And then there was a baby..

6 Months ago we welcomed Anja Joy into the world in a very exciting birthing experience, and our lives were forever changed.  It is hard to remember what life was like with only 2 kids.  With each child, I have not been able to imagine how things would be - how I would be able to love each one in a way that speaks to their needs - how we would even function.  However, even though each child brings with him/her a lot of adjustment and change, s/he also fits so perfectly into our family and us with him/her.  It is amazing how we are created to love so fully, even after we already fully love.  I hope that makes sense :)

So, with Anja came the nagging reality that my health is more fragile than I have given thought to.  I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes three times.  With Ezzie and Lina I was borderline, and simply had to watch my diet and remain active.  With Anja I was still testing borderline, but my body was not functioning well on its own.  I had to take meds each day.  Even though I was taking the lowest dosage I really struggled with feeling like I was doing something wrong.  

My midwife, Sylyna, shared with me that I should consider getting tested about 3 months after Anja was born to see how my body is handling sugars.  Given that I have very little information regarding my biological family's medical history and the little I do know involves brittle diabetes and type 2 diabetes, it was very important for me to see how my body was doing.

So, I went in for testing.  I did not have a positive experience with the doctor.  I left the office feeling like a fool for thinking anything could be wrong with me - after all, I wasn't fat enough or old enough, according to him, to be concerned.  I just have to exercise and eat well.

Well, I got the bloodwork back after calling (they said they would call me... yeah, not impressed with this office), and discovered in my own research that I am bordeline diabetic.  Basically, I have pre-diabetes.

So... now I know I am in the yellow zone.  What do I do?

Well, I struggle with taking care of my own body, and lack a lot of self-discipline in general.  

With my pregnancies I worked hard to eat well and take care of myself because I was not only affecting myself, but my children.  Without being pregnant, the pressure isn't exactly there in the same way - though the reality is there that if I don't care for myself my ability to care for and be with my family may be cut short.

So - what does a girl do?  I follow my own advice to my kids:  I start small.  I try, and when I fail, I try again.  I give myself grace, ask for help, and keep going.

So, this blog will be changing a bit.  I will not be focusing on family updates as much (and you can see how horrible awesome I have done in the past on this :)), but will be sharing about things regarding food and changes we are making in our family diets.  

We are not following a "diet," but are embarking on a journey one step at a time towards health.

I hope you will enjoy the posts that are coming.  Most will have to do with food, and others might just be fun updates on other things in our lives.