Number One Son

This is a picture of my number one son, since he is my only son, and his youngest, D3. My son was born 37 years ago today. I remember the day as if it were yesterday. He was born in the early morning. By calculation, he was three weeks late but he only weighed a little over 7 pounds so he was probably right on time. I was teaching and the school year started two days later. I went back to teaching four days later as I had not applied for medical leave and mine was the only income as my husband had left the Air Force and returned to college. My little guy became my life as I would teach all day and usually spend the evenings alone with him until he went to bed. He was the first grandchild for both my parents and R's parents. He was the only grandson my parents had and he was very special to them. I do believe they were special to him also.
He has spent his 37 years living in Michigan, Texas, California, and South Dakota. He is usually a pretty serious guy but I do know he likes to have fun. He met his wonderful wife learning to dance in college. They can jitterbug with the best of them (he flipped her even in her wedding dress). He loves to hunt and golf. He built the home his family lives in and works hard. On his birthday, I pray he will always love his wife and children as much as I love him. I wish him many more years to watch his wonderful three sons grow and become the kind of men of whom he can be proud. I am proud of him. I also wish for him patience, health, and God's richest blessings. Happy Birthday son!

One Year Today

It is almost midnight and I must write a blog entry today. It was one year ago today that I was banded and yes, I do believe it was the first day of the rest of my life. I went to see Dr. Glatt yesterday and again he told me how proud he was of my success. I am half way there in my opinion but it does feel good to impress one's surgeon. He decided not to give me a fill because of my problem with some foods (chicken and bread) and the fact I have lost it more often than he would like. I have to trust his experience. He did say that because I am doing so well, I didn't need to see him again for six months unless I have a problem. I am stalled right now but the exercise routine has started again that I am fully recovered from surgery and interestingly, I have maintained and lost a little of the weight by eating right.
Guess what movie I just came home from seeing? Julia and Julia Coincidental I went to see a movie about the love of food and blogging. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend. Meryl Streep at her best, again. I do love Amy Adams also!
So as I start my second year after banding, I must set a goal or two. First, I want to continue to use exercise as a means for losing weight but also for relieving the stress of work. My goal is to exercise four or more times a week for the next six months. With fall and winter coming on that means I must see exercise as a priority and allow time for it! My second goal is to eat right, chew thoroughly, take the 30 minutes necessary to eat a meal, and lose 20 pounds by February 14th, 2010.
The clock just struck midnight and I must end this day and get some rest. Bon Appetite!

What a difference almost a year makes

The picture on the left was taken one year ago today (August 19) about a week before my lapband surgery. The picture on the right was taken a week ago. Words cannot express my emotion. I have a long way to go but I do have to celebrate the difference.

If it is possible . . .

I had my surgery four weeks ago yesterday and I went back to my doctor yesterday with what I thought was an infection in my right side incision. Felt hot, oozing, and just really sore! Sure enough, I am back on an antibiotic to get things under control. Ironic that the right side was not the side that had caused the problem but was, instead, the side I opted to do for cosmetic reasons. I wanted to match!
Diane did take my blood to check the white count. All levels were good which helps me know I am eating right. She did tell me I needed to get some rest. Now we all know that stress lowers ones ability to heal and I know how much stress I have going on. Exercise helps me release that but I am not feeling up to it right now. So, things aren't adding up to feeling very good.
The weather has finally warmed up to normal August temperatures and the humidity hit today. Eight of us traveled to the Strawbale Winery for the Third Annual Quilts and Vines. Doctor said I could go if I sat and relaxed more than walking around. I have to admit, I really didn't feel like doing a whole lot of walking around. There were over 400 quilts hanging on the grapevines and it is just a beautiful setting. We had a great time, but I am whipped tonight. Don't even have the energy to go upstairs and quilt.
Enough complaining for my part. Vince has been busy in his workshop. We had old cedar boards from a downed fence shoved under the deck. I showed him a picture of an Adirondack chair and he designed his own plan and has been building us some chairs. They are beautiful and are so comfortable. He is so talented and really is a craftsman. He will stain the chairs and I will take a picture to show. Now if we could just conquer the mosquitoes.