The streak is complete!

Did you think I gave up that close to the end?  Think not!  With family in town I didn't have the chance to update the blog the last few days of May - but I did it!  And I plan to continue this active streak for the rest of the year. 

So, what have I learned?

• I need to accept limitations.  Everyone has them - I do (as in - don't run EVERY DAY) and Evie does too.  It's not a sign of weakness or something that needs to be fixed - it is what it is.

• BELIEVE.  I know I said everyone has limitations, but you can get a lot more done than you could ever imagine if you believe it.  The power of positive thinking....

• Alone time makes you stronger.  My mind felt clear and I felt empowered with just that thirty minutes of "me" time.  I will not feel guilty about it any more.

• Love is the most powerful thing in the world.  I love my daughters with all of my heart - in a way I couldn't have explained to you four years ago, and I will do anything in my power for them. 

• God chose me to be Evie's mom.  I don't know why, but I am so, so glad he did. 

• And, finally, Evie is going to do big things.  I know every parent says things like that - as they should - but I have seen big things already.  She loves a challenge....

Butterfly on her shoulder...

Thanks for following me on this journey and I think I might just continue this little blog to talk about my experiences raising Evie.  This has been therapeutic in a way.

If you feel inclined, share the story of Evie and pediatric stroke with someone today.  And... who wants to streak with me next May?!?

~Jana

Day 26

What a day!!!  Work was... well.... it wasn't fun - I'll say that. 

I got my sit ups in after Delaney went down for the night - couldn't do many push-ups - the arms are burning, which is a good thing.  Is it just me or is the instant side effect to having a child getting fat arms?!?  Why the arms?  I find myself avoiding anything sleeveless with these chubby arms I have right now... argh!

We have been having trouble with Evie and headaches lately.  She has complained at least one day a week for the past month.  Are they real?  How do you tell?  For right now we are keeping track of the days and times and making her lay down immediately when she complains (sometimes that will cure them instantly :)), but it does concern me quite a bit.  We probably need to get a referral to a new neurologist - one that specializes in kids like her.... 

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.  Only four more days left in the streak!!

~Jana

Day 25...

My streak is suffering due to a crazy work schedule.  Didn't get home until 11 pm tonight so there was no running for me - and I had to rush to even get my sit-ups and push-ups in before the clock hit midnight!! 

I actually feel awesome right now it is merely the work schedule that is keeping me from getting out there.  I can't seem to drag myself out of bed in time to run in the morning when I am up half the night working...  If I can just get to Saturday it should all settle down... at least for awhile...

The struggles of being a working mom are crazy and I am feeling it even more right now.  The only reason why I saw Delaney tonight was because she woke up for a bottle - I didn't see Evie at all...  I feel robbed after nights like that - but I will make up for it in the morning with some quiet snuggle time with both of them - I can't wait for this weekend!!!

How is everyone else's streak going?!?  We are in the home strech - less than week left. 

~Jana

Day 24

Had a work function that kept me out late so I had to settle for some sit-ups and push ups.  Man! I am weak!  You would think lugging a little on around all the time (and I mean ALL the time these days - she won't let me put her down) I would be a little stronger...  I have to get this body back into shape!

We got a note in the mail today from Evie's preschool teacher and I wanted to share what she had to say about Evie:  "It has been such a privilege getting to know you these last few months.  Your love of life and determination have been an inspiration to all of us..."

That pretty much describes her - despite her challenges and struggles she really does truly love life. 

This morning we went through everyone coming to town this weekend and she concluded by saying "I want all of these characters to watch me ride my bike."  She was right - they are a bunch of characters, but we are so glad they will be on their way shortly. 

~Jana

Day 23

I'm back!!! Slowly but surely I jogged for thirty minutes tonight!  I am very pleased to be back out there and I hope to continue for the next eight days.

I am trying to get a lot done at work this week as we are having LOTS of family in this weekend for Delaney's baptism.  It will be so nice to see family.  It is difficult to be so far away from everyone and there are days I feel like we should pack up and head closer...

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

~Jana

Day 22...

We did a lot of yard work today - planting flowers and hanging planters.  I also did 20 push ups and 20 sit ups.  Thought I might get to run today, but I really don't want to push it.  One more day of rest on the joints I think.

Evie pointed with her right hand today to show me something without being promtped!  Sounds small, but its a big deal to us!!!

~Jana

Day 21...

It was actually a beautiful day today! Nice change from all the rain - although I hear more is coming.  Evie and I went out for a long bike ride/walk.  We are working on learning to pedal her bike.  I have to get her going with my hands, but she can do it pretty well! 

Running may happen tomorrow... the knees are feeling almost normal! :)

~Jana

Day 20...

Stretched with Delaney tonight.  She is very flexible as you can imagine! :)

I'm a little disappointed in myself, but once I get feeling back to normal I am going to run again!

~Jana

Day 19

Stretched again tonight. Planning to walk tomorrow night and Saturday and hopefully run on Sunday.

Tonight was rough. Evie was very emotional about her night brace. Saying she was scared and that she didn't want to wear it. Normal kid stuff. But then she did what I have been dreading. She asked me "why?". Why does she have to wear a brace. Wow. I am hardly ever at a loss for words but I didn't know what to say. She is only three so there is no need for details, but I am absolutely sure she has heard me discuss her stroke.

So I told her that we work really hard with her therapists and doctors and wear these braces because they will help her run and jump much better and if we do all this now, when she is bigger like Marli (we always use her aunt as the example of an adult) she won't have to wear braces all the time. She seemed convinced and put on the brace without a fight.

I know more and more questions are coming but I have no clue what I am doing and the right way to answer. I'll do my best!

The streak continues!

~Jana

Day 18

Happy to report I am well on my way to healthy! Knees are feeling almost back to normal today!

I stretched again today with Evie.  She is keeping the stretch well in that right foot and we are also working on stretching through her shoulder - her right arm appears shorter than her left b/c she can't extend it out all the way.

Evie and I had such a good afternoon even though it involved new braces.  I love having our girls days - just wish so many of them weren't for doctor visits...

I thank everyone for their advice.  I think I was way too ambitious with my streak and I have decided that I will get some new running shoes this weekend and challenge myself to running at least 3 days a week with a nice walk on the days in between... 

Thanks for your support everyone!  And remember to spread the word about pediatric stroke.

~Jana

Day 17

S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D tonight.  Evie was not in the mood - she complained of a headache all day - so it was just me.  I got a lot of feedback from my runner friends - thanks guys!  I think I will go get fitted for some new running shoes this weekend.  Until then- I am going to stretch and maybe do some yoga for my streak so that my joints will heal.  And thanks to Jess for her always insightful and honest views on Evie - you are such a great example for her!

Evie is picking up her new orthotic tomorrow.  She has to wear a brace during the day and a brace at night.  The day brace is designed to prevent "toe drop" and keep her achilles stretched - a lot of kids like her have to eventually have heel cord lengthening surgery - which we have been told is very painful - so we are doing our best to prevent that.  The night brace will just keep her positioned well and stretched throughout the night... 

It is always a difficult balance I face.  There are days she doesn't want to stretch (like last night) there are days she doesn't want to wear her brace and although she hasn't said it yet, I imagine there will be a day she doesn't want to have therapy.  I have spoken to many moms about it - how much do we force our kids to gain abilities on their weak side when they can do everything - in a different way - with the "good" side.  There are programs where they cast the "good" arm forcing a child to use their weak arm in the hopes of rewiring the brain.  But, what affect does that have on their self-esteem when they suddenly can't pull up their pants - which they could do the day before....  I'm not sure.  I do know that making her feel like she needs "fixed" is not the answer. 

So... what is best?  Working hard to maybe "lessen" her disability by giving her some use of her affected side or letting her learn how to navigate in a world with just the abilities she has?

I  know that quitting therapy is not an option for me.  I see improvement everyday with her therapies so I believe it is beneficial.  Will it give her full use of her weak side?  Probably not.  Will it give her enough use to help her navigate in her world?  Absolutely. 

The other reason it isn't an option is selfish on my part.  I would rather "make" her do her therapy and wear her braces, see all these doctors now and do all I can then face a 20 year old Evie who is mad at hell at me for not doing more. 

I promised Evie long ago I would do everything in my power to help her and that is one "streak" I have never broken....

~Jana

Day 16...

Folks - its not going well at all.  My knees and ankles are killing me and I can barely walk let alone run.  I am living on ibuprofen.  I have no idea what the heck I did.  I am not an athlete by any means, but I have always been able to engage in physcial activity with no problem.  I hate saying this out loud but.... am I getting OLD?!? 

Enough of the sob story - I am sure there are days that Evie hurts like heck but keeps going.  I often wonder if she is in pain every day or what her affected side feels like.  I have heard from some older kids that it feels like your limb is "asleep" all the time.  Whatever it feels like, you wouldn't know it by meeting her.  She is the happiest girl in the world most days and she is always finding something fun to do. 

So... what did I do for Day 16?  I stretched for 30 minutes.  Stretching is very important for Evie, so her and I sat in bed and stretched our legs and heel cords and arms....  I feel like a failure - from running to walking to yoga and now stretching?!?  I have to get back out there.
Day 17 may entail a trip to the Doctor....

~Jana

Day 15...

Rain rain go away!!!  It is a dreary day here in the Bluegrass - but I put on my gear and headed out, after a day break.  I was in tears my knees hurt so bad, so after a quarter mile I headed back home.  I don't know if I need to see a doctor, or if I am just that out of shape - but it was killer!

So I decided to do some yoga with Evie.  She put on her new workout gear (can you believe they make running clothes for kids her size?!?) and we got to it right there in our living room:

Let me tell you all - she is pretty good at it! 

I am hoping that I am still just a little worn out from a crazy week of fundraising, and that this is not an injury.  I need to get back to running!!

I hope you all are having a good weekend and I hope your streaks are still alive and going strong!

~ Jana

Day 14 :( :(

We had a very successful event last night!  Raised over $7,500.00 for CHASA!  But, my body is suffering...  I can barely walk - let alone run.  So I am taking a day of rest.  I will make it up with a two-a-day or through the first of June... I promise! :)

Today is a sad day for our CHASA family, as one of our families had to say goodbye to their survivor way too soon.  My heart aches for this family.  Say a prayer for them as they go through this hard time, hug the ones you love and remember how lucky we all really are.... 

~Jana

DAY 13!!

Strikes for Pediatric Stroke is all I did today (after I was done with work at noon).  Therefore, I did not do any running/walking today.  I figure I will be up and down the 40 lanes of the bowling alley at least 40 times tonight - so I think that will be plenty of physical activity for my streak - and it is ALL about Evie and the children of CHASA so I know it qualifies there.

Here is a photo of the set up before people arrived:

Purple purple everywhere!  You can still donate by following the link to the right...

~Jana

Day 12

Went for a 40 minute walk tonight.  Making lists mentally for bowling tomorrow night.  We are getting pretty good at it all - this being the third year - but I still have some amount of anxiety every year about it all.  This includes crazy dreams about the bowling alley forgetting about the event, people not showing up, too many people showing up etc etc. 

It will be long night - but we will be ready tomorrow!  Night all!

~Jana

Day eleven :(

Had to walk again today. I feel like I have to let my knees heal if I am ever going to get to being a runner.

But what a wonderful night! Had our fundraising committee over to fold shirts for our event on Friday. A task that has taken me all night to do in past years took a matter of hours. It takes a village to do all of this and still remain sane.

Thanks Abby, Courtney, Chris, Chrissy and Danielle!!

Still have room for just two more teams. Let me know if you want to bowl or donate by following the link to the right!

Day 12 better be better!
~Jana

Day Ten

I am officially into the double digits with my streak!  I had to do a power walk today - 34 minutes and 2 miles (with hills!).  Seems like I have a great run and then the next day it is too painful.  I will get there - I just need to give myself time and be patient. 

Those of you that know me well know that patience is not one of my strengths - but I have had to learn a lot of it the past three years.  This patience includes giving things and people the time needed to get there...  Evie didn't walk until she was 18 months old.  The last 6 months of the non-walking period felt so long and was such a heavy burden on my heart - but you know what?  She did it - and there was no need for all the fret.  That was a big life lesson for me.  Work hard, but also give it time and if you are open, it will come.

"Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."  - Conan O'Brien.

So, patient I will be.  I don't need to be a runner on day ten.  I need to be a runner on day 31.

The next few days will be a challenge as our schedule gets a little crazy.  Our third annual Strikes for Pediatric Stroke event is Friday and there is so much purple glitter, purple ribbon and folding of t-shirts in my future :) http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jana-w/3rd-annual-strikes-for-pediatric-stroke

~Jana

Day nine

Feeling better tonight. Got some good sleep (Delaney started sleeping through the night just in time for mother's day...) and some coaching from fellow pediatric stroke mom Julie. We are going to run a half together soon in honor of Evie and Evan. The E's are only a week apart and seem to share the same spirit and love for life.

I'm not gonna lie. Tonight was hard to get going. Had my little one on my chest and I really wanted to stay right there all night. But I thought about Evie and got moving. You see, E has had a pretty rough week or so. First, a bump on the chin. Then a monster bruise and lump on her right shin. Then today she lost her balance again and wound up with what could be a shiner, a scraped up left leg, knee, elbow and side. The poor thing is bruised and scraped up all the time but just keeps going...

Elbow...

Left leg

Right leg

Seeing her this way makes me so sad and a big part of me wants to wrap her up in bubble wrap and keep her from all the things that are difficult and never let anything happen to her.

"Well, you can't never let anything happen to [her]. Then nothing would ever happen to [her]. Not much fun for little [Evie]." Dory, Finding Nemo

So I will try to be ok with all the road burn and bumps and bruises if it means she is enjoying her life.. And I'll keep on running to honor her.

Day ten is next -double digits!!

~Jana

Day Eight...

Well... I made it a whole week and starting my second! :)  Rough again today - have to do something about my knees - but I made it!  30 minutes and 2 miles.  I also ran a little with Evie this afternoon - she is really into it.

It was a wonderful mother's day. The girls got me some new running gear!  I also got a lot of snuggles - which are the best ever.  I am so blessed with my girls - I can't say it enough!

Happy Mother's day to my mom - who is an amazing lady who is still teaching and guiding me.  And I'll end with a little song Evie sang for me.  Her teacher taught them this and part of my gift was Hershey's Hugs and Kisses. 





Day Nine - here I come!

~Jana

Day Seven :(

I could not run at all today!  I tried and tried again - but my joints hurt way too bad.  I think my body needed a day to recoup a little.  So I adapted as Evie does every day (I just saw her give her dad a high five using her elbow when her hand was otherwise occupied).  I took a long walk - 40 minutes and 2.23 miles.  Just beat the rain...

Hoping to get out for a run on Mother's Day!

On another note - Evie's class drew horses for the Derby - hers was Arch Arch Arch - not a great run for him, but she didn't know the difference and enjoyed watching! 

On to day Eight...

~Jana

Day Six...

Late night run today...  Was going to head out at 7:00 but Evie wanted to snuggle and she doesn't do that too often anymore so I took advantage.  So out the door I went at 8:50pm.

Good run - felt really old at the start - knees didn't feel like they were working, but once I got moving it felt pretty good.  Am I starting to enjoy this?!?

In the thirty or so minutes and 2.3 miles my thoughts were racing... 

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful community of people that support Evie.  She has wonderful teachers who work very hard to adapt any difficult tasks for her - even having the entire class adapt too.  She has an entire group of kids, instructors and parents in her TaeKwonDo school and dance class who celebrate her achievements with us and assist her in any way they can.  We have wonderful friends (including co-workers) who have been more than supportive and been there at every turn.  

Because of this, we really don't feel like she is "different."  She is very smart so I wonder if she thinks she is different.  She is the only kid in her class who has therapists that visit her at school; She is the only kid who wears a brace; She points out when she uses "righty" so she knows it is difficult and an achievement. 

So... how and when do I discuss this with her?  Will she ask?  Will she be sad? Mad?  Will she handle it with grace? Or will it be a life-long struggle?  Will she get tired of people asking her about it?  Or will she embrace it with ease?

This is not a "poor me" moment.  I don't feel sorry for us.  We are very lucky people.  We were meant to be  -- me her mom and she my "love bug."  But these are real worries and concerns of mine and sometimes I can't shut off this voice in my head. 

I want to do the "right" thing and sometimes I am at a complete loss... 

So I'm just going to go snuggle my love bug and worry about this another day.  Thanks for listening.

~Jana

Day Five...

Got out there this morning and got my streak in!  Foot was a little painful in the beginning, but once I got up to pace I got 'er done. 

Went 2.2 miles in 30 minutes in the chilly May weather. 

Evie woke up this morning asking if we could go for another run tonight.  She wants to be a runner too!  So I may be back out this evening with her.  She is amazing.

How is everyone else doing with their streaks?  Anyone have some good running music suggestions? 

~Jana

Day Four :(

My foot/ankle was hurting after my run last night - felt a little stiff or like it had a "catch" in it.  I went to sleep thinking it was just sore.  Woke up this morning in the same boat.  Doesn't hurt unless I put weight on it and flex my ankle.  Weird thing?  Didn't hurt when I was wearing my heels today - but hurt pretty bad in flats...  I am blaming the chub -- too much weight on the old feet!!! ha!

Anyway, I still had to run tonight - no matter how slow... Evie begged to go running with me, so her and I went for a nice little run.  Went about a half a mile.  She had a blast - wish I loved it like she does!

Then I went for about a mile and a half brisk walk with the stroller and this cutie:

Kept my half hour commitment - just at a much slower pace but still got a good workout I think.  Hope the foot feels better in the a.m....

On to Day Five - it has to get better!

~Jana

Day Three...

Day Three started with a serious rain delay.  I woke up at 5 am to a monsoon outside.  Although I said "rain or shine" I don't want to ruin my running shoes on Day Three.... so I waited the rain out.

I got out there at about 7 pm. On my way out the door Evie says: "Have a nice run!  And don't bite any sharks."  Okay.  I'll resist.

 It was a cool run and a little rough with a couple of cramps.  But I did it!  2.23 miles in 30 minutes.  It was hard work...

Below is an example of the hard work Evie does every day.  Turning your hand palm up is called supination.  This is very difficult for her to do - but important to form those brain connections.  Her therapist is asking her to tuck her left hand as she "mirrors" what she is doing with her right with her left hand and so she needs to isolate the "lefty" so she is making the movements just with the right.

She is so serious about her therapy - which is so important - so I am serious about my streak.

On to Day Four....
~Jana

Day Two

If you have children you understand how busy life gets, so in order to fit in my streak everday, I have to get up before the kids and get out.  That means a 5 am wake up call and running before the sun comes out.

The early hour wasn't too bad.  It was a nice and quiet run with a little wind that gave me problems on some legs of the route.  I completed 2.1 miles in 30 minutes. 

So, now as I sit and type this four hours later I am sore from head to toe.  Even my arms are sore.  How does that happen? 

I am going to become a runner if it kills me....

If you want to donate to support my streak you can go to our bowling fundraiser at the following link: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jana-w/3rd-annual-strikes-for-pediatric-stroke

If you would like to set up your own streaking page, go to http://www.streakingforpediatricstroke.org/

On to day three...

~Jana

Day One...

Well, the test of my commitment started strong on the very first day.  Here is the weather forecast for our area today:

Today
	Showers Likely Hi: 70° POP: 70%	Mostly cloudy. Showers likely and scattered thunderstorms until midday...Then chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs around 70. South winds around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.

So, once the thunder stopped at around 9 am - I headed out for my run:

It was sprinkling when I started and by the last quarter mile it was a pretty steady rain. 

I'll be honest... I am out of shape.  One might even say a little chubby....  But I did it.  Two fairly steep hills, 34 minutes and 2 miles later  I have successfully completed Day One.  Whew...

But here is why I do it - Evie started Taekwondo almost a year ago.  In the beginning she couldn't keep her balance long enough to even do a kick and she struggled to punch or block with her weak side.  This weekend she competed in her first regional tournament.  After some tears (she was scared to break the board) she not only broke a board and completed her form, but she took first place in both!  It was difficult to get on film because it all happened so fast, but here is just a glimpse into her pure joy and pride from her accomplishment:

So on to Day Two.  Tell me about your streak. How is it going?

~Jana

Streaking for Pediatric Stroke (tm)

We will be participating in a new campaign by the Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association for Pediatric Stroke Month - Streaking for Pediatric Stroke (tm)...

For the entire month of May, we will be doing one activity every day (creating a streak) to honor our stroke survivor, Evie.  It can be something simple, or something complicated, but the idea is simple: pediatric stroke survivors must be committed to therapy and rehabilitation and they must work hard everyday toward that commitment.

So for the month of May, or 31 days, we will make a commitment and every day for 31 days, even if only for 5 minutes, we will think about her struggles and work our butts off to honor her and acknowledge what a strong little girl she is!

My commitment is to run for at least 30 minutes a day... everyday... rain or shine... 

James will post his commitment soon.  Let me know if you want to join us - we will post here everyday to keep us honest and document this journey. 

And... the bonus?  They say it only takes 28 days to form a habit - so this could really make a difference in your life!


~Jana