Fetal Hope

There is an issue near and dear to my heart that I have not yet shared with you.  I just wasn't ready to.
I realize now though, that sharing my experience and the experience of so many who have dealt with any type of fetal syndrome can give a voice to a topic that is so unknown to many.
The best place for me to start is at the beginning....let me share...

Our Story
It all started almost 8 years ago in 2003.  The news of twins was surreal. We had been trying to get preggo but never expected this.  Twins don't run in our family. We were over the top with joy.  That joy was short lived.
Our Dr. detected an abnormality on an ultrasound when I was only 10 weeks along. Not sure what it was, if anything, she had me come back the next week for a better look.  I was quickly referred to a local fetal specialist who gave us an official diagnosis of TTTS with and an Acardiac Twin or twin to twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) syndrome.

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) affects 1 in 7 monochorionic (shared placenta, identical twins) pregnancies and, if left untreated, has a near 100% mortality rate.

An acardiac twin or Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) syndrome is an unusual form of TTTS. In these twins, one twin develops normally while the other twin fails to develop a heart as well as other body structures. The abnormal twin is called an acardiac twin. In these pregnancies, the umbilical cord from the acardiac twin branches directly from the umbilical cord of the normal twin. Blood flow to the acardiac twin comes from the normal twin which is also known as a pump twin. Without treatment, more than 50% of cases of TRAP will result in the death of the pump twin.

Because TRAP can sometimes be difficult to explain or read about, HERE is a link if you want to know more.

He then referred us to one of the top fetal specialists and surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Ruben Quintero in Tampa, Florida. We were the 80th diagnosed case. 
Thankfully, the diagnosis was made very early on in my pregnancy. At 24 weeks we flew to Tampa, FL to see Dr. Ruben Quintero for an umbilical cord occlusion.  At that point, the "pump" twin was almost 30% smaller than the acardiac twin.  Of course, we were given all of the scary statistics of what could go wrong.  They said there was only a 66% chance that either baby would make it and a greater chance of a neurologic injury during the in-utero surgery.
Honestly, I don't remember a lot of the details of the pregnancy I was pretty numb. I think I was emotionally detached because of fear of losing both babies. There was so little information or support regarding TTTS and TRAP. We were even advised 3 times to abort the pregnancy. 
I do remember every detail of meeting Dr. Quintero and his staff for the first time and remember feeling so much relief because they had so much knowledge about what I was going through.
I was awake during the surgery and through tv monitors and a camera inside the womb I was able to see both babies. It was amazing and bittersweet.
We lost Eugene Paul as soon as the surgery was completed.
After flying back home I was on strict bedrest and  monitored weekly with ultrasound.  At 29 weeks I had a rupture in the membrane which caused the amniotic fluid to leak.  I was put in the hospital on strict bedrest for almost 2 weeks.  At 31 weeks I developed an infection of the amniotic fluid and delivered via c-section.  I choose not to see Eugene Paul.  Sebastian Allen was born weighing a hefty 4lbs 8oz.  He only spent 1 week in the NICU.

He was perfect! Strong, healthy, and beautiful! Nothing like what I had imagined or what the Dr's had prepared me for.

Sebastian had a few cognitive delays and we had a therapist come to the house once a week for a couple months.  By his second b-day he had caught up and is now a happy, healthy, loving boy.

When we went through this there was little information for us.  Now, there are places like The Fetal Hope Foundation that educate and support families who are dealing with similar circumstances.  The donations that people make to the Fetal HopeFoundation go to not only raise awareness, but to help families with travel expenses and treatments.

Now, to the main point.....It took a while huh?

I am running the Rock n Roll Savannah Marathon on November 5th, to raise money for The Fetal Hope Foundation. My goal is to raise $1000.00 by November 5th. I would love it if you would support this cause as well.

Thank you for allowing me to share with you a piece of my heart.

God is good, all the time, even when our circumstances say otherwise.

Grace and peace,

3 Things and a giveaway winner!!

First off, I want to thank all of you (all 12 entries...what the heck) who entered the giveaway for the awesome Auria earphones!  And the winner is:

Rene' from the amherst shuffle

 Congratulations Rene'!!

Email me your mailing address and I will have them sent out asap! You are going to L.O.V.E. them!!

Thanks again to Auria for allowing me to try out their awesome product!

••••••••••••••••••

3 Things

"Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours."
- Les Brown

1.The Rock n Roll Savannah marathon is 15 weeks away. This is full marathon #2 for me. I'm feeling pretty good about my training so far....It's only been 2 weeks. But still.   We have a group of about 20 running. Half of the group that is running came out of the Fleet Feet No Boundaries class I help coach.  I could not be more proud.  When No Boundaries ended, they formed their own little running group and are training for the half together! That is what it is all about folks!! Spreading the love! The love of running. Encouraging each other. Building each other up. And helping others reach their goals.

2. Ultra Fuel: 

How do you carb up before a long run?  I have been experimenting with my pre long run nutrition and I think I found a little gem.....Ultra Fuel by Twin Labs is a powder that you mix in with 16ounces of water and take one to two days before a scheduled long run. For me, cowing down on pastas and breads, and whatever else I can shove into my mouth...just wasn't working.  I would feel heavy and lethargic half way through my long runs.  I tried this the day before my long run last Saturday along with my normal diet and felt better on my long run than I ever have! Seriously, twin labs isn't paying me to say this(though they could in the form of product...hint hint twin labs) ;)  I didn't feel heavy and even when I finished I felt I could keep going and I didn't fall into that post long run haze.

This is what Twin Labs says about Ultra Fuel:

The superior carbohydrate profile contains an advanced blend of 100 grams of high quality carbohydrates in the form of glucose polymers (the ultimate complex carb), plus important carbohydrate and energy metabolizers. Clinical studies show that a balanced ratio of complex and simple carbohydrates, like those found in Ultra Fuel, provides energy and enhances recovery, enabling participants to perform longer and produce greater output.

Now, I got the fruit punch flavor and I will admit I wanted to vomit....it literally tastes like crap.  However, I will eat anything....and I mean anything if I know it's going to benefit me.  I always wanted to do that Fear Factor show where they eat crazy bugs for a million dollars....I could totally do that!  Anyway, maybe next time I'll try the orange flavor but I have a feeling it won't be much different.

I was a little concerned about the calories, it's 400 calories per serving 4 scoops= 1 serving, but I figured it still beats shoveling spaghetti or lasagna into my mouth in the name of "carbo loading".

If you haven't tried it, I recommend it!

3. My kids say some of the craziest things!!  A couple days ago I had a conversation with my 3 year old that went like this:

Maddox: mom do pigs have boobs?

me: yah, I guess they do....mommy pigs have boobs. 

long pause .....

Maddox: momma do you have pig boobs?

WHAT!?

Me: ummm well, I  don't think so, I mean I didn't used to....

Seriously!?

this is probably an accurate description of what I looked like when the boys were little

My life would be so boring with out my boys!

I have something very special to share with you next time.  I will be running for a charity that is very near and dear to my heart....I'll share the details with you soon!

Thanks for stopping by today!!! Leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts are!

Happy Thursday!!

Grace and peace,

Marathon Training: Lessons I've Learned

    We have all been there...you train your mind & body for months to run the Marathon..dedicating hours upon hours running, cross training, eating properly, stretching...etc., then race day comes. You run your race with everything you have in you.  You finish strong and stay high on the endorphins and the joy of your accomplishment for the week(s) after the race.  Then you hit the low.  Maybe it's burn out, maybe it's lack of a clear post-race goal, or maybe you just don't have another race lined up to push your training.  Whatever the case is, we have all been there and getting back isn't always easy or fun.
 Here are a few things I have learned in my own marathon journey that have helped me stay on course.....or get back on course.;)

 INACTIVITY

 Your body starts to deteriorate when you are in an inactive state....I have learned that even aging does not cause the body to deteriorate quite as much as inactivity does.  When you are in motion your body does not deteriorate.  Getting back to running after a long hiatus is painful and not very enjoyable for most.  Whether you need to take a hiatus, have an injury, or are just in a running funk, find something to do that will keep you moving.  Join an aerobics class, ride your bike, or take a karate class.  If you have a leg/foot injury, swim, do ab routines on dvd, take the time to strengthen you upper body and core.
I found myself in a running funk early spring...I knew I had set my goals high this year(to attain the big BQ) but I was just having a hard time getting my booty in gear. What I really wanted to do was chill out and sit around with a bag of coconut toasted marshmallows(avoid these at all cost!!!! I'm pretty sure the devil himself invented them) Instead, I joined a fitness boot camp.  Something I knew would not just keep me active, but would keep me accountable and also benefit me when I got back to real training.  Something that would make my fitness foundation stronger.  We all know running does not just require legs and feet, you need strong legs, strong abs, a strong back.  Do something that will benefit you in your future runs.
Even if you aren't getting in the same mileage but you are staying active; when the time comes to start pounding out the miles again it will be much easier to get through those start up miles.  

I am once again in the start up miles of my marathon training.  This go around has been much easier for me.  I have had more "good" training runs then just ok training runs... last time I felt like I had a lot of "junk" miles...this time I feel like I'm training "on purpose".

Trial & Error
Another thing I have learned is the art of trial and error.  Just because Dr. so and so says it...or it's printed in some book, doesn't make it right for ME.  I have read a LOT of different material on how to properly train for a marathon and the one thing that is clear to me is that there is NO PROPER WAY to train for a marathon.  You have to figure out what works best for you and that comes through trial and error.  If A+B=C for an elite runner, than how come A+B doesn't =C for me?(well for one, I'm NOT an elite runner) but also because I am a completely different person with a completely different DNA make up!  For me, A+B might =P.A.I.N......so I had to figure it out.  I really struggled with this last go around. 
That is what your training period is for. Use your long runs to experiment with what hydration technique works best, pre-race meal, post run recovery, which gels you can stomach and which ones you can't...some of your training runs won't be pretty, but you will discover what works best for you. (*It is always good to know where the closest bathrooms are on a run or at least carry some tissue with you.;)

I'm not an elite runner and I have only run one full marathon so far, so maybe that disqualifies me from giving marathon advice to some.  What I am is a full-time, working, mother of 4, who loves to run and has put in the time to train. Many of you are in the same boat or maybe you're just climbing in...either way it's not easy and it's not always fun but it doesn't have to be confusing or overwhelming. 

Marathon training is rewarding. 

Crossing the finish line knowing that the months you have dedicated to the run has paid off, is very satisfying.

If you haven't already, don't forget to enter my giveaway! One reader will win a pair of Auria Earphones.  Giveaway end 7/18 you can enter HERE

Have a great day and Happy Running!!!!

Grace and peace,

 

Giveaway!!

Don't forget to get in on my AURIA Earphone Giveaway HERE ends 7/18/11!!!

Hope your week is off to an amazing start!!!

Grace and peace,

Auria Review and Giveaway

Finally the day you have all been waiting for!

Ok. Maybe you haven't been waiting for it. 

But I have been looking forward to it. 

A couple months ago, the amazing people over at Auria.com contacted me to try out one of their products.
When my hot pink and black Exceed Earphones arrived I was anxious to try them out.

 I admit I was a little apprehensive when I first saw them.  The earphones looked larger than I expected and  have had earphone issues in the past.
  I have a difficult time wearing earphones when I run for a few reasons:
1. I can't stand the wire bumping against me when I run
2. Ear sweat...ick. 
3. Most earphones hurt my tender, baby ears....

Let me tell you, ALL of my issues have been laid to rest!  

Let's address issue #1- Included in the box was a little clip that clips the earphone wire to your shirt, sleeve, shorts...whatever, but it keeps it in place.  There is no bumping it or pulling it...I love that.  I actually lost mine for a day and started to panic...I found it in the bottom of my cavernous purse.

Issue #2- You don't have to cram it all the way down into your ear canal. It sits loosely in your outer ear so it doesn't feel slimy.;)
What Auria says about the In-the-Ear vs. In Ear:
In most circumstances, it is useful to hear important ambient sounds around you during exercise, training, or working out. Our goal was to deliver high-quality audio while also permitting users to hear car horns, warning shouts or merely friendly banter from training partners.

The Xfit System holds speakers directly at the openings of ear canals without totally blocking all external sounds like in-ear styles. Our earphones strive to introduce music into the ear as naturally as possible. 

Issue #3- included in the pack was 4 different size "eco rings"(small, small-conical, medium, and large) so all I had to do was find which one was the best fit for my ear and VOILA!

Super comfortable! The first time I ran with these I kept expecting them to fall out of my ears because they didn't feel tight and uncomfortable.....they have never fallen out!  These are no foolin', no fussin', no pain, earphones!

A couple more bonuses....they have little personalizers that you can get to customize the outside of the earbuds.  Mine came with the pink running girl personalizers. Super Cute!

The In-Line Control: 

This little guy is auh-mazing.  This controls your volume so that you don't have to take your earphones out or rip your ipod off your arm everytime you need to adjust the volume or talk to someone.

Here's what Auria has to say about the Sleek In-Line Control:

Our finger touch slide control permits easy Volume adjustment. A textured Function button enables Music and Video control (Advance track, Restart track, and Go back one track), Pause and Answer/End call for the iPhone 4/3GS/3G and other iPods as applicable. An integrated Microphone can be used for hands-free calls and Voice control when connected to iPhone 4/3GS/3G and many other mobile phones. The control is slim and lightweight.

Listen:  If you are not happy with the earphones you are using, I highly recommend these!
And more good news to one blessed readers....the fantastic people at Auria want to bless one of you with a pair of your own!

There are several ways to enter this giveaway.

1.Become a follower of this blog or let me know in a comment if you already are.(1 entry)

2.  Follow Auria on Facebook! (Go HERE).  Leave a comment on their page saying that April at Mommy's Fit for the King sent you. Then come back here and tell me in a comment.(1 entry)
3. Go to Auria.com and tell what product you would like to try.(1 entry)
4.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter, and comment here to let me know.(1 entry for each place posted)

5. Add Mommy's Fit for the King to your blog roll(1 entry)

Remember to leave a comment for each way you enter, as each comment is an entry for the giveaway. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!

The giveaway will end 7/18/11 at 11:59p.m. and winner will be selected by random.org and announced on the 19th.

*Note: I was provided a free pair of Auria earphones to give a personal review. I was not compensated to give a particular opinion.*

Happy Commenting!!

Grace and peace,

43.4

That is how few miles I have run this month

1
that is how many blog posts I have posted this month

18
place out of 30 in the Splash n Dash Aquathlon on June 4th..slow swim but top female finisher in the run portion!

13
number baseball games I have sat through

90+
the temperature while watching said baseball games

4
races I wanted to do this month but couldn't fit in my schedule.

5
the number of days I spent laid up on Florida beaches last week

12
lbs. lost since Christmas

3
lbs. to race weight

19
weeks until Rock N Roll Marathon in Savannah GA... my first attempt at a BQ...it's probably time to start taking my training to another level.

Vacation mode.....over.


4
kiddos that I am absolutely in love with....would not trade a single moment with them!!!

I have a fantastic review and giveaway that you will L.♥.V.E...coming later this week!

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I appreciate your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,

Oops did I do that?

That is exactly how I felt this morning when I opened my email and read this:

Dear April,
Congratulations! You are now registered for Splash N' Dash Aquathlon......

 Really?
On a whim. I registered for an Aquathlon.  Absurd right?  1/4 mile swim?
The extent of my swimming for the last 15 years has been sitting at the edge of the ducky pool at our local water park watching kids play in the ankle deep water.  Can I swim? Sure. I was a lifeguard in high school....FIFTEEN YEARS AGO!!! It's got to be like riding a bike though right?  Except if you stop swimming you drown.:(
Did I mention the swim is an open water swim in the Tennessee River? Yucko! Have you seen the TN river? I'm not a fan of swimming in lakes, rivers, or streams unless you can see the bottom. In the Tennessee River you can't see your hand in front of your face.
So, not sure what I was thinking.  A running friend of mine encouraged me to sign up and told me it would be a great intro into the world of Tri's... she said I would have no problem finishing...this coming from a lady that does tri's on a regular basis.  Maybe I should have told her I haven't swam in years.
I'm panicking(can you tell?)
I don't even own a pair of goggles.  What do I wear? What do I put at the transition area?
It is a 1/4mile swim and a 5k run..
I would appreciate and advice on gear(goggles, apparel,etc) and tips on the swim.  For most of you this is just a "baby" swim, but for me it might as well be crossing the Atlantic!!  They provide the swim cap...I have never even put a swim cap on...this could be very, very, very entertaining.
Oh and BTW......the race is this Saturday.

Advice please?!

Grace and peace,