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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Look what I did Mom!
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Letter
Dear Tush:
This is your down-sizing notice. The area of space that you inhabit in my jeans is no longer acceptable, and as of Jan. 1st we will be making some changes around these parts. My body is not the gospel so please stop spreading it around. I do not appreciate the jiggle when I brush my teeth. I hope I have given you enough warning.
Love,
Katie
P.S-Dear Boobs: You might want to consider taking advice from my behind as it has no problem filling things out. Thanks!
That is all.
This is your down-sizing notice. The area of space that you inhabit in my jeans is no longer acceptable, and as of Jan. 1st we will be making some changes around these parts. My body is not the gospel so please stop spreading it around. I do not appreciate the jiggle when I brush my teeth. I hope I have given you enough warning.
Love,
Katie
P.S-Dear Boobs: You might want to consider taking advice from my behind as it has no problem filling things out. Thanks!
That is all.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
A Cullen story
Cullen is now two (pictures of his birthday to come once I pull them off my camera), and the one thing I love about this age is the things that come out of his mouth sometimes. Example:
Cullen walks out of the laundry room with my bra wrapped around his chest saying, "My boobies, my boobies". Then he drops it on the ground, looks at me and goes, "Where'd my boobies go?"
Lol, love him.
Cullen walks out of the laundry room with my bra wrapped around his chest saying, "My boobies, my boobies". Then he drops it on the ground, looks at me and goes, "Where'd my boobies go?"
Lol, love him.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Back to my roots
Ya know, it's funny, when you go through IF even when you aren't trying, anything that has to do with your "cycle" takes your brain to that TTC place. For example, I am currently off BC. No, we aren't trying right now, and I was fairly happy with the BC I was on (Nuvaring) but Thomas and I were trying to cut any extra monthly expenses out and barrier methods (ie spermacide) are a lot cheaper. Plus I'm going back to my gyno in Jan and I am going to try and convince her to give me the patch (which I love)....however if not (because she really doesn't like it) I am probably going to stay off BC because we *might* starting trying in about a year or so. So this is my first cycle off BC and here have been some of the things I have been keeping "track" of...
CD....currently(based on the fact it's technically the 26th) I am on cd30
CM....mostly creamy, no EWCM to speak of
FD....because of our schedules this month we have only FD'd once, on cd12 to be exact.
Signs of impending AF...I know since this is my first cycle it may take a bit to adjust, but this week I have been super bloated and my boobs are tender so I'm hoping these are signs of her arrival. My cycles off BCP were usually 30-36 days. Even though we aren't trying, being "regular" is comforting...at least I know what to expect.
I am also trying out different barrier methods other than condoms. So far I have tried the films...hated them, plus it gave me a yeast infection...blah! And now we are going to try the little spermacide inserts instead...we will see. Has anyone had any experience with these? Like, dislike?
Lastly, has anyone out there experienced weight gain after coming off BC, particularly the nuvaring? While on it, I maintained my normal weight....however since stopping it at the end of last month I have gaind 6-7 lbs! No diet changes, no activity changes....the only thing that changed was coming off of BC. Is that normal? When we started to try back in 2005 I was coming off the pill and never had this problem. Any thoughts?
CD....currently(based on the fact it's technically the 26th) I am on cd30
CM....mostly creamy, no EWCM to speak of
FD....because of our schedules this month we have only FD'd once, on cd12 to be exact.
Signs of impending AF...I know since this is my first cycle it may take a bit to adjust, but this week I have been super bloated and my boobs are tender so I'm hoping these are signs of her arrival. My cycles off BCP were usually 30-36 days. Even though we aren't trying, being "regular" is comforting...at least I know what to expect.
I am also trying out different barrier methods other than condoms. So far I have tried the films...hated them, plus it gave me a yeast infection...blah! And now we are going to try the little spermacide inserts instead...we will see. Has anyone had any experience with these? Like, dislike?
Lastly, has anyone out there experienced weight gain after coming off BC, particularly the nuvaring? While on it, I maintained my normal weight....however since stopping it at the end of last month I have gaind 6-7 lbs! No diet changes, no activity changes....the only thing that changed was coming off of BC. Is that normal? When we started to try back in 2005 I was coming off the pill and never had this problem. Any thoughts?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness
Ok, so technically the observation week occured back in Sept., the 13-19 to be exact, BUT I just found this and wanted to participate. Im not even sure CF can be considered an "invisible illness" but by all accounts it should qualify b/c you can look at me and "see" something wrong. So, here we go.
30 things about my invisible illness you may not know.....
1. The illness I live with is: Cystic Fibrosis
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1985
3. But I had symptoms since: I've never been without them, it has always been normal.
4.The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: It has been different during different stages of my life. As a child I was very selective who I spent my time with in regards to friends bc some of the symptoms can be embarassing. Growing up it was just constant doctor visits, and during my teen years my diet adjustment was the biggest deal. Now that I've been hit with more of the respiratory issues of CF, I have to watch I dont get overexerted doing "normal" things like running errands or playing with my son, but that is geting better every day.
5. Most people assume: Hmm, Im not sure...most of the time people are very surprised to find out I have CF
6. The hardest part about mornings are: coughing up yucky crap
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Anything on Discovery Health. I like true, unusal cases and stories.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: In regards to CF, or in general? For CF, it would probably have to be my inhaler.
9. The hardest part about nights are: Again, coughing up yucky crap and just breathing in general.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. Now, I only take one pill on a regular basis because my digestive stuff is under control with diet; however growing up I easily took 20 pills a day. I really should be on more now though. Im horible at remembering to take pills.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Think they can work if you find the right one. I do pilates for my breathing.....yeah, I love the muscle tone benefit as well, but I notice a huge difference in my breathing when I do it regularly.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Invisible, it's all I know.
13. Regarding working and career: I used to not think about how it impacts my career, but more recently it has. Just recently I gave up education on a nursing career because the direct patient care was constantly keeping me sick and I was missing a lot of work. Working nights hurts my health too, more than the average wear and tear.
14. People would be surprised to know: No surprise, but Im really stubborn about my disease.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: That I am actually sick. Although I have lived with CF my entire life, it has more recently caused me problems that bring my reality to the forefront of my life. Most days I dont feel sick, and for that I am thankful.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: conceive, birth, and breastfeed my son.
17. The commercials about my illness: None
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: I cant' answer this....however I have never not done something on a normal basis bc of CF.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: My education and career in nursing. I still have a bachelor in Science, but I wanted more.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: CF is the reason I started pilates. I love it.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Well, I am lucky to feel normal a lot more than most, but I would greatly appreciate a day without coughing....not sure what I would do special though. Run a marathon maybe? haha
22. My illness has taught me: Perspective
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: Nothing really. There isn't a lot to say about CF.
24. But I love it when people: Say how healthy I seem.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: Music gets me through anything. Especially Christian.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: You aren't alone, treatments are better all the time, and I truly believe a cure will be found.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: How normal it is.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: My friends and family lift me up in more ways than I can count.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: N/A
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Like you care
30 things about my invisible illness you may not know.....
1. The illness I live with is: Cystic Fibrosis
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1985
3. But I had symptoms since: I've never been without them, it has always been normal.
4.The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: It has been different during different stages of my life. As a child I was very selective who I spent my time with in regards to friends bc some of the symptoms can be embarassing. Growing up it was just constant doctor visits, and during my teen years my diet adjustment was the biggest deal. Now that I've been hit with more of the respiratory issues of CF, I have to watch I dont get overexerted doing "normal" things like running errands or playing with my son, but that is geting better every day.
5. Most people assume: Hmm, Im not sure...most of the time people are very surprised to find out I have CF
6. The hardest part about mornings are: coughing up yucky crap
7. My favorite medical TV show is: Anything on Discovery Health. I like true, unusal cases and stories.
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: In regards to CF, or in general? For CF, it would probably have to be my inhaler.
9. The hardest part about nights are: Again, coughing up yucky crap and just breathing in general.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. Now, I only take one pill on a regular basis because my digestive stuff is under control with diet; however growing up I easily took 20 pills a day. I really should be on more now though. Im horible at remembering to take pills.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Think they can work if you find the right one. I do pilates for my breathing.....yeah, I love the muscle tone benefit as well, but I notice a huge difference in my breathing when I do it regularly.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Invisible, it's all I know.
13. Regarding working and career: I used to not think about how it impacts my career, but more recently it has. Just recently I gave up education on a nursing career because the direct patient care was constantly keeping me sick and I was missing a lot of work. Working nights hurts my health too, more than the average wear and tear.
14. People would be surprised to know: No surprise, but Im really stubborn about my disease.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: That I am actually sick. Although I have lived with CF my entire life, it has more recently caused me problems that bring my reality to the forefront of my life. Most days I dont feel sick, and for that I am thankful.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: conceive, birth, and breastfeed my son.
17. The commercials about my illness: None
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: I cant' answer this....however I have never not done something on a normal basis bc of CF.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: My education and career in nursing. I still have a bachelor in Science, but I wanted more.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: CF is the reason I started pilates. I love it.
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Well, I am lucky to feel normal a lot more than most, but I would greatly appreciate a day without coughing....not sure what I would do special though. Run a marathon maybe? haha
22. My illness has taught me: Perspective
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: Nothing really. There isn't a lot to say about CF.
24. But I love it when people: Say how healthy I seem.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: Music gets me through anything. Especially Christian.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: You aren't alone, treatments are better all the time, and I truly believe a cure will be found.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: How normal it is.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: My friends and family lift me up in more ways than I can count.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: N/A
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Like you care
Saturday, November 6, 2010
From my parents computer
My parents spend a lot of time with Cullen and consequently they have a lot of photos of him too on their computer. So, in honor of the fact my son is turing two in 12 days, I wanted to post a few pictures from over the years that they have taken.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Update needed
Apparently I need to update things around here. For those who wondered (btw, thank you!) I did make it out of the hospital that Monday after a 5 day "vacation". Unfortunately however 2 weeks later I got sick again with chest congestion and a fever....fun days, let me tell ya...but since then I have been feeling pretty well and Im back to working out again, which helps tremendously.
Other life happenings have been going on as well....my Father in law passed away in Sept. and we went to the beach in mid October. Im still working nights as of right now, but I've been actively trying to find a new job.
I am going to write a more in depth post about each thing, but right now I will leave you with some of my favorite shots throughout the last few months.....
Other life happenings have been going on as well....my Father in law passed away in Sept. and we went to the beach in mid October. Im still working nights as of right now, but I've been actively trying to find a new job.
I am going to write a more in depth post about each thing, but right now I will leave you with some of my favorite shots throughout the last few months.....
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Day 4?
Or maybe three since technically I didnt check-in until 4pm on Wednesday, but all I can say is I am super ready for Monday to come so I can go home. I miss my baby, my family, and dare I say it, even my house. Hospitals are boring...even though I do have the luxery of being "ad lib" so I can walk around, wear my own pj's, etc.
Stinky as it is, this was necessary. Im taking one huge step in getting better....back to being fully me =)
Stinky as it is, this was necessary. Im taking one huge step in getting better....back to being fully me =)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Better Me, Rule One
I will not feel guilty for sleeping on the weekends after working night shift. See, ever since I started nights, I've had a hard time sleeping during the day....occasionally its because we have something going on and I dont get a chance to sleep like I would like, but most of the time its because I have this "guilt" I am missing out on weekend time with Cullen and Thomas so I get up....then go back to work at night....completely exhausted.
So, my new rule is I wont feel guilty for sleeping 5-6 hours during the day on weekends. I spend every moment with Cullen from Monday morning until Friday evening....so it's not like I'm not around at all, and plus, Thomas needs to spend the time with Cullen sans Mommy.
Three cheers for saying good-bye to sleep deprivation and never going more than 24 hours without sleep =D
So, my new rule is I wont feel guilty for sleeping 5-6 hours during the day on weekends. I spend every moment with Cullen from Monday morning until Friday evening....so it's not like I'm not around at all, and plus, Thomas needs to spend the time with Cullen sans Mommy.
Three cheers for saying good-bye to sleep deprivation and never going more than 24 hours without sleep =D
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Me
Hi, my name is Katie.....I am sick, but I am blessed. I have Cystic Fibrosis, but I am "healthy". I played sports all through high school, I can normally walk, run, and exercise and only get "normal" expected shortness of breath....no oxygen needed. I have a son that I carried, gave birth to and breastfed and, who now I can chase after and play with....a dream for many women with CF that may never come true. I dont own a vest or do daily nebs....I only have an as needed inhaler. I don't take digestive enzymes.....I do take ADEK. Im not underweight. I have only been hospitalized once in my life and have had 2 PICC lines....double-lung transplant has never been in my vocabulary.....by all CF standards I am completely abnormal....yet, recently, with the harsh year I've had in regards to being sick....I've quickly realized this may not always be the case. I've realized that my reality may one day be my history, my "used to", and I cant let that happen. I have too much to live for now. It's time to focus on me....so I can stay ahead of this disease.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
It's wedding season
I have talked several times about my love/hate relationship with face.book on this blog, and now that it's wedding season Im leaning more toward my hate state. Everytime I get on I see more pictures from weddings......acquaintances tying the knot, even people I had really good relationships with in high school, and then of course there are all the pictures of weddings that all of my acquaintances are going too.....yes blogland, love is in the air......BUT thats not the point of this post.
I started thinking about "the list"...you know, the wedding list, the invitation, the ticket in the door so to speak. Then I realize I have never made anyone's "list"....wow, apparently I suck that bad. And let me clarify that it's not like I expected too because I dont really keep up with anyone from my past, but still. Maybe it amazes me more how many people DO keep up with (apparently close enough to make "the list) a lot of people from our high school.....maybe it's small (pop 25,000) town thing. I was even on a sports team for 4 years with basically the same girls and nada.
However, in the six years Thomas and I have been together we have only been invited to 3 weddings.....my cousin's, Thomas' best friend, and my best friend since middle school, but we werent actually invited to the wedding because it was at the temple in Utah and we aren't LDS. Most of the people we work with are already married, and he never went to college so he doesnt have "college buddies". My experience in college was a bit untraditional so I never made "good friends" during those years. I graduated as fast as I could while living off campus and started in the workforce. I will say though, that now I am returning for a 2nd degree I have met several people who I consider "friends"...unfortunately, most of them are already married too......bummer.
Truthfully, none of this REALLY matters in the long run, but it sort of makes me feel lame and down on myself, even in my adulthood. It brings out the fact I never had a close group in high school or college. I was known by a lot of people, but didnt quite fit in all the way apparently. Like I said...it's wedding season on face.book and Im not invited....sad too, because I love weddings, haha.
I started thinking about "the list"...you know, the wedding list, the invitation, the ticket in the door so to speak. Then I realize I have never made anyone's "list"....wow, apparently I suck that bad. And let me clarify that it's not like I expected too because I dont really keep up with anyone from my past, but still. Maybe it amazes me more how many people DO keep up with (apparently close enough to make "the list) a lot of people from our high school.....maybe it's small (pop 25,000) town thing. I was even on a sports team for 4 years with basically the same girls and nada.
However, in the six years Thomas and I have been together we have only been invited to 3 weddings.....my cousin's, Thomas' best friend, and my best friend since middle school, but we werent actually invited to the wedding because it was at the temple in Utah and we aren't LDS. Most of the people we work with are already married, and he never went to college so he doesnt have "college buddies". My experience in college was a bit untraditional so I never made "good friends" during those years. I graduated as fast as I could while living off campus and started in the workforce. I will say though, that now I am returning for a 2nd degree I have met several people who I consider "friends"...unfortunately, most of them are already married too......bummer.
Truthfully, none of this REALLY matters in the long run, but it sort of makes me feel lame and down on myself, even in my adulthood. It brings out the fact I never had a close group in high school or college. I was known by a lot of people, but didnt quite fit in all the way apparently. Like I said...it's wedding season on face.book and Im not invited....sad too, because I love weddings, haha.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Round-Up
Wow, if I would have waited another week it would have made a whopping 6 months since I said a word on here. There are a lot of reasons I havent had a voice in awhile, some are on hiatus right now, some are fixed, and others....well, they always linger in the background.
First, I just went through the most challenging semester of my life. Not that work was hard necessarily, but between my hours at school, clinical time, working (nights nonetheless), and trying to be a mom somewhere in there, I just couldnt give anymore of myself to anyone...hence the silence. Even writing, sharing....blogging...became another chore I was just not ready to undertake. My marriage took (another!) hard hit. Things are better and we are surviving, but because of many of the reasons listed above....it all just went downhill fast. I never slept, I would go days at a time and get a few hours of sleep....I was sick, very sick....still recovering from that and not back to 100% just yet. Our finances....well....let's just say we are still here, it's not a happy place, but we havent drowned yet....thanks to gracious gifts from family. However, the house is back on the market and we are keeping our fingers crossed. We still have money for gas and food....just can't get them on the same week.
But it's summer now, Im getting a break from school and spending my days with little man. Im thankful for getting this time with him because I know when the semester starts again, he wont get as much attention from me as I would like. However, I will say, I love the daycare we take him to, and its wonderful for him to get the social interaction.
I dont expect anyone to be reading this anymore, but I want to start writing again....for me...we shall see.
First, I just went through the most challenging semester of my life. Not that work was hard necessarily, but between my hours at school, clinical time, working (nights nonetheless), and trying to be a mom somewhere in there, I just couldnt give anymore of myself to anyone...hence the silence. Even writing, sharing....blogging...became another chore I was just not ready to undertake. My marriage took (another!) hard hit. Things are better and we are surviving, but because of many of the reasons listed above....it all just went downhill fast. I never slept, I would go days at a time and get a few hours of sleep....I was sick, very sick....still recovering from that and not back to 100% just yet. Our finances....well....let's just say we are still here, it's not a happy place, but we havent drowned yet....thanks to gracious gifts from family. However, the house is back on the market and we are keeping our fingers crossed. We still have money for gas and food....just can't get them on the same week.
But it's summer now, Im getting a break from school and spending my days with little man. Im thankful for getting this time with him because I know when the semester starts again, he wont get as much attention from me as I would like. However, I will say, I love the daycare we take him to, and its wonderful for him to get the social interaction.
I dont expect anyone to be reading this anymore, but I want to start writing again....for me...we shall see.
Monday, January 18, 2010
300!!
Guess what? This is my 300th post on this blog (although technically I have 400 posts b/c I transfered my other blog to this one....but anyways). So for that I would like to give you the top 5 reasons my son needs a haircut....in no particular order, lol
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A letter
Dear Puffs,
You are welcome for being the snottiest, coughiest family on record for the past two months. I'm sure your sales are skyrocketing, even in these tough economic times. Remind me to buy in on your stock for next winter.
Sincerely,
The Major's
You are welcome for being the snottiest, coughiest family on record for the past two months. I'm sure your sales are skyrocketing, even in these tough economic times. Remind me to buy in on your stock for next winter.
Sincerely,
The Major's
Saturday, January 2, 2010
In true "me" fashion......
Now that it's after New Year's I will post my Christmas pictures =P Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, Christmas and New Years. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of New Years Eve bc I was at work...and I'm pretty sure taking pictures of patients is a no no, haha. However, I have pictures of a trip we took this weekend to visit some of Thomas' relatives. I will post them as soon as I pull them off the camera.
Myself and my youngest niece
Family Picture at my Aunt's
The whole gang: Mom, Dad, Jodie, Freddie, Kim, Gwen, Carsen, Hannah, Elena, Myah, Cooper, Caiden, Thomas, Myself and Cullen
Chistmas afternoon at Thomas' parent's house
Cullen with Ann (Thomas' Mom)
Cullen and Grandparents
Getting ready to go out Christmas morning
Playing with presents
I like to call this one "Looking at all my loot"
Christmas at my parents......
Myself, my parents and my two brothers.
Mom and the grankids
Dad and the grandkids
Family pic. part II
Myself and my youngest niece
Family Picture at my Aunt's
The whole gang: Mom, Dad, Jodie, Freddie, Kim, Gwen, Carsen, Hannah, Elena, Myah, Cooper, Caiden, Thomas, Myself and Cullen
Chistmas afternoon at Thomas' parent's house
Cullen with Ann (Thomas' Mom)
Cullen and Grandparents
Getting ready to go out Christmas morning
Playing with presents
I like to call this one "Looking at all my loot"
Christmas at my parents......
Myself, my parents and my two brothers.
Mom and the grankids
Dad and the grandkids
Family pic. part II
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