more update

What happened to my foot? I guess I haven't given the update because I have been a bit busy this week...

I went to the Orthopedic doctor this week and he confirmed that I did not have a fracture in my foot and that it was a tendon issue (not sure what the proper name is).

The doc was muttering all kinds of technical anatomical terms when looking at my foot. Hmm...not sure what all that means, but can I run?

He said that I had to start with one lap. Then maybe the next day I can run another, all the while assessing the strain on my foot. 2 miles is a lot, he said. I asked if I can still get to running the 1/2 marathon. He said probably not. OK...but he was wavering on his answer.

Well the next day my friends were running in the morning and I felt good. I thought I would just join them and see how it went. I ran the full run with them...about 4 miles and my foot was good! Not as it was before, but I think it just needs time to heal.

So...I am disobeying docs orders and going for it. I have nothing to lose but to be in the same spot I started with, so why not try?

In other news, my parents came and visited for the week...them my Titi Lugu and Uncle Joe arrived with Kiersten for a couple of days. We had a lot of fun and we wished they would have stayed with us longer, but we will take what we can get!

Our visit included a trip out on the boat cruising downtown and eating at Calhoun's. I love their ribs (sorry, only in TN)! The first picture is Titi, Mom and Sam at the top of the boat.

Mom and I (mom was the brains behind the operation) also worked on sewing a purse from a pattern that I found. It is an Amy Butler pattern and I used her fabric - so cute! I can't wait to try it on my own...it will take much longer than the 2 days we took together.

I will check in soon and hopefully be sharing what I hope will turn out to be a productive week. I am going solo this week and I can focus on getting some things finished - I hope!

hugs,
ariana

oh my...

There is much to update on, but I HAVE to quickly share this with you!

You have to see Sam on Christy's Blog.

Isn't she AMAZING???

Isn't he the sweetest subject? (remember my disclaimer that I am biased because I am his mom)

mmm...rice

Sam has reached a new milestone - rice cereal!

We gave him some cereal for dinner and, if you can't tell, he really loved it. I knew that he would be ready to eat with no problem.

My mom and dad were here for the event, so it was nice to share the exciting moment - and of course have more hands around for picture time. ;)

Happy Monday,
ariana

update

Well, I spent yesterday morning at the Radiologist's office and was able to convice the tech to give me the news of whether or not there is a fracture in my foot.

The great news is that he and the Radiologist did not see a fracture in my foot...still need to go back to the Orthopedic on Monday to get a treatment plan...

I am hoping that I can be running soon - I will let you know!

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers,
ariana

feet

You know you live in the age of information when you can find out about a friend's health on their blog over the internet. So, for those who have asked or will ask when they see me, here is my synopsis!

Christy and I are training for the Chicago Half Marathon on September 9th. We went for a long run on Saturday - 9.5 miles. My foot hurt a bit after a previous run and then at about 5 miles on Saturday I had a good pain on the side of my left foot. I managed to get through the run, but it has been irritated since. I have iced and taken ibuprofin, but still some pain (though less now then on Saturday).

I went to the Orthopedic doctor yesterday and they took an x-ray and couldn't see anything. He said it could be a small fracture that they can't see in the x-ray or it could be tendonitis. I asked what's the fastest way to figure out a treatment or to know what it is so I can continue training and he said that they could inject me with some dye and then take an x-ray. The dye would highlight a fracture if there is one. So...on Friday I am going to get injected with dye and then go back 2 hours later for an x-ray. Then I will know on Monday when I see the Ortho again. Sigh.

Monday I also went to the Dermotologist so she could check out a couple of things that I have been putting off. One of them was a discoloration or staining on my right toe. She couldn't figure out what it is, so she took a biopsy and sent it out to the Pathologist. I will get my report on Monday - she said it might be a vascular thing. So I have a stich on my right toe. No big deal...

So I will know more about what's going on with my feet on Monday. In the mean time I will be walking around in my hot wooden shoe that I got from the ortho the other day. I look like I have been in an accident or something, but it's a good reminder that I am not invincible! Ha.

did you think i was kidding?

I ate 5 yesterday if you include the smooshed tester cupcake.

a happy half and a whole!

Happy Birthday to my baby sister, Marissa and a Happy 1/2 Birthday to my little Samuel!

Marissa's birthday was yesterday and she has been at Camp Awana for the last few weeks, so it was fun to catch up with her briefly. :) Posted above is the card that I made for her...inspired by another blogger whose cards I love.

Sam's been here for 6 months today and that is also noteworthy! He's been so fun to have around - definitely a blessing.

With all these birthdays I think that cupcakes are definitely necessary. Yes, I know. Neither birthday stars can participate. But I will take one for the team and eat a cupcake in honor of them. ;)

hugs,
ariana

he didn't like it...

Sam is going to take professional shots with Christy this week and I am hoping to capture some pictures with him outside in the grass - most of his shots have been inside since he was born in January. ;)

Yesterday I took him out in the yard to sit in the grass and play with him and I must say that he didn't like the feeling. His face was really unsure - he didn't cry though!

Maybe it's because our grass is dry and prickly...Hopefully we will find better grass at the UT Gardens!

Happy Monday,
ariana

happy day of rest...

I wanted to share a digital page that I put together of Sam...As you can see I keep myself busy with a variety of activities! I think it's my way of keeping myself challenged since I don't go to the office every day. ;)

Don't you just love that crazy face? Sometimes I see pictures of Sam and they truly capture the moments we have together. This is one of them...just that happy curiosity.

Oh - and hopefully everything will be fine, but I had a long run yesterday and I think I hurt my foot. I am limping a bit and hoping that it will go away...positive thinking. Really. All I am thinking is that I hope this doesn't affect my progress for the Chicago Half Marathon. Ooh. I don't even want to entertain the thought. Pray that it will go away! (the pain)

happy day,
ariana

oh - and one more...

of Baby Sam.

happy friday!

Still hanging out this week...

Here is a simple card that I made for thank yous that are overdue. ;)

the rest of the day

I would call today a success in terms of just going with the flow. I was able to get Sam's laundry done, paint and just hang out with my little man. Plus, he's fed and mostly clean - sometimes that's an accomplishment!

I must say that he is getting wild! I guess it's the boy in him... Sam was laughing at me while I was shaking out his clothes while I folded the laundry and just cracking up at Simba laying on the floor near him - so sweet.

The painting is still in progress and I plan to put it up in the dining room...I will share that soon.

In the mean time, here are some shots of Sam from the day.

hugs,
ariana

nothing to do...sort of

The spouse is gone...the guests are gone...it's a gloomy day and there is nothing to do. Hip, Hip, Hooray! No offense towards the guests and spouse, but it is nice to have NOTHING on my agenda!
Of course, that is all relative. There is laundry, cleaning, creative things...just having the ability to switch gears as I please is nice!

I also wanted to take the chance to share my nursing blanket with you. I have survived 6 months without it, but I am excited to have it now. My sister in law, Joy has one and I really liked it. She told me that I could make one myself and Titi Elaina helped me through it - Thanks, Elaina!!!

The ribbons tie around your neck and keep the blanket in place when you are nursing in public. There is boning in the center that sort of pops the blanket out so you can see the baby while he/she is nursing.

Everyone has different opinions about nursing in public, but this blanket allows me to stay on the go while keeping Samuel fed and keeps me and others around me comfortable - Win Win!

Plus, it's cute. ;)

Have a great day!

thunder thighs...

While many people would hesitate to post a picture of such voluptuous thighs, I did not hesitate to show you what Mr. Samuel has accumulated over the 6 months of his life so far!

We had lunch downtown today at the Tomato Head in Market Square. After lunch Sam wanted to check out the water fountains in the plaza and so I let him step in the water and indulge his feet and hands in the sparkly bubbles that caught his eye.

Isn't he just the cutest thing you have ever seen!?!? I know...I am biased. I am his mom. But still...

sleep

Yesterday we went to Cade's Cove at the Smokey Mountains National Park, had breakfast and hiked a 5 mile round trip to Abram's Falls. It was a great workout and we were really glad thatwe did it!

Panera Bread bagels was the breakfast of champions for us and I branched out and tried a dutch apple bagel with cream cheese...mmm! Now my new favorite because it tastes like a cheese danish and if you know anything about me I have a weakness for pastries, donuts, cakes, cookies....a candy bar? Not really. I can pass that up. But I digress...

The good news is that I was able to sleep in this morning. I fed Sam at 7 and then put him back in his crib to hang out or sleep. Not quite sure what he did, but when I got him at 10 he was happy as a lark. I love that guy!

On the creative front, here is a card that I made for a friend that I have been thinking about lately...I hope she enjoys it. Don't you love that stamp? I got it on sale at Stampology in Chicago - it's my favorite stamping boutique. ;)

Happy Saturday!

Some Cards

Matt's sister Becca and her husband Matt Kubo came into town this weekend and we were able to celebrate his birthday on Tuesday...while I don't have pictures of the actual birthday party, I do have a picture of the card that I created for him!

Rewind...

I wanted to share some pictures of us out on the lake a couple of weekends ago. Matt, Sam, Rachel and I went out on a big boat for a trip to downtown Knoxville, lunch and some time at Market Square.

We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the comfort of cruising on such a luxurious boat!

Sam hammed it up for the camera, of course. :) There are more pics and cards to share soon...

Thanks for checking in and have a wonderful day whatever you are up to!

The Gang's All Here...

I have been busy hanging out with the Guilford family since Thursday. Matt's Aunt "Titi Elaina" and Sara are here staying with us.

We have been quite busy...Saturday we went out to the fireworks show in Fort Loudon, Sunday we went to church and a Smokies game and yesterday we went to Gatliburg. Phew.

Today is a day of rest and Elaina, Grandma, Sam and I are hanging out at my home. I will be in touch with some more fun pics...