15-18 Weeks! Month 4 - June 2012.

June started off with a baby shower.  No, not mine...  The shower was for my cousin's wife, Melissa (who is due in July with her first...a boy)!  It was a special, exciting event for me.  Being pregnant gave me a different perspective on Melissa's special day (by the way, she was glowing)!  I think maybe I was feeling a little bit of what she was feeling?  The excitement, love and well wishes she received that day was something I indirectly shared with her.  It was fun to be with my family that day, and as she opened her wonderful gifts, we were probably both thinking about how very real this was all about to be!!  I was glad to be a part of her day, and I hope she doesn't mind that I shared in the experience with her!

On June 3rd, I received wonderful news.  My cousin (Daryl, Nathalie and their family) offered us beautiful pine nursery furniture (crib, dresser and change table).  Mike and I were overwhelmed by their generosity and support, and we accepted gratefully...  A nursery?  Isn't that a place for gardeners?  Nope!!!  Thanks Cuz...we love you and appreciate your help...xoxo!

Later that same afternoon, Mike and I interviewed a Doula (also a Registered Massage Therapist and Childbirth Educator).  Her name is Christin and she works for Maternity Wellness Ltd.  Christin was recommended to us by a co-worker.  Christin shared a little bit about herself with us:  her birth views, her role as a Doula, her education, her experience, what we could expect, etc.  She recommended that we interview 1 or 2 other Doula's, just so we would be sure that we were choosing/hiring based on the right fit for our personalities.  We both liked Christin right away, and would think about it for a while...

On June 8th, I received my very first "parents-to-be" card from Laurissa and Chris.  I was so excited!  One day, I'll read it to Fetus-Reali...

June 11th, two days before hitting the 16-week mark, I noticed for the first time a "baby bump".  Fetus-Reali was already cute!  Also, IPS #2 test this morning.

June 12th was a busy baby day...  In the morning, I pre-registered at Markham Stouffville Hospital.  I got lots of information.  I received a great resource:  "Before, During & After Birth - Caring for yourself and your baby - 2nd Edition:  Your Guide to the Childbirth & Children's Centre Blue Book".  I received a birth plan (to be completed), I registered for Prenatal Breastfeeding classes, and got my first pack of newborn diapers (a pack of 24) for $5!

That evening, Mike and I went to a Cells For Life Information Session in Markham.  We took in lots of information about umbilical cord blood stem cells collected at birth.  Another decision to go away and think about...

June 13th...  16-weeks...  Fetus-Reali can hear!!  I was so excited, and told everyone.  My co-worker, Jo-Anne (a.k.a. Blues), sang Fetus its first 2 songs:  Robin In The Rain and I'm a Little Teapot.  Another colleague, Diane Purdy, had the first conversation with Fetus-Reali (it was appropriately about shoes).  My good friend, Barb, suggested that I expose Fetus-Reali to its very first Aerosmith song.  Thanks Barb; can't believe I didn't think of it myself.  Alone in my office, I blasted Dream On, while Steven Tyler and I took turns singing the lyrics for Fetus.  From this day forward, Mike and I talk and sing to Fetus every chance we get...

On June 14th, I hired Christin to be my Doula/Massage Therapist/Childbirth Educator.  I didn't feel the need to interview any others.  I was confident that Christin was the perfect fit for us.  I also booked HypnoBirthing (The Mongan Method) prenatal classes through Christin, and was on my way towards "a natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing"!

June 15th was an evening to note:  my first time at a nightclub pregnant!  I had a great time with the girls (especially the late-night pizza that followed...yum)!

June 17th was Father's Day.  We had all the Reali's over for a BBQ lunch (we celebrated with my Dad the weekend before).  My nieces, Cassandra & Melissa, were so cute (and they are very excited about a new cousin).  They went to each family member and asked them to predict the date, sex and weight that "Phetus"-Reali would be born.  I'm hoping my "Phetus" won't be as early as some of the dates on their chart predicts...

On June 18th, we received a baby-to-be gift from a teacher (Tracey) at Mike's school (someone I never met).  It was very thoughtful...I was touched.  I sent her a note the next day to express my gratitude.

Aerosmith swag arrived that week...June 19th, June 20th and June 22nd...

On June 25th, I had my regular monthly appointment with my OB/GYN.  She confirmed with me that my IPS results were within normal limits.  I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again...a beautiful sound and comforting feeling.  I told the Doctor that I was not happy with how much weight I had already gained...18 pounds at 18 weeks.  She said I was only a bit over what she would expect, but went through my daily diet with me anyway.  It appears I'm eating very healthy, but she recommended a couple minor changes.  First, I'm consuming too many of my calories at breakfast, so I should spread my total calories out more evenly in the full day.  Second, I'm eating lots of healthy fruit, which also comes with lots of natural sugar...  So, less fruit...more veggies.  I'm up for the challenge...

I was surprised by another sweet gift this morning...from Alex (my co-worker, Debbie's, daughter).  Isn't it precious??  When Mike saw it, he asked if I could request a matching hat for Daddy.  Alex is working on it for Daddy's big head...

The parents-to-be / baby-to-be gifts kept on coming late June...  I met my girlfriend Armanda for ice cream at the Village Ice Cream Shoppe on June 27th, and was again touched by such sweet sentiment...  Fetus-Reali's VERY FIRST rattle and a unique resource of books for Mike and I.  We love all the Browns and are already enjoying our reads...  Thank you!!  xoxo.

June 30th was a busy day!  We spent the morning emptying what WAS the home office, and is now the baby nursery.  It felt so good to do...both of us were extremely excited.  We will leave the colour of the nursery as is for now (blue and buttermilk yellow), and will decide on a change (if any) once we know if Fetus-Reali is a boy or a girl.

  

At 12:30 p.m., my cousin Daryl came from Kingston to deliver the crib.  We got to catch-up and enjoy lunch together!

At 2:30 p.m., we headed over to Jean & Gary's for the Stouffville Strawberry Festival, dinner and Canada Day fireworks.  Little did we know there would be more wonderful gifts...  The kindness of friends is unbelievable!  Mike says thanks for the Stella, his favourite beer.  Words are not enough!  xo!  Lisa/Chris (and their kids), along with the Browns, joined us later in the evening to end the night off with "a bang"!

At the end of June, I was 18 weeks, 3 days pregnant (and a bit heavier than I had hoped).  However, I discovered something.  Maybe it's not the extra calories at breakfast, or all that fruit throughout the day?  Perhaps it's my CRAVING (there, I said it) for ice cream!  I think about it everyday.  I want it everyday.  I have it "almost" everyday (fine, twice on the 27th).  I take pictures of ice cream.  I tweet about ice cream.  I even dream about ice cream.  There was one day, and just one day, that I didn't even think about ice cream........until I read TJ's Facebook status (he was having Dairy Queen).  Guess what?  I had ice cream that day.  It's official...I'm with child and I crave ice cream!  I hope my indulgence balances out with the 45-60 minute walk I try to get in everyday.  Hey, I even walk for ice cream!  The top three ice creams I crave:  1:  Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter (118mL personal-size, spoon inside).  2:  Kawartha Dairy Chocolate Peanut Butter (from the Village Ice Cream Shoppe).  3:  Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich.  Coming in at #4, thanks to an introduction by Natalie S., vanilla milkshakes on Unionville Main Street.

As I write this, on the hottest day of summer'2012 (a day that broke records), I have still not had an ice cream.  I guess you'll have to wait until next month's post to find out what happens...

Come on 2nd Trimester! Month 3 - May 2012!

What a great start to May!  From May 3-6'12, I enjoyed a Girls' Weekend at Carriage Hills Resort with Joanna, Erin, Melissa, Lo May, Lindsay, Kelly and Gillian!  What happens at Carriage Hills, stays at Carriage Hills...except for some things.  The girls surprised me with mommy-to-be cupcakes (so sweet...in more ways than one).  A memory I will forever treasure (and documented forever in my blog).  We went on a couple nice walks, we soaked our feet in the jacuzzi tub, we pampered ourselves with manicures and facial masks, we played games and we ate!!!  It was a different girls' weekend for me...I was drinking milk while the ladies were hitting the booze, but I had just as much fun.  Thanks for making the weekend special for me ladies...xo.

I think I had my first craving on May 8, 2012.  It was after dinner that Tuesday evening, around 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m., and all of a sudden I HAD to go get ice cream.  Mike tried talking me out of it, saying it would pass, but to no avail...I was going...with our without him.  I hopped in the car (solo) and headed to The Village Ice Cream Shoppe for a single scoop of chocolate peanut butter!  Fulfillment!

May 10th was the Annual Nursing Week Bowling Challenge at Markham Bowl.  Our team, The Ballers (me, TJ, Eddy, Justin, Steve, Brandi and Molly), won!!  And, no, we did not cheat!  Eddy bought me a Scotch that evening...I fake-drank!  Sorry Eddy, but I do appreciate your generosity!

Early the week of the 7th, I got an e-mail that I did win something at The BabyTime Show (I knew I felt lucky)!  I won admission for 2 to Baby Bump-Apalooza @ Cineplex Odeon Queensway Cinemas.  Mike and I had a great time...he loves free stuff!  We got our photo taken, we got to eat at the following crave stations (Cupcake Crave Station; French Fry Crave Station, Pickle Crave Station, Frozen Yogurt Crave Station)!  Yum!  There were tons of vendors on hand and we got SO MANY great samples!  The best had to be the Britax Baby Carrier ($150 at Babies"R"Us)!!  We also got to enjoy an advanced screening of What To Expect When You're Expecting!  It was happy, funny, sad, you name it.  I'm glad we got to share the day together...the 3 of us!!

On May 13'12, I got my first ever Mother's Day gift...flowers from Mike!  A very thoughtful sentiment; one I will always remember!  I'm a Mother!!!

The day I had been waiting for finally arrived!!  Getting to May 15'12 felt like 24 weeks instead of 12 weeks.  My first appointment!!  I needed to know that everything was in the right spot.  I needed to know me and my baby were healthy and doing fine.  I needed to know how many were in there...LOL.  I needed to reach 12 weeks so I could share my news with the world!!!  I had a complete physical and Integrated Prenatal Screening (IPS), which included an ultrasound...my first!!!  Mike and I were excited and nervous.  We got to see Fetus-Reali (yup, only 1 in there) for the very first time.  Fetus-Reali was very active that day...bouncing all over the place.  Also for the first time, we heard a very strong heartbeat at 170!!  There was a sense of relief after hearing and seeing our baby.  We were already a family!  Our technician did tell us that we were a couple of days too early for her to take the measurements she needed, and she booked us to come back on Friday May 18'12.  I was happy...another chance to see Fetus-Reali!

On May 16'12, I shared the news with my co-workers!  I was shaky and nervous, but the response and surprise was amazing!  It's real!!  We can tell the world!!  And, I did...  This was my Facebook status that very day:  What is 12-weeks old, 2 inches long, weighs half an ounce and is comparable to the size of a purple plum?   I received 103 beautiful comments and 46 likes.  I later posted, I am overwhelmed by all the love received today after sharing the big news! Thank you all so very much! We are blessed in so many ways! I still cannot believe that I'm going to be a Mother..., to which I received 51 comments and 41 Likes!  I also received so many (more than I can count) e-mails, Direct Messages, Tweets, Wall Posts, Text, Voicemails, visits, etc., etc.  Hearts all over the world!! 

On May 18th, I saw my baby again!  This time Fetus-Reali was sleeping so peacefully.  A calm came over me; it was a sweet feeling.  One of the things the IPS measures is the fluid in the baby's neck.  This is to check for Down Syndrome.  After the ultrasound, I took a picture of the Nuchal Translucency (NT) score with my iPhone.  Back at home, I googled this measurement.  Within Normal Limits.  Ecstatic!!!  Here is Fetus-Reali's first ever appearance:

That night we had dinner at Gary & Jean's!  Fetus-Reali got its first nickname on May 18th..."Bounce"!  Thanks, Jean, for the clothes and thank you both for the love and support (and steak)!!!  Oh, and Fetus-Reali LOVED its first Bombe!!  

On May 20th, I joined the Cornell Moms Photo Walk group!  It felt legit...I was a Mom...I was officially part of this group!  I met Rebecca and Nassim on a lovely Sunday morning.  We took and shared some beautiful pictures.  I'm looking forward to our next photo walk!!  

From May 21-28'12, Mike and I took "Bounce" on his/her first vacation...to Negril Jamaica!!  I believe there were 31 of us (Di Ruscios, Realis and friends combined)...32 with Bounce!  Peter and Daniela married on May 24'12.  It was a beautiful beach wedding surrounded by love and happiness!  I bought Bounce his/her first ever item in Negril...it was a onesie that represented how his/her Mother was feeling the first couple of days in Jamaica.  I think I was just getting used to a new lifestyle (no drinking) back at home, but on the island it hit me all over again.  I felt like I was no fun...it was baby in the corner watching all the fun happening around her.  So, Bounce, you will wear this, but it will represent me:

It was time to go home, and I was ready.  This was the first vacation ever where I was so looking forward to getting back.  Home is where the heart is!!  Before we left, Mike bought me my first ever "baby" gift.  He got this for me at the Pandora Duty Free in the Sangster Airport.  I wear it with pride!  

We finally arrived home, safe and sound!  To our surprise, we had a beautiful baby gift (our first) waiting for us in our living room.  My brother (Roland) and my sister-in-law (Maria) got Bounce a beautiful bassinet.  It's precious.  Seeing it there hit us...we're gonna have a real baby asleep in it.  Thank you Uncle Rollie and Tia Maria!!!  xoxo.  

On Tuesday May 29th, it was back to the Family Doctor for results!  The Doctor told us that everything came back fine!  We were happy and healthy!  The Doctor did report that the ultrasound technician did find 2 uterine fibroids during the scan.  Both were small and outside of the uterus (so, would not interfere with Fetus-Reali's eventual exit).  However, a note was made in my file to watch the fibroids' growth, if any.  That night, I again joined the Cornell Moms (legitimately) to discuss Fifty Shades of Grey.  I'm a Mom!!!

On Wednesday May 30th, I had my first appointment with my OB/GYN.  Mike and I spent almost 2 hours with her.  She was very thorough, informative, professional and personable.  We both liked her right away and felt comfortable in her taking over our care.  We got lots of information (regular appointments, ultrasounds, blood-work, pre-registration, prenatal classes, nutrition, exercise, etc., etc.).  It was a lot to take it, but we gulped it all up.  We're growing!!!

At the end of the month, I was 14 weeks pregnant!  It was a busy, eventful May filled with so much!!  From cravings, to contests, my first Mother's Day, the first time I saw and heard my baby, our family's first vacation together, and sharing our news with the world.  We felt anxious, nervous, hungry, secretive, lucky, special, healthy, relieved, loved, overwhelmed, emotional, grateful and blessed.  We're having a baby, world...glad you can join us for the ride!!  

Looking ahead to the 2nd trimester...stay tuned!!  

xo.

Confirmation...I'm pregnant! Month 2 - April 2012

The day I took the pregnancy tests (March 29), I called my Family Doctor and made an appointment to confirm pregnancy.  On April 2nd, I went in for my blood test.  My Doctor also told me that my blood type was O-negative; therefore, Mike's blood type would have to be tested to determine Rh Factor.

On April 3rd, I got the call!  "Congratulations, Simone, you're pregnant"!  I was happy, scared, excited, nervous, shocked and still in a bit of disbelief!  My first baby is due to arrive on November 28, 2012!

We needed to share our news!  We wanted it to feel real!  We wanted to know we weren't dreaming!

The time of year was perfect.  It was Easter, and we'd be celebrating with our families that very long weekend!

On April 7th, we had Reali Easter.  We normally take a family picture just before sitting down to eat on special occasions.  Today was even more special!  So, we were all seated.  Mike was at the head of the table and told everyone to look at the camera for a picture.  Then he said, "Happy Easter...Simone is pregnant"!  It was a classic reaction, and I'll treasure these memories forever:

On April 8th, we had Bouchere Easter.  We did the same as above, but nobody in my family really believed Mike at first (except my nephew's girlfriend Polina).  They just started eating after Mike took the picture...LOL.  I can't say I blame them...they've been waiting for so long.  I'm trying the find the picture anyway, but can't seem to locate it...working on it!  My parents were over the moon.  My Dad has been waiting for this moment his whole life.  Although he has 3 beautiful, wonderful Grandchildren...I guess there's something about his only girl...his baby...having a baby!!  We also texted Paul, Joey and Alexis in Nova Scotia to share the wonderful news with them.

We received so much love that Easter long weekend...  Was it starting to feel real?  Yes...a little bit more!

On April 11th, Mike went for a blood test to determine his blood type.  On April 13th, the Doctor called and told us that Mike was A-positive.  So, we are Rh incompatible.  This means I will be given 2 Rh immune-globulin shots; one at 28 weeks and one 72 hours after the baby is born.  Rh immune-globulin acts like a vaccine, preventing the mother's body from producing any potentially dangerous Rh antibodies.

The rest of April, we had lots of social events scheduled with close friends.  We wouldn't have been able to hide the truth from some of our really close friends without them suspecting.  So, slowly...we let a few people in on our precious secret.

On April 14th, we had dinner with Victor, Kathy, Matthew Victoria and Sarah.  We hadn't seen each other in a long while, and everyone was excited.  Kathy was ready for a Margarita night...LOL!  She handed me my first Margarita, which I proposed a toast with before sharing with them that I was pregnant!  They're happiness and emotion was evident as they congratulated us on what was a big surprise and shock!!!  We enjoyed the rest of a great evening...

On April 18th, I was meeting up with my girlfriend Armanda at Starbucks.  She had a birthday gift for me, and I had a birthday gift for her daughter Sam.  We hadn't seen each other for months.  I've known Armanda for over 16 years and she has always asked me when I was going to have kids.  With each of her 3 kids, she expressed how great it would be if we could be pregnant at the same time.  Although it didn't work out quite like she had hoped, she was elated by the news of a baby Reali on the way.

On April 22nd, Marc, Joanna, Dexter and Bonnie (along with my brother and sister-in-law) came over for a BBQ.  It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon and the drinks were flowing.  I also got a beautiful birthday gift...pearl earrings and a bottle of Jameson...LOL.  Again, I couldn't hide it.  I was just about to spill, but Marc guessed it before I could reveal.  LOL.  He knows me so well.  They were ecstatic.  Like the rest of the world, they have been waiting for this moment so long.

On April 26th, I had plans to go to the movies (The Lucky One) with Lindsay, Erin, Joanna and Tonya.  The following weekend, we were all going away on a girls' weekend.  I had to tell them, because this girls' weekend (for me) was going to be totally different than any other that came before.  I must be sounding like a lush at this point...LOL.  There was no way I could hide not drinking on a 4-day girls' weekend up north.  I was nervous...I had to get it out quick.  "I have to get this over with...I'm pregnant"!  Erin let out a scream, there were tears welling up in eyes and hugs came from all around.

Then, on April 27th, I thought I could fool them!  And, I did...ha!!!  I had a dinner evening with Laurissa, Chris, Fiona and Karen.  I had my whiskey flask in my purse, and I pulled it out like I would any other time.  All night, I "pretended" to take swigs from my Jameson flask.  LOL.  They bought it...I pulled it off.  Wouldn't they be later surprised??  Love them!

On April 29th, Mike and I tied-up month 2 by attending The BabyTime Show at the International Centre.  He was a great sport, and a great support.  We were overwhelmed by all the "stuff" we needed to think about and "things" we would have to get.  We wondered if we were given these 9 months so that we could wrap our heads around all this.  We enjoyed taking it all in and went away with lots of samples, and lots of information to later peruse.  Oh, and I entered lots of contests...I remember telling Mike that I felt lucky!  We ended the afternoon with a picnic lunch in the parking lot, watching the planes at Pearson take-off and land overhead!  Our spirits soared just as high!

In April, it was beginning to feel real.  We felt the love, support and happiness of those closest to us. We're expecting a beautiful baby!  Wow!

Creating new life! Month 1 - March 2012

A little background...  Mike and I first met in Grade 9, September 1990.  We officially became "high school sweethearts" on June 25, 1994 (our prom).  We were married October 12, 2002.  I've known him for over 21 years, have been his partner for over 17 years, and married now almost for 10 years.

It's been a long time coming...

March 7th was when the magic happened.  Our baby was conceived.  We'll leave it at that...

I did a lot of "partying" not knowing what was taking place inside of me...just sayin':

March 10 - Luigi & Lauren's wedding.  A beautiful family celebration, and me at my lowest weight since I can remember...

March 14 - Pizza Party (is that what they called it?) in West G.

March 16 - Dinner with Athena, Barb, Susanne and Karen at my favourite restaurant...Ambiyan.  Did I mention they have my favourite drink - giant, delicious Sangrias?!  Cheers!

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day BBQ at Joanna's new house.  Enough said!  Everything was green!

March 22 - My birthday dinner with 2 friends I've known the longest in this world, Diane & Susy.  It was red wine to celebrate!!  Cheers!  

March 25 - Daniela's bridal shower.  Lisa and I were hitting the homemade wine.  Cheers!!

Then, on March 29th, 6 days late (after Mother Nature was due to arrive)...I decided to put my mind at ease.  I bought an ovulation/pregnancy kit.  The kit contained "many" ovulation tests and 3 pregnancy tests.  Wouldn't this come in handy?  I was in the upstairs bathroom, and Mike was in the downstairs bathroom (sorry...TMI).  I took the test.  An unfamiliar line appeared.  This line would indicate I was pregnant.  Could this be?  I ran half way down the stairs and told Mike through the bathroom door.  He told me to take another one.  So I did.  Same unfamiliar line appeared.  Yikes!  Mike was on the couch now...we just stared at each other.  He tells me I should go to the store and get a different brand...LOL, so I do.  Not only did I get a different brand, but I went digital!  This is what it said...

PREGNANT 2-3 WEEKS!  OMG!

We were just stunned!  We only just started trying in January!  Could it be?  Was this real?  Was I pregnant?  

We were more numb than anything else, but we decided to celebrate.  We went to my favourite restaurant (Ambiyan) for dinner.  Over dinner we just let our minds dance around what might be happening...we kept dancing...LOL.  After dinner, we hit the Markham Chapter's and bought 2 books:  What To Expect When You're Expecting and Baby Names.  

The last 2 days of March were more of the same...disbelief, surreal...

On March 31st, we celebrated Earth Hour with Daniel and Jane (dinner).  Now with the possibility of a baby on the way, there was no way I could take one more sip.  I had to tell our "wine buddies" that I was abstaining from alcohol for Lent (the Catholic in me was feeling guilty inside for telling this fib).  They bought it and we enjoyed the night.  

What would April bring?

Where Have I Been Lately?

Have you been worried about me?  I started this blog back in October, quite enthusiastically!  For the last three months, I've been missing in action...

Well, I'm back...and better than ever.  I hope you haven't given up on me, because I'm here to stay!

Back in the Fall, I realized that I wasn't taking care of myself.  It's true that you can't love anyone else if you can't love yourself first.  I was overweight, not eating properly, not exercising, sleeping a lot, and not happy with the relection in the mirror. 

I decided to take some time to take care of me.  I asked myself, "What is important to you?"  The answer was clear!  Living a long, happy, healthy life...surrounded by family, friends and love!  But, where to start?

To begin, begin!

I got a small group of colleagues together at work, who I think may have been feeling the same way I was feeling, and banded together with them to secure a supportive network of sharing.  We began a routine of communion...sharing recipes, positive quotes, wellness articles, weight management strategies, goals, successes and even failures.  There was strength and accountability in numbers!

I wasn't looking to fall into a diet trap.  I love eating and never wanted to go without.  A good friend of mine introduced me to Clean Eating.  This approach fit with what I was looking for...consuming whole foods in the most natural state..."improving my life one meal at a time".  I am still living the Clean Eating lifestyle.  The Clean Eating recipes are delicious!  Flavours burst!!  Some of my favourites are:  Shepherd's Pie with Buttermilk-Chive Mashed Potato Crust; Mac 'n' Cheese; Purple Sweet Potato Latkes; Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops & Grilled Peaches; Chocolate-Spiked Oatmeal Cookies; Individual Chicken "Pot Pies"; Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes.  This was not so bad!  This was GOOD!  My husband, the amazing chef in our home, was supportive.  He was supportive of me making this change, he was excited by the interest I was taking in food, he was enthusiastic about tasting new dishes and he never once complained about me taking over "his" kitchen.  I shared these recipes with my support network, and guess what?  They started sharing back with me.  It was contagious!!

I also set a fitness goal for myself.  Thirty-minutes of exercise a day!  They say you make time for the things you want, so I scheduled fitness into my calendar as a priority.  It worked!  I started jogging, which was easy to do this mild Fall/Winter of 2011/12!  If the weather was bad, I would hit the gym instead.  For variety, my husband and I would go on hikes through the beautiful golf course in our neighbourhood.  It felt peaceful here...communing with nature.  On some of these strolls together, we saw deer, beavers, herons, hawks and even coyotes!  Nature is wonderful indeed!

I also began using My Fitness Pal.  My Fitness Pal is a free online tracker for food, exercise and water.  It allowed me to set goals and track progress.  I have over 20 friends on My Fitness Pal now, and together we face challenges and successes. 

So, now, here we are!  I still have my focus, determination, inspiration and focus.  I choose to live well!  I still have my supportive network at the office, and those I rely on with My Fitness Pal.  I'm eating clean and exercising daily.  I have lost "almost" 20 pounds!  I feel alive, awake and full of energy.  There's a phrase..."a bounce in your step"...I found it!  I look in the mirror and I smile.  My skin appears younger.  I no longer see bags under my eyes.  My body has changed so much.  I have lost 10.5% body weight (24.6% from my highest-highest)!  I feel like a new woman!  On the eve of my birthday, I look forward to a celebration in grand style!  Like I said, I'm back and better than ever!!!

So, what now?  Well, I will definitely strive to maintain this healthy lifestyle forever.  I will encourage and support others, whatever their goals may be.  I make a promise to blog...blog...blog!  With time, you might not even remember that I was ever missing in the first place!  I now belong to a Social Media Working Group.  In this group I have met wonderful professionals and parents; from them I have lots to learn!  I'm hoping these mentors will guide me along as I work to promote my blog and master the Twitterverse.  I hope you'll come along for the ride, and I will take any help I can get!

Gratitude...

"It's the classic dream story of finding something unexpected in your attic that'd been gathering dust for decades."  Or something like that...

MaryJane's Gratitude Journal

I kept a Gratitude Journal from 2005 to 2007.  I found it in the dusty depths.  I'm glad it has been resurrected.  It was so nice reflecting on the things I was grateful for during those 2 years.  I thought I would share some of my entries...

• crazy laughing fits with Mike
• Barb's birthday at Johnny Bistro's
• baby Jake
• peanut butter and bananas
• Woodpecker!
• the most loving parents in the world
• Nature's pallette
• Armanda's expecting!
• Seeing Paul and meeting Joey!
• the purple sunset
• ROLO ice cream
• Lady Jane
• living in Canada
• manicures and pedicures
• Aerosmith coming to town
• income tax refunds
• garlic
• a doe and her fawn
• my magnificence (that was Mike's entry on May 5'07)
• breezes
• the generosity of friends
• Nancy & Sean are expecting

Excerpt

Gratitude:  the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
John F. Kennedy

I've decided to start journalling again...