My Last Hours of 34

In less than an hour I will be 35 years old.
The last few years, birthday's have been less and less about the celebration and more about reflection. And with all that has happened this week, I can't help but to ask myself, 'Is this where I thought I'd be?'
To clarify, I have no regrets. I don't even like that word existing in my vocabulary. I really have none. That doesn't mean I am proud of every decision I have made in my life or would make the same choice if given a second chance. What it means is that I would not change a thing, for every decision I have made, good or bad, has made me the person I am today. I have fully accepted that with every decision, good or bad, I have come out of it a better person, even if having had to learn the hard way. I am a strong believer that every thing happens for a reason. Yes, maybe its a cop-out to better accept all the things that are unexplainable. But the alternative, to be bitter and resentful about how things turned out, is just unacceptable.
I love my life.
Although small, I have the most supportive family anyone could ask for. I have friends that make me laugh so hard it hurts. I am the proud aunty of the cutest little 2 year old in the whole world. And most of all, I am one of the lucky few that has found my soul mate. A man who loves me unconditionally.
I love my life.
So the week leading up to my 35th birthday started with a visit to the fertility clinic. After a year and a half of trying and 2 miscarriages this was our second fertility clinic visit as we were seeking a second opinion. In November, I was told my chances to conceive naturally are unlikely. IVF is our most hopeful option. Was I hoping this second opinion would tell me something different? Of course. But they didn't. However, they did in the kindest most professional, compassionate way possible explain why this was the case. And I guess most importantly, they helped me accept the fact that getting pregnant will come at a great cost - emotionally and financially.

Today, on the last day as a 34 year old, I inquired about adoption.  I have always been pro-adoption. Maybe so much so I sometimes think I wished a little too hard. Because International adoption ranges from $20,000- $60,000, we have not considered this (yet). Although free, through domestic adoption we must be willing to adopt an older child (+3yrs) and having either a slight-severe disability, physical or mental. And the process could take up to 2 years.

So, as of today, minutes before I turn 35, if I am to become a mother I am presented with 2 options:
IVF - cost: $10,000-$15,000 with a 50-60% success rate. However, it is quite a speedy process.
or
Domestic Adoption -  I miss out on ever experiencing being pregnant, giving birth, breast feeding, seeing our child blossom from birth. But it is free and we are guaranteed a child. A child in desperate need of a loving home.

I have no regrets.
For the first time in my life, the conclusions that I have come to this past year challenges the statement above.
I waited too long to have children. I missed my chance.

But like anything in life, there is no turning back the clock. I have hit this wall for a reason. I will be a mother. I just have to work a little harder at it. I never chose the easy route thus far. Why would I start now?

So back to my original question: 'Is this where I thought I'd be?'
It doesn't matter. It is where I am. Exactly where I should be.

Cindy is Smiling

Today, my best friend Cindy went to her first chemo treatment, with war paint on her face, her daughter's lucky unicorn in hand and a smile that never faded. 

After 30 years of friendship, she is teaching me more today then ever before.

I'm so tired when my alarm goes off, why did I go to bed so late?
Cindy is smiling.
I missed my streetcar and I now I have to stand in the rain,
Cindy is smiling.
There are no seats left so I have to stand the whole way to work,
Cindy is smiling.
There's so much bloody traffic and now I'm going to be late,
Cindy is smiling.
It's so busy today I have no time to take a break,
Cindy is smiling.
It took me over an hour to get home,
Cindy is smiling.
There's so many dishes in the sink and I still have laundry to do,
Cindy is smiling.
My hockey team lost the game,
Cindy is smiling.
There's nothing on tv,
Cindy is smiling.

Healthy Halloween Alternatives

I LOVE Halloween!! It's one of my favourite holidays. Being once a costume maker for Cirque du Soleil may have something to do with my love for dressing up in outrageous costumes. I also love getting spooked by all the ghosts, goblins and zombies however, there is one thing that scares me more than any of these and that is watching the kiddies gorge on all those sugar, chemical-filled 'treats'.

I know Halloween goes way back, and I do apologize, but I do not have the time to research how this crazed candy-giving tradition all started. However, what I did research are the effects sugar has on our bodies, especially little growing bodies.

 I have been reading many chat boards about candy giving on Halloween and unfortunately for most the 'well, it's only once a year' attitude is the opinion most parents share. But is that really so? Do parents really throw away all the candy the following day while their kids sit by and watch? I highly doubt it. And if that is so, then we can't ignore the enormous waste this holiday must carry. Really though, to avoid an argument, and because it 'really is once a year', kids snack on their candy stash for days, even weeks following. This is where the fun becomes a problem.

Ever wonder why flu season always coincides with this spooky holiday? Coincidence? Maybe. But I happen to think not. Research has shown that just 1 teaspoon of refined sugar can inhibit white blood cell production for up to 4 hours. In other words, your immune system takes a mini vacay every time you have a cookie. How many teaspoons of this sweet poison do you suppose your little ones consume on this 'kid-friendly' holiday and the days that follow? Now that's scary!!

I am not even a parent yet and I am already perplexed on how to handle this holiday once I have a little fairy princess or ninja turtle running around. I guess what it comes down to is not making these sweets a sought after item in the first place. If they don't have it in the home, mommy and daddy don't eat it and they have learned that this food is not good for them, the desire may seize to exist. That doesn't mean kids can't take part in Halloween though. It just means to shift the focus.

Here are a 5 healthy alternatives that make this holiday a little less scary.

1. Hand out toys: For the last few years, I have refused to hand out candy. Instead I buy stickers, hair elastics, bracelets, fake tattoos, colorful pencils and erasers. Despite my husbands' fear of us being egged by all the kids in the neighbourhood, this truly went over well. Kids were excited to actually see something different going into their pillow sacks. Plus, these items last way longer then any candy. Encourage your neighbours to do the same!

2. Hand out healthy treats: Unfortunately handing out baked goods and fresh fruit are a no go and we can thank a few psycho's for that one. But how about juice boxes, water bottles (keep those kids hydrated on their Halloween trek), pretzels, crackers, dried fruit or popcorn. All of these are far better options then what is usually found in the stash your kids bring home.

3. Have a visit from the Switch-Witch: This is a game I learned about from fellow parents. Once the child has had their fun and collected all those treats,  leave the bag out for the Switch-Witch to retrieve and in exchange she'll leave a gift or healthy treat to enjoy. Now what does the Switch-Witch (aka parents) do with all that candy? Although I don't think anyone should be consuming these sugar-loaded goods, a homeless shelter would be happy to take it off your hands.

4. The Halloween Candy Buy Back: Did you know that there are certain dentists that will buy your candy from you? They pay by the pound and often there are gifts for the kids rewarding them for supporting a healthy lifestyle. Some dentists will send the candy to our troops over seas or make a donation to a local charity. Check with your local dentist to see if they have a program as such in place.

5. Be the office hero: Again, I emphasize that I do not think candy is fit for anyone to eat. However, I have less of a problem when it comes to mature adults capable of making logical decisions for themselves. So after you play the Switch-Witch game, or with older kids you worked out some bribe with cash or not having to do chores, bring the candy to work. Whether I want to admit it or not, that candy will get eaten. And all your co-workers will love you for it. Everyone wins.

I'll be making these in my kids cooking class today!

Gluten-Free Stuffing - a Healthy Twist on a Family Favourite

Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Stuffing

Thanksgiving is a time to let lose and cheat a little on those diet restrictions you have stuck to so well all year. However, with all the drinks, sweets and hors d'ouvres, you may want to try to limit some of those faux pas' at the dinner table (especially if you are saving yourself for dessert;). 

Here is a wonderful healthy new idea for an old family tradition. Stuffing; a must have on the dinner table, minus the gluten and refined grains that we can all certainly do without.

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 Tbsp butter (olive oil for vegans)
• 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped
• 1 apple, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 Tbsp fresh sage
• 2 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

1.       Rinse the quinoa and put in a saucepan. Cover with water. Bring to the boil and  

     cook for about 15 minutes or until the grain is soft. Drain.

2.       While quinoa is cooking, fry the onions in the butter until soft.

3.       Add the celery and walnuts and continue cooking for 5 minutes.

4.       Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl.

5.       Use to stuff the neck cavity of the turkey. For vegans/vegetarians - keep in separate 

     casserole dish and cook for 30-40 minutes at 325 degrees F.

Raspberry Maple Compote

With only a few raspberries left on the market shelves, I thought I would quickly post this recipe for the few of you that are lucky to still find these tasty berries. If you're not so lucky, remember, it is peach season;)

Raspberry Maple Syrup Compote

2 cups raspberries (or peaches, skin on and chopped)

1/4 cup of maple syrup

1 tbsp of lemon zest

1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice

1 tsp cinnamon

1. Place berries, maple syrup and cinnamon in a saucepan and cook over medium

    heat. Reduce heat and simmer until berries are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. 

2. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and lemon zest. 

3. Let it cool down.

4. Serve with your favourite yogurt and sprinkle some delicious granola on top!

I Lost and It Hurts

The miracle of life is, well, exactly that - a miracle. With baby bump’s and strollers everywhere you look, we forget about what incredible forces had to align in order for that little being, or any of us for that matter, to exist. What most of us don’t realize is the trouble that couple may have had before their life became consumed with bottles and diapers.

1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Which means, we all know several woman that has had at least one. However, she may have never told you about it. For some reason miscarriage is a taboo and hardly spoken of. But I can’t figure out why.

What I do know is losing a baby is tragic. The pain is real and grief is felt. I know this because it happened to me.

So I’m talking about it.

My baby made it to 8 ½ weeks. It was a Thursday morning, what would’ve been officially 9 weeks when the doctor gave us the news that there was no longer a heartbeat. We tried to prepare ourselves for this terrible news. It is not as if we didn’t have warning. The problems started 4 weeks prior when I began spotting.

After only 5 days of finding out the happiest news ever, my happiness was replaced with worry. But after several trips to emergency I was sent home and congratulated on what appeared to be a perfectly normal pregnancy! I was allowed to get excited again. We were so relieved and although hesitant, began to tell our family.

It is amazing how quickly you can get attached to this baby growing inside you. Although physically it never grew past the size of my baby toe, the idea of him or her was already consuming my life. I imagined holding her, watching him take his first steps, seeing her on her grandfather’s knee, meeting his cousin. We even talked about names.  My brother even sent me home with my nephews’ old stroller and car seat. Items that are now at the back of my closet and will eventually need to let go of. I will need to let go of it all.

Although I was given the clear, my family doctor wanted to continue to run tests, just for reassurance. So in 3 weeks I went for 9 ultrasounds! And because it was too early to see anything externally, I always had to have trans vaginal exams. But ultrasound technicians are not allowed to share any information with you, so often I would go days with out hearing any news on how my baby was progressing. Meanwhile, I did have to move forward and start to make plans for the birth. I began to meet with midwives. This process made the experience even more real. Meeting with the woman who would delivery my baby, the one who would help bring my baby into the world for the first time – it was all so exciting!

Little did I know I would be calling them a few weeks later to tell them I would no longer be needing their services. 

After probably my 6th ultrasound, my doctor called me at work asking me to get to the hospital as soon as possible. She was concerned as the baby was smaller than it should be and still at 7 weeks we hadn’t heard a heart beat.

Instead of panicking, I finished my shift without telling anyone what was going on and slowly made my way to the hospital. Was I stalling, bracing for bad news? Maybe. Or maybe just exhausted from this emotional rollercoaster I was on for the past 3 weeks and just really wanted to get off.

After more tests, a heartbeat was confirmed. But I knew better than to get too excited as a ‘but’ was sure to follow. And it did. The heartbeat was at 66 when it should’ve been above 120b/m. Not a good sign. However, the doctor did say that it could just have been a dip in activity at the time recorded. So I returned the next day to see if the heartbeat was higher. It was 62b/m. The doctor sent me home and told me to prepare for the worst.

Of course during this time, it seemed that every woman that I encountered either had a beautiful baby bump or was pushing a stroller with a happy, healthy toddler in it. Trying to adjust to my new reality was proving very hard. What was even more difficult was trying to function normally while knowing I had a dead fetus inside me.  Because I did not miscarry on my own, I had to make a decision. I could either wait it out, which could’ve taken weeks, maybe even months. I could've taken Misoprostol, pills that I insert into my vagina that will slowly start to dilate my cervix, forcing me to miscarry. After much research and hearing this could also take days to weeks and is often quite painful, I decided to do a D&C (dilatation & curettage).  This is the same procedure as an abortion. And because I could not wait any longer, I actually decided to go to an abortion clinic to have this done.

Although I feared the possible judgment and wrongful assumptions from other fellow patients, the experience was a pleasant one, considering. The nurses were empathetic and so were the other patients. I was consciously sedated and did not experience much pain. Cramping endured a week, but diminished each day. Unfortunately the emotional pain is lingering.

As I began to share my experience with other women, I was amazed to learn about just how many women in my life have also miscarried at some point or another. Although each story different, the pain each one shared was clear as day. Why had they not told me about this before? Why do so many women feel they must deal with this on their own? Before experiencing this myself, I never thought miscarriage was that a big of a deal. How attached could you really get to something you never met any way? Well, I now unfortunately know the answer to that. I thought about keeping my experience to myself and certainly not blogging about it. Just dealing with it as best I could. However, it bothers me that for whatever reason, women do not feel like their pain from miscarriage is justifiable. That they shouldn't take time to grieve and just 'get over it'. That their loss doesn't really classify as a loss. For all you women, all 35% of you, this post is for you. Your loss is real.

It has only been 2 weeks since I miscarried. And although the wound is still very fresh, each day becomes easier. I am learning how to better cope with the idea that I will have to wait a little longer to become a mother. Each day the grief of the baby I lost lessens. It is from the support from friends and family and my husband Steve that the idea of being hopeful again seems possible. Just last night when sharing my story among friends that I was given a new insight, a new way to look at my experience.  My very good friend told me to not think about my miscarriage as losing my baby, a life that will never be or a child that will never live. She said all that happened was your baby just wasn’t able to hold on tight enough this time around. The body that acts as the carrier for its soul just wasn’t built right this time. My baby still exists and will still be. She’s just waiting for the right vessel.

So am I.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother’s 59^th birthday.

She would hate that I told you all that. That she’d be almost 60. But if Mom knew this would be the 7^th birthday she never got to celebrate, maybe she would feel different about it. I am sure she would embrace getting older instead of resenting it like she had so many times. There are a lot of things I am sure Mom would have done differently if she knew her life would be ending at the young age of 52. But then again, wouldn’t we all if we actually knew how much time we had left.

I still can’t help thinking though, how much would Mom have changed from her life. How much would she have liked to do over, if she had the chance? Of course, I want to say nothing, that her life was lived exactly the way she had wanted and hoped for. But I’m doubtful that was the case.

Born in 1954, she grew up l ike most kids in the city (Montreal). She became THE biggest Beatles fan in her early teens and THE biggest hippie in her late teens with a wardrobe I still fantasize about today. When I reflect back on her whole life, although I didn’t know her then, her late teens were probably the only time she really lived. No, not just because she did drugs, listened to White Rabbit and Janis Joplin and attempted hitchhiking to Woodstock. But because she lived like most teens do. Mom for once lived for her self.

Mom got married at 19 to my Dad, the boy next door (only in the fact that he actually lived next door) who she had known all her life. They moved to the burbs where she took the title of Housewife and had both Jason & I by the time she was 25. They owned one car, which my dad took on his long work road trips, so we walked everywhere! Even though I was only about 4 years old, I can still remember walking the 12 blocks to the grocery store and then back again every week. Then walking about the same amount to Zellers, where we’d get school supplies and a new outfit for the first day. For me, these were happy times. How were they for Mom?

Mom never took a day off. NEVER. Every morning she would make the 2 of us breakfast, have our clothes laid out, have our lunches packed, walk us to the bus stop, feed the dog, do the laundry, clean the house, do the shopping and make dinner. Everyday. Having little money, it was a big deal to eat out. A birthday or anniversary was the only viable excuse for spending that extra money. And ordering pizza was a celebration, one that came only a few times per year.  Jay & I used to think pizza night was a gift to us. Little did we know it was for Mom as she was actually able to take the night off. She would still set the table, serve everyone, clean the dishes and get us washed up for bed mind you, but at least she didn’t have to cook. That must have been nice. Were these happy times for her?

When I was 12 and finally able to take notice, I did realize Mom wasn’t so happy. After 18 years of marriage, she told my Dad she was not in love him anymore. He was always on the road and her kids needed their friends more then they needed her. At 38 years old, Mom woke up and realized she no longer had a place. Were these happy times for her?

Mom bought a little house with her Mom on the other side of town. Being a housewife for the past 16 years, Mom had a lot of trouble finding a job. She went on Social Assistance and cleaned houses until her fingers literally bled in order to pay the bills. An apartment would’ve been more affordable but she wanted Jay and I to have a house and a yard.  Were these happy times?

Mom had trouble finding love after Dad. She seemed to meet one poor mate after the other for the first few years. Then settling down with a man poorer than she. But he treated her kindly. Was she happy then?

In 1996, at the age of 42, she found the lump. Although the size of a ping pong, this lump had the ability to shape the rest of Mom’s future. Mom had a lumpectomy with rounds of chemo and radiation. The standard for a typical Stage 2 breast cancer patient. What wasn’t typical was that she would go to her chemo treatments and then go to work afterwards. Mom never acted sick. Was that for us or did she really not feel sick?  She hardly lost any hair; I don’t even think you would take notice that she had cancer if you didn’t know. So with out any doubt, she beat the cancer and was in remission. Were these happy times?

Her relationship failed soon after that and it seemed she was back on the market for men that treated her poorly. And although she did get hurt in the end, was she happy in between?

Her cancer came back in 2002 with a vengeance. They found 5 tumors on the spine and gave her a life sentence of 18 months. Mom, although she didn’t often show it, was a true Taurus and was not about to sit back and die. She fought. She had to stop working her office job, as she was required to be at the hospital daily. She came to know hospital staff and fellow patients by name. And although this time lost all her hair, we made wig shopping a fun girls date, laughing at all the ridiculous hairstyles. After a year and a half of taking on what ever drugs the doctors threw at her, Mom was doing well.  Not cancer-free but the tumors were gone and she had surpassed her alleged death-sentence. Were these happy times?

Mom ended up meeting a man. A hard working, family oriented, loving man. And although Mom was far from her prime, he loved her. And she loved him. Were these happy times?

The cancer stayed away, or at least dormant, for 13 months. But Mom then grew immune to the medication she was on and it was no longer affective. Mom again tried anything the doctors suggested but the cancer was starting to spread. On March 7, 2006 the doctors told her there was nothing else they could do. The next day her mom died. These were definitely not happy times.

Mom still fought while she grieved. She turned to some alternative treatments however, it seemed too far along. Water was filling her lungs and she would continually need them drained. You would think she was bed-ridden and knocking on death’s door. Well, unfortunately for you, you never got to meet my mom.

My brother got married in August and my mother made sure she would be there. Not only was she there and looking radiant in her turquoise chiffon dress, she burned a hole in the dance floor!! There wasn’t a song she sat out. These were happy times.

It was October 31. I had spent the night at the hospital on a cot at the foot of Mom’s bed. Mom was on oxygen full time now. It was early, before everyone got there that Mom turned to me and asked without any tears “am I dying?”

Unsuccessful at fighting back my own, I replied “yes. Not right now, but soon.”

Mom said okay.

As everyone arrived that day, Mom asked to speak with each one privately to say her goodbyes. All of her family, even her Dad from Ottawa and her brother Mike all the way from Vancouver, were by her side that day. And those that couldn’t make it, she made time to call. After she had spoken to everyone, it was late and she was exhausted. She said she wanted to go to bed. Mom never woke up the next day. Her body held on until mid-afternoon with again all of her family by her side. The time growing and growing between each breath leaving us without our own until she breathed again. Longing for that sign that let us know we were not yet alone but so saddened by the struggle she had to go through for our comfort.  It was only once we told her we we're okay, that she could go because we would all be okay, the time between her breathes became infinite.

Death is of course seen as a sad event. Probably the saddest. However, can there not be happy times in death? I mean, if we were able to die the way we wanted, would that not be a good thing? Having the time to share your thoughts which each of your loved ones and tell them all that you love them deeply. Knowing so many of us will never have this opportunity, wouldn’t that be a happy time?

On Mom’s 59^th birthday, reflecting on the life she lived, I am saddened that things didn’t always go her way. I am saddened that she had only been on a plane 3 times and her idea of a vacation was taking me to my soccer tournament in Ottawa. I am saddened that she had so much heartache from all those men and am saddened that her favorite place to shop was the thrift store. It may not have been the life she always wanted but that is why I take comfort in her death, knowing it happened exactly the way she would’ve liked.