I wish I had good news to share, but I don't. I'm not even going to tell you what was on the scale this morning, because I'm in denial. I will say this - all that talk last week about rededicating myself to good eating habits and regular workouts... Remember that? Well, it didn't happen. At all.
I pretty much ate to my heart's desire this week. The forbidden foods were devoured. I forgot how delicious a big pile of fried food is. I forgot how much I loved eating ice cream at night after the girls went to bed. I did all of my no-no's this week.
So, I'm hoping to regain some self-control. Hopefully this will be a better week. I'm not going to beat myself up over all my no-no's though... It happened. It's done. And I'm moving on.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Look Back at 2010
A new year ahead...
I'm excited to finally be in 2011. It means we are getting so close to my troop's return! In July, I felt that January would never come, but here it is!
2010 was a good year for me:
May God richly bless you this coming year! I hope that 2011 brings opportunities of growth for you!
I'm excited to finally be in 2011. It means we are getting so close to my troop's return! In July, I felt that January would never come, but here it is!
2010 was a good year for me:
- Gracie turned 4 - adios to 3, which is 100 times worse than 2 in my opinion
- Autumn was born in April, and she has been such an easy and joyful baby
- Joel left in July... but he left at a very high-point in our marriage which gives me so much hope for what God has in store for us
- My best friend from Seattle spent a week with me and the girls - I'm so blessed to have a friend who really knows my heart
- My sister and her family visited in August and our families had so much fun together
- Grace started pre-school... she has learned so much and I'm amazed by how her mind has opened up to new discoveries
- A great friend from Chicago came and visited for a few days - I was reminded that true friendships can stand the test of time
- I've read through most of the New Testament and God has opened my heart and mind to truly seek His heart and His Truth
- We had a very fun time in California over Christmas, visiting my sister and her family... oh, and we survived the airport on Christmas day
- I've been in and out of dozens of doctor's appointments... so thankful for the great doctors we have and for all the things we overcame health wise this year
- I've heard from more friends from my past over these last few months... they've written me the most amazing letters and emails - Thank you for coming out of the woodwork and encouraging me
May God richly bless you this coming year! I hope that 2011 brings opportunities of growth for you!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday Weigh-In
I was a wee-bit scared to hop on the scale this morning. I didn't exercise at all while we were on vacation over Christmas and my eating routine was completely-off. So, I didn't know what to expect.
Fortunately, with all the desserts, Starbucks runs (with whip), butter and fast food at the airport, I only gained one pound. I have 3 more pounds to go to reach my goal... however, Joel's homecoming is approaching fast so I need to rededicate myself to healthy eating and schedule plenty of dates with the elliptical machine.
But first, I'm enjoying one last muffin for breakfast.... Wish me luck!
Fortunately, with all the desserts, Starbucks runs (with whip), butter and fast food at the airport, I only gained one pound. I have 3 more pounds to go to reach my goal... however, Joel's homecoming is approaching fast so I need to rededicate myself to healthy eating and schedule plenty of dates with the elliptical machine.
But first, I'm enjoying one last muffin for breakfast.... Wish me luck!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Baby's New Accessory
My baby has a new accessory... a helmet. Yes, I am the proud momma to a "helmet baby".
Autumn was diagnosed with plagiocephaly - basically a significant asymmetry to the shape of the skull. A lot of babies have a flat spot, due to SIDS and having to place babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk. But even with the amount of time that Autumn spends sitting up and on her belly, her "flatness" was not getting better - it was getting worse.
So, we had many doctor's visits this fall, took some xrays and saw a plastic surgeon. Fortunately, the plates her in her head are all open so we didn't have to go the drastic route of surgery, but three physicians all advised me to have her go to an orthotic specialist to get fitted for a custom helmet. Joel and I talked on the phone and via email a lot about this, but it was really hard to be the only parent here to make the final decision.
The night after we saw the plastic surgeon, I was doing some research on the Internet and saw an article that talked about how Tricare (the military insurance) will not pay for baby helmets. (You can read that article here.) I was shocked when I read that article and immediately went to Tricare's website to look up their coverage, and I was surprised to see it in black and white. They weren't going to cover it.
The next day, we got in to see the orthotic specialist and the owner happened to be the person who saw Autumn. We did all the measurements and the 3-D scan and I mentioned to him that I was 99% positive that Tricare was going to deny the claim, but that I would look into grant money to pay for it. He kept telling me not to worry about the money, but to focus on Autumn. I was stressed because I knew that Joel and I wanted to go ahead with the helmet and treatment, but everything in total cost around $3800. The helmet itself cost $1800 and then there is about $2000 in visits, treatments and measurements. We're a military family and $3800 is a major chunk of change for us.
As we left that first appointment with the orthotic specialist, I went to make an appointment for a follow-up visit. As I was talking with the receptionist, she mentioned that the owner told her that he would accept $1500 for the helmet and all the treatments that are needed for Autumn's care. I couldn't believe what she said - that's a $300 loss for the cost of the helmet alone and then he would be eating all the cost for the treatment My mom was waiting with Grace in the car. I told her what just happened and both of us just sat in the front seat of the car together and wept. God was taking care of us.
I came home and emailed Joel all the details about the visit and told him I would start looking into grant money that was available through an Indiana non-profit for military families. Over the next week, I did my research and started to gather the paperwork I would need to submit for the grant, but I was still waiting for Tricare to deny the claim. They did and it shook me. I was so mad. Joel and I don't feel entitled because we're a military family, but believe me, he works hard for what we have. I was mad because I knew by research I had done, that the baby helmet was very common, was approved by the FDA and so many insurance companies pay for them. What made even less sense, was that Tricare didn't have any problem paying for the half-dozen doctor's visits and all the xrays that lead up to her diagnosis. They paid almost as much in all those medical costs as the cost of the helmet.
I shot off any angry email to my congressman ... I'm pretty sure their kid wouldn't go without and they're the ones who decide what military insurance covers... Anyway, that's a major soapbox issue that I'll just leave be. I made a random post on Facebook about having to work on the grants, and what came next floored me.
In the four hours after I made my angry Facebook post, six people contacted me. Each of them said that they would happily pay for Autumn's helmet in full so that we weren't burdened by it. Six people willing to shell out $1500, without question. I was completely humbled, and will admit that I cried. A lot, actually. I felt so alone in all of this - with Joel overseas. And it meant the world to know that so many people were willing to care for our little girl in such a generous way.
So, 10 days later, Autumn's helmet came in and I was able to write a check for $1500 without a worry. It was paid in full and my only worry is now for Autumn's treatment.
She's rocking the helmet, I must say. Who wouldn't rock a $1500 accessory with such pride?
Autumn was diagnosed with plagiocephaly - basically a significant asymmetry to the shape of the skull. A lot of babies have a flat spot, due to SIDS and having to place babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk. But even with the amount of time that Autumn spends sitting up and on her belly, her "flatness" was not getting better - it was getting worse.
So, we had many doctor's visits this fall, took some xrays and saw a plastic surgeon. Fortunately, the plates her in her head are all open so we didn't have to go the drastic route of surgery, but three physicians all advised me to have her go to an orthotic specialist to get fitted for a custom helmet. Joel and I talked on the phone and via email a lot about this, but it was really hard to be the only parent here to make the final decision.
The night after we saw the plastic surgeon, I was doing some research on the Internet and saw an article that talked about how Tricare (the military insurance) will not pay for baby helmets. (You can read that article here.) I was shocked when I read that article and immediately went to Tricare's website to look up their coverage, and I was surprised to see it in black and white. They weren't going to cover it.
The next day, we got in to see the orthotic specialist and the owner happened to be the person who saw Autumn. We did all the measurements and the 3-D scan and I mentioned to him that I was 99% positive that Tricare was going to deny the claim, but that I would look into grant money to pay for it. He kept telling me not to worry about the money, but to focus on Autumn. I was stressed because I knew that Joel and I wanted to go ahead with the helmet and treatment, but everything in total cost around $3800. The helmet itself cost $1800 and then there is about $2000 in visits, treatments and measurements. We're a military family and $3800 is a major chunk of change for us.
As we left that first appointment with the orthotic specialist, I went to make an appointment for a follow-up visit. As I was talking with the receptionist, she mentioned that the owner told her that he would accept $1500 for the helmet and all the treatments that are needed for Autumn's care. I couldn't believe what she said - that's a $300 loss for the cost of the helmet alone and then he would be eating all the cost for the treatment My mom was waiting with Grace in the car. I told her what just happened and both of us just sat in the front seat of the car together and wept. God was taking care of us.
I came home and emailed Joel all the details about the visit and told him I would start looking into grant money that was available through an Indiana non-profit for military families. Over the next week, I did my research and started to gather the paperwork I would need to submit for the grant, but I was still waiting for Tricare to deny the claim. They did and it shook me. I was so mad. Joel and I don't feel entitled because we're a military family, but believe me, he works hard for what we have. I was mad because I knew by research I had done, that the baby helmet was very common, was approved by the FDA and so many insurance companies pay for them. What made even less sense, was that Tricare didn't have any problem paying for the half-dozen doctor's visits and all the xrays that lead up to her diagnosis. They paid almost as much in all those medical costs as the cost of the helmet.
I shot off any angry email to my congressman ... I'm pretty sure their kid wouldn't go without and they're the ones who decide what military insurance covers... Anyway, that's a major soapbox issue that I'll just leave be. I made a random post on Facebook about having to work on the grants, and what came next floored me.
In the four hours after I made my angry Facebook post, six people contacted me. Each of them said that they would happily pay for Autumn's helmet in full so that we weren't burdened by it. Six people willing to shell out $1500, without question. I was completely humbled, and will admit that I cried. A lot, actually. I felt so alone in all of this - with Joel overseas. And it meant the world to know that so many people were willing to care for our little girl in such a generous way.
So, 10 days later, Autumn's helmet came in and I was able to write a check for $1500 without a worry. It was paid in full and my only worry is now for Autumn's treatment.
She's rocking the helmet, I must say. Who wouldn't rock a $1500 accessory with such pride?
Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you I Peter 5:7
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday Weigh-In
Just wanted to let you know that I'm on break from my normal Wednesday weigh-in. It's Christmas and I'm trying to be as good as I can be... next week I'll see what damage I've done. And then I'm sure the elliptical machine and I will be back to our regular visits.
Merry Christmas and enjoy it in all its deliciousness.
Merry Christmas and enjoy it in all its deliciousness.
Friday, December 17, 2010
MilSpouse Friday FIll-In
Thanks to Wife of a Sailor for a very Christmas-themed fill-in this week!
1.What is the best gift you have ever received or given? from Jessica Lynn Writes
My engagement ring... it was one of the best moments of my life and started something great!
2.Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition? from The Albrecht Squad
This is our first time celebrating Christmas while Joel's overseas. I'm trying hard to keep things as they always are. If anything's different it's that I'm spending a lot more time with family this year.
3.If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?
I have a star on our tree. I'm obsessed with stars - probably because of the symmetry.
4.What are your three favorite websites?
The 3 I visit the most are: Hotmail, Facebook & Blogger
The 3 I love to visit are: Pottery Barn, Sephora & temptalia.com
5.On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando? (yeah, I’m starting to get desperate for questions!)
Boxers!
1.What is the best gift you have ever received or given? from Jessica Lynn Writes
My engagement ring... it was one of the best moments of my life and started something great!
2.Do you celebrate holidays differently when your loved one is deployed/gone or do you keep tradition? from The Albrecht Squad
This is our first time celebrating Christmas while Joel's overseas. I'm trying hard to keep things as they always are. If anything's different it's that I'm spending a lot more time with family this year.
3.If you celebrate Christmas, do you put an angel, star or something else on the top of your tree?
I have a star on our tree. I'm obsessed with stars - probably because of the symmetry.
4.What are your three favorite websites?
The 3 I visit the most are: Hotmail, Facebook & Blogger
The 3 I love to visit are: Pottery Barn, Sephora & temptalia.com
5.On your man do you prefer… boxers, briefs or boxer briefs? Or commando? (yeah, I’m starting to get desperate for questions!)
Boxers!
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