and women in this section were born in the 80’s and 90’s very sobering. I found myself whispering, “thank you”, over and over.
Then it was time to fly home. Wednesday morning I drove to work and then went to my chiropractor Ian Schtulman’s office for an X-ray. Diagnosis… Fractured 5th metatarsal. That’s a fancy word for broken foot. So I am now wearing this gorgeous fashion accessory…
That night was girls night out… Nothing like hanging with the girlies! I met some new friends who are just as awesome as the old gang!
Friday brought me to the International Institute for Health Care Professionals where I have the honor to teach student midwives. I have to say its the highlight of my week… Here are some of my girls at lunch with me…
Saturday I was suppose to run the 9/11 Heroes Run, but broken foot wouldn’t allow me. So I got up early to support my friends who were running it and took pics!
Saturday night was my friend Lorie’s 50th birthday party… It was a wear all white party, which I thought was an awesome concept… Then I found out why…
Yes, that’s me, all did up!
I was spared the color fun due to my broken foot 😀
Sunday morning spent with family at Life Church Jensen Beach… The part of the week I really look forward to! I stopped for a sunrise coffee…
Sunday afternoon spent having a BBQ with my friends Ed and Elizabeth… Watched my Dolphins win their season opener and the Serena win the US Open… Phone call from midwife colleague Tammy to GO NOW to an address she texted me… She had three births going at the same time! What an honor to assist one of my former assistants and be present at beautiful beginnings…
This is me charting on the electronic medical record on my iPhone (technology rocks!!) and assisting the baby with breastfeeding at the same time 🙂
At midnight the birth workers, having been present at 5 births total this beautiful Sunday, gathered at the Irish pub for libations and to exchange birth stories… I love these beautiful women!
Poured down the rain on the 70 mile commute on Monday morning. Cranky from the rain or lack of sleep? Nope… Thankful for the busyness of my life and for the rain to nourish my space here on Earth. I was rewarded with this, just as I pulled into work…
Busy, busy week working all my jobs… Monday & Wednesday the Birth House, Tuesday & Thursday SLB Billing (my midwife billing service), also did a ton of paperwork to help a sister midwife get caught up. Thursday night, Life Groups (another highlight of my week), Friday teaching in Boca at the midwife college.
Wednesday, September 11 was my baby Tiffany’s 28th birthday. We also buried my Uncle Russell at the So. Florida Veteran’s Memorial Park. Uncle Russ was my mom’s little brother and Tiffany’s Godfather. He will be missed. He was quite the jokester!
And then off on another travel adventure to catch a baby in the Virgin Islands…
I missed baggage check in by TWO MINUTES, so had to change flight to 8 hours later… Not a big deal. Had a yummy breakfast…
And hung out in the Admirals Lounge for the day. Even got to watch my Dolphins win the 2nd game of the season! I “checked-in” on Four Square from the Admirals Lounge and American Airlines TWEETED about me on their Twitter account… How cool is that???
Ill post an update from St. John in a couple of days… Need to make breakfast and get ready for the beach 🙂 Here’s a couple teaser photos…
Sunset
View from the flat I’m staying in.
I hope everyone is having an amazing September!
Ciao!
Wow, what a few very busy weeks! I am working 4 part time jobs, so time for breathing, much less blogging, is in short supply!
I’m working at the birth house 2 days a week, teaching midwives to be at the college 1 day a week, running my billing business with my daughter 1.5 days a week and teaching seminars and workshops on the weekends!
4th of July was fun! Fireworks riverside in my home town and a move from my small apartment to a big house to accommodate my daughter Tiffany and her husband and kids.
One of my rooms is being set up with a studio and I plan on offering childbirth education, nutrition and exercise education, yoga, massage and other complimentary therapies from there. I also have a good sized pool and plan on offering aqua natal classes, as well.
12th of July was my middle child Jenni’s 30th birthday. I’m still in my 40’s (49) and have two kids in their 30’s I love it!! We had a wonderful Outback Steakhouse dinner together.
I’m back to running and I’m happy about that. My daughter has a boxer mix named Kapone and he’s my running mate 😀 I’m doing interval running and building back up my distance. The area I live in is the only hilly area in south Florida! And they are little hills, but hills none the less. I’ve also been doing a lot of bicycle riding. So the really good news is I’m back under my True Weight 😀 WOO HOO!!! Even though I was eating well, staying gluten free and eating minimal replacement foods, I was struggling with getting my Australia weight off. The problem was I wasn’t getting enough fiber, water OR exercise!! I put all 3 back in and it’s come off. I’m very happy!
I’ve been honored to serve a few women the past month or so at their births and the wonder of it stills overwhelms me. I love that after nearly 20 years in this business I still tear up, get goosebumps and am elated when a baby comes earth side. How fortunate am I to be blessed with such a great task in life?
And finally, a prayer answered, so quickly and clearly I almost missed that it was answered. On Friday night I prayed for clarity on a friendship. I got the answer 8 short hours later when said friend violated one of the moral and ethical codes friends just don’t violate. And even though they wanted to maintain our friendship I couldn’t because of who I am. I’m mourning the loss of that friendship, but I’m grateful that my prayer was answered and I now know that I’ve freed myself up for better things to come and I’m so excited about that! Lesson learned: God does answer prayer, we just need to have our eyes and ears open to hear the answer 🙂
Here’s some pics from the past few weeks:
View during morning walks:
Bargain on gas using our Winn Dixie grocery store fuel perks card!!
Best coffee ever, the old fashioned way!
My new bedroom…
Kapone and I, out for a ride…
Sofia using one of our moving boxes for a sofa 🙂
Love my job!!!
And Sofia before church this morning… When everyone else was still sleeping, she snuck in the kitchen while I was quietly sipping my first cup of coffee and asked if I would do her hair…
It’s been 10 days of up and downs, but things are improving!
Last Sunday a bike ride after church and then a drive 70 miles north to Melborne to visit Nick in the hospital. Very sick, my boy 😦 He had surgery for this unknown infection in his left leg at 0700. Ask for prayers for healing… so many responses… THANK YOU!
Monday drive 70 miles south to job at the birth center. Call on my drive home, Nick being rushed back into surgery after spiking at 104.6 temp.
Tuesday drive 70 miles north to see Nick. Things not looking good. Surgeon says he may have to amputate to save Nick’s life. Lots and lots of prayer and healing energy, lots of emails and messages on facebook… my friends are AWESOME! Still no work on what this infection is.
Wednesday. Drive 70 miles south to birth center drive. In the late afternoon we’re told that it’s Group G strep… I’ve never heard of it. Conversation with my friend Julie so positive and full of light. Great suggestions! She also sends texts which I forward to Nick. I go to my Wednesday night bible study and everyone asks how Nick is… prayers said, uplifted by everyone’s spirit and positivity. Go to wifi cafe to read up on this G strep and it doesn’t look good. The first study I read 1 in 5 die. 2 of the 4 that survive have amputation. I decide to meditate on his leg and body being WHOLE. I went home, tucked Sydnie into bed and went for a 45 minute run… forgot to set the RunKeeper, but think it was about 3 miles total.
Thursday… NO IDEA WHAT I DID… LOL Oh wait! Tiffany and I ran the billing business all day… sheesh, I have NO BRAIN! Nick got his PICC line. That is an indwelling catheter in his subclavian artery so they don’t have to keep poking him for blood draws and resticking for IVs every 72 hours. Nick will be receiving long term antibiotics through this port for approximately a month.
Friday… Drive 80 miles to my college teaching job. Had a GREAT class. I really, really love teaching midwifery. LOVE IT. Then 10 miles north to the birth center to hook up with my girls and a 180 mile drive across the state to the west coast to see the mother of US midwifery Ina Mae Gaskin’s film premier and a meet and greet with her. Thank you boss lady, Miriam, for the trip… you’re the best… I still think the highlight of the trip was the stop at the TACO TRUCK in the middle of nowhere (South Bay) on the way over. FYI: I only ate the pork with the onions and cilantro… yum!!! Then 180 miles back to the birth center, where I spent the night, exhausted!
Saturday… Drive 70 miles north to home. Catch up on housework, saw the grandkids, did a nice bike ride. Nick improving. Doc cautiously optomistic. No temp over 100 for 3 days!!! Woo hoo!!!
Sunday… rode my bike to church 4.25 miles. Then rode it home, but took the long way…
Gorgeous day for a long bike ride!
My butt hurts, LOL. But it was a GORGEOUS ride! Lots of time to think and not think and just enjoy the wind in my hair. Nick update… surgeon says Nick is doing so well, he MIGHT go home this week! Last Tuesday he told him he’d be in hospital for at least 3 weeks! He will keep his PICC line in and continue on the long term antibiotics, but be at home. This is awesome news!
Monday… 70 mile drive to birth center job. It’s EARTH DAY and we’re celebrating. So much fun! Nick is still doing well and is waiting on news whether he gets to go home this week.
On the Dukan front… I’m eating very well, but my weight isn’t budging. I was starting to get VERY discouraged, but had a pep talk with myself. I know the Dukan Diet works… I mean everyone that follows this blog knows that. I also know that stress causes cortisol levels to rise, which makes it difficult to lose weight… I’m thinking my cortisol levels are through the roof this past week and a half 🙂 My weight is 164. I’ll take that, for now. I’m focusing on my boy and that’s what is important. I’ll just keep eating right and it’ll happen.
So that’s the update. Waiting on word on whether he is going home today. My mom and sis are on the way there now. I’ve been skyping him on days I can’t be there. And I am so grateful for the technology that we have!
Skyping with Nick
My bike… a gift for which I’m grateful 🙂
Ina Mae Gaskin at her movie premier.
So that’s my week… what have you been up to? How is your exercise and food choices going?
Ciao!
So, we’ll start out with my wild adventure down under 🙂
I stayed 3 full days after the baby was born. On Saturday I went snorkeling with a group from MeetUp.com. And had an awesome time. Great way to wrap up 4 weeks in Adelaide.
I then rented a car and started out on the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide to Melbourne. It was a long, but lovely 700 mile drive.
Fun things to see…
Then I got to Melbourne and stayed a few nights with Kay. A Scottish midwife I met in Abu Dhabi. We went for a long walk and lunch down by the water…
The second night we met Melissa a Kiwi midwife I met in Abu Dhabi and Jax, a friend of a friend for a Thai fusion dinner…
Then it was off to Malua Bay to see Gen, Dean and Gracie. I met this lovely family in Abu Dhabi, as well…
We hiked, went to the zoo, BBQd breakfast at the sea, hiked some more, burned a bonfire, FUN!
Then off to Sydney to meet up with Gail. Gail was my trainer in Abu Dhabi and my neighbor. And she is one of the funniest people I know. She invited me up for “tea” one night and so I ate dinner and went up to her flat only to find that “tea” is dinner. She’s called me Dickie since then… I’m sure it’s derogatory, but she says it with sarcasm and love at the same time 😀
We drove from Sydney to The Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, in 16 hours… Long ass day, but wonderful company! She lives about 30 minutes from Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo!! We went with Gail’s daughter Olivia and her wee little man, Angus. What a fun day!
And after cuddles and see ya laters, it was time for my 6 week Australia Adventure to come to a close. I flew out of Brisbane with ZZ Top, no kidding. On my second favorite plane…
And, no, I didn’t get pics of ZZ Top, I try to think how I’d feel if people were interrupting me for pics.
And now I’m home a week. It’s Easter. I had a lovely day with my mom and Tiff, Joey and ALL the grandkids at church and then a wonderful dinner at Jenni and Chris’ house.
Now my update. I’ve gained 18 pounds since I’ve come back to the States in September. 9 of them in Australia. The first 9 creeped up. I’m freaked out. My clothes still fit, but are snug. I noticed my undies were snug last week and couldn’t imagine what was up. Then I got on the scale. I have stayed gluten free. In Australia I logged more miles on my RunKeeper app than any other 6 weeks in the past year. I hiked almost every single day! i swam and snorkeled. I climbed a freaking mountain!!!
I’ve done a few things that I need to rein in… 1. Too much full fat cheese. 2. Replacement foods (in Australia I splurged on GF pretzels, muffins, crackers… One night I ate GF crackers with organic honey!!!) 3. Wine. I’ve had a couple glasses a week, which is a lot for me. Moscato… Damn you, Cathy Cook! LOL
So, starting tomorrow, I’m doing 4 days of attack and then alternating PP (Pure Protein) and PV (Protein Veggie) days until it’s off. And I’m going to blog EVERY.SINGLE.DAY… To hold myself accountable and to get the support I need from all of you.
So, I’m back… Daily posts. Looking forward to getting back on track!
Ciao!
G’day Mates!
So I’ve been in Australia, on business, for 10 days and thought I’d share some of my pictures with you. I can’t express the happiness I have strolling through a park and seeing koalas hanging out in the tree. Not a zoo, just a national park. And the kangaroos and cockatoos and kookaburras and Galahs. Pretty awesome 🙂
The family I’m staying with eat all organic and mostly gluten-free which is wonderful. Good healthy eating, lots of hiking and fresh air! I met some people from Meet-Up here and have hiked a couple of times with them.
Here’s the pics…
Three koalas in a tree 🙂
Magpie… You lookin’ at me?
I made yummy gluten-free coconut muffins…
And another sunset…
So, that’s the first ten days… I’ve got a few recipes to post, hopefully in the next couple of days!
Ciao!
Last Friday night I had dinner with my good friend, Janice. She asked me if I was getting a cold. I said no, just something flowering… I got a cold 😦
Woke up early Saturday morning so I could get a start on the preparations for the SIX 7 & 8 years olds coming to my house for a sleepover… Yes, I’m a glutton for punishment! Upon rising I realize A.) I have NO voice, and B.) my throat hurts like crazy!! I was suppose to go for an early, early morning walk over the bridges and later a lovely, long morning bike ride with my friend Natalie, so I cancelled them, rolled over and caught an extra hour of sleep, convincing myself that this would be all I needed to feel better!! NOT…
Walgreens, 0745 Saturday morning (yes, that is sleeping in!!) There are WAY too many choices, seriously!
I did get my butt up and out the door. There were errands to be done! Home Depot, Michael’s Crafts, Dollar Store, Office Depot, Winn Dixie and then a final stop at the pizza place to order two large pies for the slumber party… Funny side story: the pizza guy says their pizza IS gluten free. I tell him no way… He goes back and gets the bag and it says HIGH GLUTEN WHEAT, LOL. I was excited for about 27 seconds… Poor guy was mortified. I ordered the large antipasto, even though at this point I have no appetite or the ability to taste anything. I also have NO VOICE. Should be fun having 6 squealing girls and NO VOICE!!!
Four o’clock rolls around and the girls start coming. I had rented 3 movies from The Red Box. Hotel Transylvania was first up. The girls got settled in and while playing, watched the movie. Then the pizza guy showed up and the girls ate.
Afterwards we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream…
After eating ice cream we started the 25 minute walk home… We took this along the way…
We then got back to my house at around 745 and did the art project I got stuff for…
They painted and decorated Valentines jewelry boxed 🙂
Then we rolled out Sydney’s mattress to the living room so they could watch the other two movies.
They finally went to sleep at 1215… I was asleep at 1216!!
Up early at 0630 to have a little peace…. And then made eggs and bacon for the girls while I also prepped the ribs from yesterday’s blog for lunch after church. Took all the banshees, err sweet little girls, to church and then parent pick up at 1230ish.
All in all it was a fun overnight. No one cried to go home to their mommies (well, maybe me!), so I consider it a success!
Have you ever had a bunch of kids over for a sleepover? I’ve done it with several of my grandkids, but never OPCs… Other People’s Children 🙂
Hope you’re having a blessed week… I’m finishing up day 4 of this stinkin’ cold… Hoping it goes away before my flight on Friday!
Ciao!
Crazy week!
Started with a birthday party at a Greek restaurant in Palm Beach last Saturday. Food was yummy, the table dancing FUN!
The birthday girl is the hot mama in the shorts 🙂
I worked on Sunday, getting admin stuff done at the birth house. Then drove north to Stuart to spend the night.
Monday I picked up Tiffany early in the AM, dropped off Sydnie at school and drove back south for Tiffany to consult with an OB in Fort Lauderdale. My amazing youngest child had been carrying surrogate twins for 36+ weeks. Baby A, aka Jackson, had been flip flopping back and forth from head down to breech (butt down) for 6 weeks. The doc in Fort Lauderdale does vaginal breech deliveries. A BIG hug and shout out for Dr. Tsinker. One of the rare OBs in this country with the balls to deliver breeches and twins normally. Tiffany’s blood pressure has been elevated for a month now and Dr. Tsinker advised us to check in on Monday for monitoring of her B/P. She had some things to get done first and then around 3 pm, Tiff started having contractions on her own. And we headed in to the hospital. Long story short, Tiffany chose a c-section around 1030 pm. I am AMAZINGLY PROUD of her. What a difficult choice after having had 4 normal deliveries at home. Dr. Tsinker was so supportive, in fact asked her 3 times if she was sure she wanted the section. Wonderful doc. The boys were born at 1137 pm (Jackson) and 1139 pm (Colton). I got the ‘daddy bands’ so that I could have access to the nursery, since the parents were traveling from up north and I wanted to get everything on video and pics for them. ADORABLE babies. They are biologically Tiffany’s cousins, and Jackson looks just like her. Here she is with the boys…
I can’t even begin to tell you how proud and amazed I am by my daughter.
I was up all night with her in recovery and I left the hospital around 1 pm Tuesday and got a short nap at the birth house, before returning to support her.
The next couple of days are a blur….
Wednesday I worked with Allie and Kat at the birth house and spent the evening with Tiffany. Gave her still swollen feet and legs an hour long massage.
Thursday… I FINALLY moved onto my own place! I’m driving my daughter’s 1986 Honda Accord and it rocks! And it has lots of room for boxes!!
My son’s dad helped me move in, despite it being a holiday, and I’m happy to say that when you nurture relationships with your exes, they are still around 31 years later, willing to help you! Big HUGS and THANK YOU to Joe.. You’re awesome and I’m thankful for our friendship and our mutual love for our son.
Then off for turkey dinner at my friend Tammy’s house. We’ve just renewed our friendship and I’m very THANKFUL for that. I stuck to Dukan friendly foods and was full and happy when I climbed in my brand new bed last night!
Today I checked in on Tiffany and ended up taking 2 of my granddaughters with me for a few hours. Sydnie and Sofia are adorable. We went to the park, my new house, dipped our feet in the pool at my house and shopped at the Dollar Store. Here’s what Sofia picked out…
And now I’m at my daughter Jenni’s house typing up my post. My son-in-law is harassing me… Wanting to know how long I’m staying! He’s real scary with that pink bandage on his arm (he just got back from giving blood)…
So with that, I’ll finish this post off! Family Thanksgiving tomorrow at Tiffany’s! She bought a 25 pound turkey… She’s not cooking. We’re pampering her, she deserves it, she’s amazing, I’m one proud Momma 😀
Ciao!
Day 2 is Write about the weirdest thing about your health…
I’m going to start off by saying I’ve had a couple of amazing days this weekend up in Orlando with my friend Cathy and her daughter Sarah. I also want to type a nice long paragraph so that the weirdest thing about my health doesn’t show up on Facebook… LOL, you’ll have to click on the link to read it… Now on with the topic 😉
For the most part, my body has responded amazingly well to the Dukan Diet and now Paleo Diet.
So, this is something we’re not “suppose” to talk about, but I’m going to. The weirdest thing about my health, now that I’m on a wheat and gluten free diet is…
I DON’T FART 😀 Yup, I don’t pass gas, I never get rumbly tummy and I never get the “oh my God I’m going to die IBS pain. Who knew that by cutting the wheat, you would cut the cheese no more!?!
What’s weird about your health? My weird thing is a good thing, I’m sure!
Ciao!
It’s Magical!
Photo Bomb on Thunder Mountain
Cathy and Me!
Me, Cathy & Sarah…
So, this month is National Health Blog Post Month and I’m going to attempt to put out two posts a day for this month 🙂
The first assignment – “Why I write about my health”
I write about my health because I began my amazing journey 15 months ago by starting the Dukan Diet. I decided to post daily to hold myself accountable to myself, my family and friends and it has grown to so much more!
I’m most proud to say that I’ve maintained my weightloss within a 5 pound range for SIX MONTHS!!
Do you write about your health? If so, why?
Ciao!
Here’s a few pics of my amazing week I’m having…
Yoga on the beach, photo by the Amazing Mona
Halloween Day at work…
Me and Angie Z…
Me and BeBe…
Flamidwyfe's Blog 