Totally on Purpose

Dear Mom,

What the heck? Where have you been? What's happening out there?

First off, there was a MAJOR invasion of my privacy about a week ago. What was all that business about?

And then later in the week I heard some strange noises and my neighbors in here were awfully fussy. Is there another kid in here or what? And what's up with the lack of roughage? Not a piece of broccoli or leafy green in days and days?

And you, Miss Endorphin Queen, have been slacking hugely. I can't remember the last time I got a contact high from your increased heart rate and healthy sweat. 

What in the world are you doing?? You haven't written in ages. This "ignored youngest child" thing is starting kind of early, don't you think?

Love,
Baby TOP


Dear Baby TOP,

I know I know I know I know I know! I'm so very sorry. It's been crazy around here. I promise I will address each of you concerns in turn.

First, the invasion of privacy was an ultrasound. We wanted to get a peek at how you were doing and check out your gender. You are a boy, by the way. (And you thought that things was just an extra, useless umbilical cord!) Now the battle begins to figure out what to call you. (Though some people - AL HILL - think it's a done deal...)

Okay. The noises. My best guess is that you heard my intestines and stomach and bowels going crazy. Your future-friend, Reid, had a stomach bug that he passed on to me. If you think things were ugly in there, you shoulda been out here! Here's how it all went down:

I was at Dad's opening night of Grease. Tommy, Elliott and T's friend were with me. The show was amazing but by the middle of the second act, I was really starting to think I was going to be sick. (But, I also assumed that I was being psychosomatic since I knew I was exposed to Reid.) Luckily, the boys and I made it home, I got them in bed and sleeping, and only THEN did the expulsion of all of my bodily contents begin. I bet it sounded crazy in there and I hope it wasn't too frightening. I can honestly say I have never, ever, ever been that sick. I spent most of the night in the bathroom, busy at both ends - if you'll pardon the phrase. It boggles my mind that I was able to have that much evacuation from in there. I spent all day Saturday either lying bed or on the couch. (Thank goodness for your accommodating Daddy and well behaved brothers!)

Now, Baby TOP, Mama has been through some tough stuff: marathons and road races of many lengths, natural child birth, week long vacations with extended family.... but I have never, ever ever felt as miserable as I did the day after the worst night of my life. It took every ounce of strength I had just to take a sip of water. I lost about 3 pounds from the whole ordeal. However... now I'm feeling great again and ready to tackle the world. Okay, not ready to eat broccoli, but mostly my diet is back to normal and I'm planning to enjoy Thanksgiving feasting to the fullest.

Regarding your lack of endorphin kick.... Well, my back is still killing me. I can't run. I tried yoga which felt awesome at the time but left me even worse off the next day. I took about a  mile walk with the boys yesterday which, while not impossible, was not definitely not comfortable. Thankfully I have an appointment with a Physical Therapist (or Physical Terrorist as Papa VanScoy would say) next week. I'm crossing my fingers that she will find a way to get me back on the road.

Okay, most get going. Off to Gungah's for Thanksgiving! Hope you forgive me for my silence.

I love you!
Mom