Update to "Disappointed!"

Well I finally gave in and called my OBGYN after things were not getting better. She had me come in for a CBC and a thyroid check. Both tests came back normal. So per her recommendation the next step is to see a nutritionist through the diabetes center. Her thought is that I'm not finding a balance between taking in enough calories and protein and burning calories through breastfeeding and running. Before last night, I had not run in almost 2 weeks, and I have been feeling much better, and my milk supply has increased dramatically. I haven't had to supplement with any formula for 3 days. I did end up running some last night, and I can already tell this morning that probably wasn't a good idea.

I took Macy to the doctor yesterday for a weight check. She's now 11 lbs 3 oz. She gained 8.5 oz in 12 days. Dr. H was pretty pleased with that. He concurred with my OBGYN's decision to have me see a nutritionist. In the meantime he gave me the green light to try bringing dairy and soy back into my diet to see how Macy reacts. So, last night we had pancakes (I've been craving them so bad!) and a cinnamon roll. YUM! In my opinion, if Macy tolerates this little experiment all of our problems will be solved. If I can get off of this crazy diet I will be able to get the calories and protein I need.

So for now, it's a waiting game to see how her little tummy reacts. I should be able to tell in the next day or so. If she reacts badly we could be in for a rough week or two. If she reacts fine, I will begin challenging her more by eating ice cream and drinking milk.

I'm still really disappointed that I am unable to run for now. My big race is only 2 weeks away, and I feel like I won't be ready for it. I registered for the race the other night because I'm going to do it even if I have to walk the whole thing. I made this commitment 9 weeks ago, and I'm not giving up on it now. Hopefully we'll get things figured out in the next few days, and I can still have at least a week to train for the 5K. For now though, Macy's health is obviously the most important thing so I'll focus on that. Grow baby grow!

Disappointed!

I haven't talked much about running lately. We are on week 8 of running, and things had been going really well for me. I was feeling really strong and was following the C25K program to a "T". Over the last week or so I have really started to struggle. We had been running at Millard North's track, which really seemed a lot easier than running at Standing Bear. The scenery was not as nice, but the softness of the track and the lack of hills seemed to make running easier. We have since moved back to Standing Bear to endure more realistic race-like conditions to prepare for the August 15 race.

Sometime last week is when I feel like I really started to struggle, and I'm not 100% sure why. I feel like I'm not accomplishing what I wanted to out of running. Sure, I have definitely made huge strides since starting the program 8 weeks ago, but I don't feel like I'm gaining any energy or anything from it. I'm tired all of the time, and now my milk supply is suffering greatly. Macy only gained 0.5 oz in 10 days, and that is not good. Her pediatrician is rightly concerned about her and me. I'm losing weight like crazy, and I feel really unhealthy. I know I shouldn't be complaining about losing weight, but I lost 4 lbs. last week which brought me below what I weighed when I got married. This is not a healthy weight loss. I think part of my problem is I am not taking in enough calories in a day to compensate for breastfeeding and for running 3 times a week. My body just isn't getting enough energy for the energy I am expending. I am trying to make a conscious effort to eat more in spite of being on this MSPI diet. I have to have something change soon, not really for my running, but more for Macy. I desperately want to keep breastfeeding, but I know that she needs to stay healthy.

I am really disappointed in myself for letting things get to this point. I was really excited about losing weight, especially having to fit in a bridesmaid dress, but I think I let things get out of hand. I didn't really think about the repercussions of skipping meals here or there.

I am now to the point that I'm not sure I will be able to continue running over the next few weeks until I get things under control. Last night when we ran I was only able to run for 5 minutes before I was completely exhausted. I had to walk the rest of the way back to the car, and even that was a struggle for me. I had been running about 10 minutes at a time for about 20 minutes total each run. I think I'm going to try to take it easy for at least a week to try to get back some of my energy and start eating better. Hopefully I will be able to continue my quest to accomplish the 5K, but more importantly, hopefully Macy starts packing on the pounds and I can continue to breastfeed.

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks...

since I updated this thing. Wow, how times flies by! A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks in the Jensen household. I'm just going to list a few of the highlights of the last 3 weeks:

-My dad and his wife came to visit for a week from North Carolina. My dad's side of the family had a BBQ at my mom's house, and it was great to visit with family that we don't get to see very often. Madison had tons of fun playing with my cousin Chris's little girl, Hartley.

-We had a fun little 4th of July gathering with family and friends at our house. We also went to Ryan & Keri's for a party on Friday night.

-Madison had her first dentist appointment. She was scared to death, but they accomplished what they wanted to with her - her teeth look great!

-Macy had her 4-month check-up. She's growing great lengthwise and with her head circumference, but her weight is lagging behind a bit.

-I was a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding last weekend. It was a fun time, and I hope Joel & Kori will live happily ever after! Cory was a fabulous daddy while I was away doing wedding stuff. Madison had a great time dancing her little heart out all night long.

-This last Friday I found out that I will probably not be Emma & Ethan's nanny after September. Emma will be starting Kindergarten, and Ethan will probably go to an all day preschool program. This will be a difficult change for Madison and me. I really love those kids (almost like my own), and Madison is almost like their sister. So the job hunt begins again after almost 4 years!

-I sort of started a new little job caring for an Alzheimer's patient in her home this weekend. She's a sweet little lady, and I will probably continue doing this off and on for some extra money.


That sort of sums up what we've been up to. Here are a few pics of the last few weeks:

Macy and me watching fireworks at
Keri & Ryan's 4th of July party

My beautiful girls in their matching
4th of July outfits

4 generations of the Miller family -
the girls did not cooperate for this pic

Madison and Hartley at the BBQ

Macy gets tuckered out while practicing
sitting up in her Bumbo seat

Me and some of the wedding party in the limo