Chubby Girl and 100 Miles

This is a selfish blog about myself and not all of the Hanna's!

As many of you know, I set a goal for myself in May to walk/jog 100 miles.  It was quite the adventure.  After week one and barely completing 10 miles, I knew I needed to step it up.  Even after telling myself this- after week two, I was ready to quit.  What had I gotten myself into!! A few things I learned during my little goal were:

• My sister is my biggest motivator. Had it not been for her doing this challenge with me, I'm sure I would have quit after week two.
• You need people, like my mother, to help eat the cupcakes and cookies so that you don't have to eat them ALL yourself!
• I learned I'm quite lucky to have a husband who is willing to spend a lot of time with our son so that I can take time to take care of myself.
• Anyone can do this! In one month I went from barely being able to jog 1/10th of a mile to being able to run AT LEAST two miles without stopping.
• You need to set mini goals to make it to the big goal. Constant reminders of 'why' you are doing what you are doing are a must.  
• I've learned how to eat healthier in just one month- resulting in 12 lbs LOST! (not very good pics, but a little difference- lots more to go!)

Before

After

LAST BUT NOT LEAST- You need SUPPORTERS! Thanks to the following people for constantly cheering me on. You have no idea how much it made me keep moving forward...

• Malinda Alm
• Donna Treiber
• Lynda Lowery
• Mark Mintun
• Anne Smith
• Mindi Hanna
• Jennifer Jean Riessen

Had it not been for you, I wouldn't be where I am today.  Keep cheering me on!

The Clock

I don't even know where to begin with this blog.  I haven't blogged in months and so much has been happening.  It's amazing how time works.  I find myself at work constantly looking at the clock and wondering if the day could go any slower only to come home and have time fly by.  I can't believe Mason is almost a year old.  I can't even remember what I wore yesterday, let alone everything that's happened in the last year.  I really need to keep up with my blogging so I have something to look back on.

Pretty soon we'll be sending out birthday invites of Mason's first birthday, but before we do that we'll be celebrating Ben's angelversary.  Monday marks the 2 year mark since our loss. It's amazing how slow the first year after our loss went, yet this past year has flown by.  This is probably due to being busy with Mason.  I wouldn't say I forgot about Ben, but Mason has kept my mind off of the sadness and has reminded me that we have a lot to be thankful for.  I think we're going to release a few balloons Monday night and probably eat some cake.  Feel free to release your own balloons in Ben's memory or light a candle for him.  I hoping to get some pictures to post later.  I'm a little more excited about Ben's birthday this year and I think it's because the past 2 years I've been able to let people know how I feel about Ben and I can talk about him more openly than I could the first year.  I really look forward to seeing pictures from other people who will release balloons in memory of Ben! Although Mason won't understand what's going on, I look forward to seeing his face light up when he sees the balloons.

We're still deciding on what kind of party we should have for Mason.  My mind keeps saying to go with the monkey theme, BUT Jason is the REAL monkey in this family....... any ideas, let me know!

A little update on myself:  In June, after seeing myself in pictures from my sister's wedding, I realized it was time to do something with myself.  I started working out and attempting to eat healthier.  The first 2 months went great and I've lost 20-25lbs, but have been at a standstill this past month.  I've felt exhausted from work and have majorly lacked in working out.... time to kick it back in to gear!  At the end of August I went to the Orthodontist to see how much it would cost to get my teeth fixed.  My first option was to have surgery to widen my top jaw and fix a crossbite, but after hearing the cost of that-- I opted out.  A perfect smile is nice, but not $10K nice... I can live with a few imperfections! We went ahead and put my bottom braces on in August.  Then, the beginning of September I had to get three teeth pulled in order to make room for my teeth that aren't straight.  Two weeks after getting those teeth pulled, I got my top braces on.  A few things I learned: Spacers royally SUCK, orthodontists are NOT gentle people, getting teeth pulled doesn't hurt, and there are not many soft healthy foods!  I should be smiling from ear to ear knowing that my teeth are getting fixed, but these braces make me very self conscious.  I feel like a 12 year old in a 23 year old body... not a good feeling! I'm really hoping the next 2 years go by fast, but only for this reason.  Mason doesn't need to grow up any faster!  I feel really weird for my age.  Here I am getting braces (something teenagers do) and finding myself going to bed at 8p.m. (something 70 year olds do), but what do you do?

Well, hope you enjoyed the TINY update, there's plenty more where this came from.  Blogs soon to come (hopefully) should include: Ben's Angelversary, Mason's Birthday Party, Halloween (just remembered this, crap), a weight loss story, and STRAIGHTER TEETH (okay, so this might be two years from now)!!

Remember to release your balloons or light a candle!!! (and be sure to send me pictures)

Alm Wedding

On Saturday May 28th, 2011 my sister got married to Jordan Alm.  Mason and I went down on Thursday to help her get ready for her big day.  Mason had a great time with her and he was quite the entertainer! He was sooo good the whole weekend.

Thursday we just hung out at Malinda's apartment.  My mom and dad also stopped by to see Mason. 

On Friday, we loaded up all the decorations and headed to the country club to set up for the rehersal supper/reception party.  The decorations were very pretty spring colors.  Unfortunately, I wanted to help out as much as possible so I left my camera in my purse the entire weekend so I don't have any photos to share at the moment.  Jodi Lansink took a TON of pictures and I can't wait to see them all.  After we got the country club all decorated, we had lunch at Subway and then I headed to the motel to get checked in.   Mason and I just rested for a few hours before Jason showed up.  Friday night was the rehersal at the church in Battle Creek.  We all headed over there and I got to wear my dress from Florida!  Rehersal went pretty smooth! 

After rehersal we went to the country club for the rehersal supper.  Supper was great! We had steak, potatoes, and beans.  Mason even liked some of it!  He was more interested in the bright green table cloth.  He attempted many times to pull it off the table.  After we had all ate, we finished the decorations for the reception and then we all headed home to get some rest for her big day!

Saturday was the BIG day! I had to attempt to do my own hair and after two tries, I ended up showering and we started over.  I love doing hair, just not my own! Luckily, one of the other bridesmaids was able to help me out and got my hair to look great!  After we got our hair and make up done we headed to the church for pictures and the ceremony.  The ceremony went great! No flaws and everything looked perfect. 

We used the trolley to be transported from one town to the next for the reception.  It was a fun ride and I can't wait to see the pictures.  Once we arrived at the country club, we all hopped on golf carts and went onto the golf course to take some pictures.  They will turn out so neat.  They had perfect weather and perfect colors for pictures! After the last of the pictures, we headed inside to get dinner and the dance going.

During dinner, we said our toasts.  The best man had a funny speech.  I just made up my speech as I went, I'm not so great at speeches.  Malinda's friend from school/bridesmaid gave a speech that made everyone cry! AND THEN, Malinda gave her speech and EVERYONE AND THEIR DOGS CRIED! It was such a great speech.  Unfortunately, they had already picked up our napkins from dinner so tears were rolling down my cheeks and make-up was not looking so hot!

After dinner we started the dance.  It got kind of crazy from there.  That was the first time I'd seen my dad and grandpa Ed groove so much!  They both got pretty low and were quite entertaining.  This was pretty much my first time 'out' since having Mason so I made sure to enjoy myself.  Jason always made sure there was a drink in my hand- I don't know what he was thinking!  I was clear to let him know that he would be taking care of Mason throughout the night :)  Grandma Diane took good care of Mason during the dance.  He snuggled right up to her and kept her nice and cozy.  Mason got passed around quite a bit during the night.  Sometimes I wasn't quite sure who had him, but I knew nobody could harm such a sweet little boy!

After hours of dancing, we helped my sister clean up the country club and then we headed to the motel for some sleep!  Sunday we went to my sisters apartment and watched her open gifts.  They got a lot of neat items, some that I'd never think to give! 

Jason, Mason, and I headed home after that to enjoy the rest of the weekend off.  Luckily, Monday was a holiday and Jason and I were able to relax a little bit before heading back to work on Tuesday. It was so great to be a part of my sister's wedding and I hope she had a great day! They just got back from their honeymoon and it sounds like they had a great time! 

Congratulations to the Alm's!!

Sorry for the lack of photos to post :(

An update on the Hanna's

I've really slacked at this blogging thing!  I can't seem to find enough hours in the day to get anything done, let alone blogging.  So here's a little update (I might have to break this up into a few blogs!)

Mason is almost 7 months already!  Time is flying by.  Everytime I'm holding him I think back to when he fit in just one arm.  It seems like just yesterday we brought him home and now he's already on his way to crawling.  I am still breastfeeding him-- even this surprises me!  It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it this far.  I keep thinking there's only a few more months left until I can reach my goal of one year.  Every time I think about quitting, I'm quickly reminded of how much formula costs these days.  Jason's been very supportive with the whole issue, which also makes it easier. So far, Mason hasn't really ever been sick other than a little constipation here and there. I'm not sure if it's linked to the breastfeeding or if we just got lucky. I DREAD the day he gets an ear ache and I'm hoping that teething is smooth sailing.  He doesn't have any teeth yet, but I know they're bound to come sooner or later!

Mason loves Grandma Simpson's banana cream pie!! Grandma better start making double!

Mason also started eating babyfood between 4-5 months.  He wasn't so sure of it at first and he definitely was not a fan of rice cereal and oatmeal. I don't blame him, I wouldn't eat that crap either!  He really loves his fruits and any vegetables that are not green.  Lately, he's been eating some table food from whatever Jason and I have made for supper.  We've found that he really likes spaghetti and flavored spaghetti noodles. He wasn't too sure of baked beans. Of course, just like his mom, he loves chocolate.  We don't give him much, but it's fun to watch his face when he does get some.  He's been learning to self feed himself by eating the Gerber cereal puffs and lil crunchy snacks.  We've also been practicing with the sippy cup.  He knows how it works, but I think our cups might be too big for him to hang onto at this point. 

Some of his favorite things to do include taking baths, going for walks, running around in his walker, eating, and watching the dogs run around outside.  Today, we might venture outside and play in the pool.  Jason set up our little pool yesterday and hopefully the water will warm up enough to let Mason play for awhile.

Oh- and we've got ourselves a little thumb sucker!

We've been very lucky to have quite the well-behaved little boy!  

A new blog, FINALLY

Well, I decided I better update everyone with a blog.  It's been a busy place around here.  Who would've guessed that time doesn't exist once you have a baby.  I'm only finding time to blog tonight because I've been blessed with a lovely sickness, which I'm hoping doesn't ruin my nice weekend off!  Not by choice, do I ever want to be up at 10:30-11p.m. any night!  We're pretty boring people and are usually in bed by 9pm every night.

I believe my last post was about Benjamin and Christmastime.  Here are a few pics from Mason at Christmastime.

This is Grandma with all the grandkids! Can you find Mason?!?

This was on Christmas Eve 2010

He got lots of books and toys for Christmas! Grandma Donna got him a lullaby book and CD. We listen to the CD everynight at bedtime!  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is definitely my favorite lullaby on the CD.

In January, Mason has his 2 month well baby check-up.  He got his first set of vaccines that day.  He did very well and had no complications. I was a little leary about shooting up my little man with all those vaccines at once.  I get a little leary about vaccines ever since we lost Benjamin.  In 2009, I got my flu shot for the very first time in my life and a week later Benjamin passed away.  The two have not been linked together, but as a loss parent the thought is always in my mind. I took some 2 month photos, but unfortunately haven't got them uploaded onto my laptop yet! 

Mason is now almost 3 months and is growing like a weed!  I keep looking back at his newborn pictures and how small he seemed.  I was afraid I was going to break him, not so much anymore!  He's such a little chunker.  When he got weighed a few weeks ago, he was 14.5lbs!  He's wearing a lot of 6 month clothing and 6-9month clothing.  I just boxed up two boxes last night of too small clothes.  How sad!  Here are a few photos of my chunky monkey:

Mason is still being breastfed and I'm quite surprised we've made it this far.  Everyone tells you how difficult it is, but it has turned out to be quite easy once you get past the first month or so.  I am so glad that we've saved a TON of money from not having to buy formula!  Mason eats like his daddy!  He usually won't go more than 3 hours without eating, with the exception of a few 4-6 hour stretches at night. 

It seems like there is never enough time anymore.  We get up, go to work, come home, make supper, and go back to bed.  Anytime we're not making supper, showering, etc., we're playing with Mason.  I'm eventually hoping to go part-time at work so I can be home more with Mason to watch him grow.  This would probably be something that would happen later on down the road.  I hate the fact of having to work and missing everything he does all day!

Well, I should probably try going back to bed.  I really hope I feel better by morning.  I went to bed early hoping I'd get some good sleep- that's not happening!

Many of you probably know that the March of Dimes walk is coming up soon and I am a team captain for the hospital again.  I will share all information I have regarding this.  I enjoy being part of a great organization like this and look forward to taking Mason on the walk with us this year! 

Ok- I MUST go back to bed.  I will try to find more time to blog later! 

Is there time in Heaven?

Well, it's Christmas time again.  I've once again waited until the last minute to do my shopping.  I really haven't felt the Christmas spirit this year, probably because I've been inside snuggling my little man every day!!  The other morning I woke up to feed Mason around 3a.m. and then couldn't fall back asleep.  I had sooo many things going through my mind.  I was trying to remember who I had to buy gifts for yet, how much laundry I needed to do, how I was going to find time to wrap presents, etc.  Then, of course, I started thinking about angels because Christmas reminds me of angels.  Then, in turn, angels remind me of my sweet little Benjamin and the questions started running through my mind.

It's amazing how one life event can make you start to question your faith and your image of Heaven.  So, as the title of my post states- Is there time in Heaven?  What happens when you go to Heaven?  Do you age in Heaven?  I guess these questions all relate back to Benjamin.  As I watch Mason grow each day, my image of Ben is that he's still a baby.  It's hard to imagine him growing up in Heaven, not knowing what he'd look like.  The book I received from the hospital when Benjamin died was titled "Mommy, Please Don't Cry". The book talks about how much fun they have in Heaven, about how they run and play, and how they have the best cake.  It talks about all these wonderful things that happen in Heaven.  It's a happy, but sad story and brings me to tears every time I read it.

After reading the book, it makes me wonder what Benjamin will be like when we go to Heaven.  Is he growing strong with all the other angels or does he remain a sweet little baby? That then makes me question about older people who go to Heaven.  If your 100 when you die, do you keep aging in Heaven?  How old can one person get.... or is there no time in Heaven, no aging?  The questions just keep going and going! 

I felt like I should blog about this, because I know some of my other loss friends can relate.  Also, other family and friends can probably relate to someone they have lost.  All the questions will go unanswered until it is our time. 

So as Christmas arrives, be sure to think of all your angels.  Be thankful for who you still have with you today and don't take things for granted.  Share special moments with those you love, and be sure to add an angel to your Christmas tree in memory of those we've lost.

OK, I better go before the tears start rolling!  I've got a lot of Christmas shopping yet to do tonight!

and.... to leave on a happy note-- Mason met Santa for the first time!!!

Our First Outing

Mason had is first outing on November 17th, 2010.  This outing was for his one week checkup at the doctor's office. We got him all bundled up and headed out.  He enjoyed the car ride.  This first doctor's appointment was just to check his weight.  Once we got into the exam room we had to strip him down to get him weighed.  His one week weight was 7lbs 13oz, a little under birth weight. 

After we got done at the doctor's office, we headed to Target to do some quick shopping.  Mason slept through that trip.  Once we got home he zonked out for a few hours.  We have our two week checkup this week on November 24th.  I'm hoping all goes well.  He's been eating like his dad, so he should have gained some more weight this week! If not, I guess we'll have to fill him up on turkey and stuffing at Thanksgiving!!

Mason has been such a great baby.  The last two nights he's only gotten up twice during the night.  We're starting to figure out a routine with the feeding and diaper changes.  Last night, we went and got newborn/family photos done!  I can't wait to get them back, they turned out pretty good.  Mason was great the entire time.  He stayed awake for all the photos and then fell asleep as we were picking out the ones we wanted.  He never cried the entire two hours we were there-- not even a little fuss....

We couldn't have asked for a better baby! He has been AMAZING.... and such a blessing!

Now- bring on the holidays!!!