Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Long, Long, Long

"It's been a long, long, long time..." - Lennon/McCartney

It’s been over three months since my last post and I am disappointed it has taken so long to update this year. I liked the fact that I was posting every two weeks or so until my life was drastically changed on February 2. As much as things have changed since my last post, it has been counter-balanced by that which has stayed the same. Here are some of the things that have changed since the last post:

1. Jacob no longer wakes up at night for additional feedings.

2. Jacob laughs at things he now finds amusing. See the video clip here: http://twitvid.com/KHHI3

3. Gabriel now has fewer teeth than most 75 year old grandparents.

4. Jen and I have adapted to getting 6 hours of broken sleep each night.

5. I have lost 20 pounds in the past 40 days.

Here is what has stayed the same:

1. Jacob continues to wake up in the middle of the night hunting for his pacifier that was spit out earlier.

2.Jacob is still spitting up after his bottles even up to the time when he is ready for his next feeding.

3.Gabriel is still the best big brother a sibling or parent could ever dream for in a child.

4. Jen and I never feel fully rested with the current sleep pattern.

5.Despite my weight loss, my back is still killing me.

Jen and I are still amazed that Jacob is part of our family. Over the past five years, there have been bouts of doubt as to whether or not children would ever be a part of our lives. It’s kind of funny because we have been stressed about this for such a long time, we aren’t sure how to move forward without that weight on our shoulders. Thankfully, we are more than happy to figure out how to move forward as the days pass.

As for me, the last discussion with the doctor has confirmed my personal goal to lose 45lbs and keep it off forever. I now only drink water every day- no milk, juice, diet soda, mix packets, etc. I have also not eaten any desserts or snacks- only my three smaller portioned meals each day. It has worked quite well thus far and now I am going to the gym to try to get stronger. I figured that it’s cheaper to pay for a membership than it is to go to the doctor. Plus, the doctor has advised me that surgery is not a viable option to cure my ailing back. Although I have degeneration in my lumbar discs and mild arthritis in the joints, his professional opinion is that surgery would not help the pain I feel. He stated that the best thing I could do for my back would be to continue working to strengthen my core. After six weeks, I am a lot lighter and feel healthier, but my back has not given me any relief despite my efforts.

That is a brief synopsis of what has been going over the past several months. Sorry for the long hiatus, but I promise it will not be this long prior to my next post.