Musings of a Marfan Mom

September 17, 2008
by marfmom
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My next adventure

OK, so this marks my third adventure. First I’ve been working on cross-stitching, though it’s coming along very slowly (I actually started this bib in January with the intention of giving it to someone else but now it will be for our baby…). Second was making the jam/canning. Third? Exercise!

Now, before you scoff, hear me out. Having Marfan syndrome does make exercise more difficult. I used to be on the high school swim team (well, in a modified version of course), and walk a few miles a day just getting around Case’s campus. But, my breathing problems associated with the disorder have gotten progressively worse, making it too difficult to do many things. Now, with a pulmanology appointment on Friday, I am optimistic for the first time in a long time. I think that with an inhaler and breathing PT I will be able to do some of the basic things I’d taken for granted, like stand up to fold laundry at the laundromat. I am really, really feeling good about this 🙂

So, I decided to get back into walking for as long as I’m able. I found a willing partner in Sarah M. from church. Starting Monday we’ll meet at 8 AM walk for 30-60 minutes a few times a week. This is probably a little ambitious, but that’s the whole point of a goal right? To push yourself? Tonight I went out and bought walking pants that actually are LONG enough (who knew Target had long exercise pants?) and seem to accommodate my growing belly. Now all of you can help hold me accountable to my goal. I’m not trying to lose weight, but I know exercise is important for a healthy pregnancy and I think I’ll just feel better in general being able to do more.

September 14, 2008
by marfmom
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Canning!

I know you have all been waiting on the edge of your seats to hear about my foray into canning. (Just kidding.) Well, I had a lot of fun, but that was mostly from socializing. 0:-) I have to give most of the credit to the 4 quarts of my peaches that were canned to the lovely Lonica. She sterilized the glasses, cut up the peaches, stuffed some of the jars, and then put the jars into the special sealer thing. I worked on taking the skins of peaches and filled some of Lonica’s jars. Oh and Lonica and Beth also created the sauce (?) that goes in with the peaches. But, I loved hearing book recommendations from Lonica and Barbara, listening about Barbara’s adoption story of her daughter, and trading stories with Beth. Beth and Barbara’s kids are too cute! Although I don’t think canning is really up my alley, good company makes anything enjoyable and it was a perfect way to pass the afternoon!

I think next week I am going to make some more jam with Beth 🙂 Also, the four of us were talking about doing a Brasilian dinner some night soon. I love Brasilian cooking and I’m more than happy to teach anyone who wants to know. So, if you are interested in joining us for our little cooking party, leave a comment!