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Category: Addison

120 Months

How to Lose Weight Fast on Metformin

Metformin, a widely prescribed medication for managing type 2 diabetes, has garnered attention for its potential to aid in weight loss. While its primary purpose is to regulate blood sugar levels, many individuals have experienced significant weight loss as a secondary benefit. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of using Metformin as a tool for shedding excess pounds effectively and safely.

Understanding Metformin and its Role in Weight Loss
Mechanism of Action
Metformin works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. This dual action helps regulate blood sugar levels and, consequently, aids in weight management.

Effects on Metabolism
By targeting insulin resistance and reducing the absorption of glucose in the intestines, Metformin alters the body’s metabolism, promoting fat utilization for energy and leading to weight loss.

Metformin and Insulin Sensitivity
Impact on Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a common issue among individuals with type 2 diabetes and those struggling with obesity. Metformin helps alleviate insulin resistance, making it easier for the body to respond to insulin and effectively utilize glucose.

Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels
Stable blood sugar levels are crucial for weight management. Metformin not only lowers fasting blood glucose levels but also helps prevent spikes and crashes, promoting a more balanced energy intake throughout the day.

Dietary Adjustments
Importance of a Balanced Diet
While Metformin can aid in weight loss, it’s essential to complement its effects with a healthy diet. Emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates while limiting processed foods, sugars, and refined carbohydrates.

Foods to Include and Avoid
Incorporate plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as legumes, whole grains, and leafy greens, which promote satiety and regulate blood sugar levels. Minimize consumption of sugary beverages, refined grains, and high-fat, calorie-dense foods more info ndtv.com.

Incorporating Exercise
Benefits of Exercise Alongside Metformin
Regular physical activity enhances the effects of Metformin on weight loss by increasing calorie expenditure, improving insulin sensitivity, and preserving lean muscle mass.

Recommended Workout Routines
A combination of aerobic exercise (such as walking, cycling, or swimming) and strength training (using weights or resistance bands) is ideal for maximizing weight loss while maintaining overall health.

Hydration and its Role
Importance of Staying Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for overall well-being and can support weight loss efforts by promoting metabolic function, reducing appetite, and enhancing exercise performance.

Effects on Metabolism
Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps maintain metabolic rate and facilitates the breakdown and elimination of fats from the body.

Monitoring Progress
Tracking Weight Loss Journey
Keep a record of weight, measurements, dietary intake, and exercise routines to monitor progress effectively and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Adjustments as Needed
If weight loss plateaus or side effects arise, consult a healthcare professional to reassess the treatment plan and explore alternative strategies.

Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Metformin
While generally well-tolerated, Metformin may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dosage.

My Addison Weeks,
My Sun Bun,
My Lilac Baby,
My Lady Bug,
My Peanut,
My First Born,
My Sunny,

Today you are ten. 1-0! 10! You have been in the world one whole decade and that is simultaneously mind-boggling and totally and completely right.

I can picture you sighing and gently smiling as you read that sentence, as you have noted that that is the sentiment of all of my birthday letters to you: the onslaught of time juxtaposed by the sweetness of the present. Because, yes, you’ve now read this here blog, and all of the letters (Read here the other letters vpnbug). And that is what I dreamed you’d do. And here we are, a decade later, and the very words I wrote for you above all others are being processed and understood and read by your very eyes. It is a wonder to behold you grow into a person who can now relate to her mother in this way. I so adore this stage. I so adore you.

I think often about your entry into our lives, so immediately (simultaneously!) on the heels of our marriage. Of course you were with us over a decade ago as your daddy and I began our family atop that soggy mountain in front of all our family and friends. Of course you’ve been with us every step of the way. You have made this life more rich, more meaningful, and more, just so much more. We are endlessly grateful you began when you did, and have enlivened every element of our lives since. It is the rightest of right things that has ever happened to me. And it laid the groundwork for this now full and chaotic and wonderful household in which you live. I can’t imagine our family any other way. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

My wish for you is that you carry your kindness, your unwavering empathy, the gentleness of your spirit, your curiosity, your flexibility, and your immense heart with you into this next decade of your life. It has been the greatest pleasure nurturing these generous and beautiful parts of you – I hope you never lose sight of them. I hope you know that they are the parts of you that make us most proud. While you’ve made the daunting task of learning to parent (plight of life as a first born) a breeze with your smarts, your hard work, your dedication, your easy going nature – it is that caring heart of yours that makes us proudest of all. I hope you’ll always hold the world with compassion – and may it do likewise for you.

I will always be your biggest fan. I will always love you most of all.

Thank you for making me a mother a decade ago. Happiest 10th Birthday, my Sunny girl.
143 always
xo Mama

TEN – 2019

NINE – 2018

EIGHT – 2017

SEVEN – 2016

SIX – 2015

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FIVE – 2014

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FOUR – 2013

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THREE – 2012

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TWO – 2011

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ONE – 2010

BORN DAY – 2009

July 23, 2018

Rolex Replica Watches: Unveiling the World of Affordable Luxury

In the realm of luxury watches, Rolex stands as a symbol of timeless elegance and prestige. However, not everyone can afford the hefty price tag that accompanies an authentic Rolex timepiece. This is where Rolex replica watches come into play, offering a more accessible alternative without compromising on style or quality.

Quality of Rolex Replica Watches
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Rolex replica watches strive to emulate the luxurious look and feel of their authentic counterparts. Utilizing high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship, these replicas often closely resemble the original designs.

Affordability and Accessibility
One of the primary draws of Rolex replica watches is their affordability in comparison to genuine Rolex timepieces. While an authentic Rolex can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, replicas are available at a fraction of the price, making luxury more attainable for a broader audience. Additionally, the widespread availability of Rolex replicas online further enhances their accessibility.

Legal and Ethical Considerations
Despite their popularity, Rolex replica watches raise legal and ethical concerns regarding intellectual property rights and consumer awareness. Buyers should exercise caution when purchasing replicas and be mindful of the potential legal implications.

How to Spot a Quality Replica
Distinguishing between a high-quality Rolex replica and a subpar imitation requires careful examination. Attention to detail, such as the precision of the craftsmanship and the accuracy of the branding, can help identify a quality replica.

Reasons People Choose Rolex Replicas
From making a style statement to seeking an investment piece, there are various reasons why individuals opt for Rolex replicas over authentic watches. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a status symbol, replicas offer a compelling alternative for watch enthusiasts.

Cultural Impact
Rolex replica watches have permeated popular culture, influencing fashion trends and shaping perceptions of luxury. Their presence in media and entertainment further solidifies their status as coveted accessories.

The Debate: Authentic vs. Replica
The debate between authentic Rolex watches and replicas continues to spark discussion among watch aficionados. While authentic Rolex watches boast undeniable prestige, replicas offer a more accessible option without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Rolex Replicas in Popular Culture
From Hollywood celebrities to social media influencers, Rolex replica watches have garnered attention from prominent figures across various industries. Their inclusion in popular culture further reinforces their allure.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact
In light of growing environmental concerns, the sustainability of manufacturing practices associated with Rolex replicas warrants examination. As consumers become increasingly conscious of their purchasing decisions, the environmental impact of replica watches comes under scrutiny.

Consumer Awareness and Education
Empowering consumers with knowledge about the differences between authentic Rolex watches and replicas is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions. Educational resources and guidelines can help buyers navigate the complexities of the luxury watch market.

Counterfeit Market Challenges
The proliferation of counterfeit Rolex watches poses challenges for both consumers and luxury brands. Efforts to combat counterfeiters and protect intellectual property rights remain ongoing endeavors within the industry.

The birth of your fourth grandchild was not as I’d anticipated it would be. I know, I know, one should never set expectations surrounding anything birth related, but despite knowing this from firsthand experience, I couldn’t help myself. This was my fourth kid! Surely it would be quick and smooth and badass like Courtland’s. Surely it would come on strong and progress consistently. Surely that baby would arrive within hours of the start of labor. SURELY!

Alas, I was wrong. And as with all my labors, I doubted and obsessed and felt frustrated with my body lingering in early labor. The only constant of all my labors has been an early morning start that builds throughout the day. Sunny’s took nearly 36 hours, and then Courtland’s was steady and empowering and was under 18 hours, and Sander’s, while longer than Courtland’s was still less than 20. And then baby #4, I swore it’d be fast – isn’t that what everyone says about subsequent babes? Well, not the case for this mama.

I awoke early Sunday morning (July 22nd) around 2am to a contraction that was clearly strong enough to pull me from sleep. It felt more distinct and powerful than any of the Braxton Hicks business I’d been feeling for weeks leading up to this moment. I didn’t think too much of it, and fell back asleep. Fifteen or so minutes later, I was once again disturbed by that very specific kind of constricting and squeezing that felt so familiar to previous labors. This continued on, every 15 minutes or so, until about 5am when I woke James to alert him that I might… I think… I probably was… in labor? Or the early stages of it at least.

I texted dad and Kimmy, because Sunday on Cape Cod. I worried that trying to get them off the Cape and out to the Berkshires for the arrival of this baby who was surely going to be here before NOON was going to be tough given summer traffic. They began the trip west, and I got up, showered, shaved (because who knew when I’d get a chance to do that if baby really was on the brink of arrival!) and continued to feel the wave of contractions every 10-15 minutes. They weren’t strong enough to be debilitating or require my full attention, but I was acutely aware of them, and acutely annoyed that they didn’t seem to be getting closer together or any stronger.

Sander and Courtland awoke and we did our usual Sunday morning breakfast routine. Sunny was at a friend’s house for a sleepover, and I texted the parents to ask if she could stay there the morning given that I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out.

I then decided to try to lie down and rest since I’d been awake since 2 and things didn’t seem to be ramping up. I think I managed to sleep in between contractions for a bit while the kids watched cartoons downstairs with James. It was a rainy, humid, grey day. Perfect for napping and cartoon watching. Out of no where, however, I started to feel incredibly anxious. I was jittery and overcome with chills and needed to get up and move. I paced around the house and had such an intense nervous energy about me. I couldn’t stand still and walked in circles around our downstairs, obsessively folding towels that weren’t folded just right, and peeling a banana unnecessarily for Sander. I called my midwife and said that this energy-shift was eerily reminiscent of transition with Courtland, except without any of the screaming pain. Could I be that far along and just not be in that much pain? I mean, fourth kid, so totally. Right?

She suggested I come to the hospital because, “You can’t check your own cervix my dear!” and it sounded like I needed some reassurance of what exactly was going on with my body and babe.

I texted a friend to come over and hang with the kids because it was still a few hours before dad and Kimmy would arrive. Upon her arrival, James and I loaded into the car and made the drive north. Contractions were still happening, but again, they weren’t debilitating or all-consuming and they were still so dang far apart. I doubted. I cursed. I bemoaned this weird purgatory that my body seemed to revel in for all of my labors. Was I crazy? Was I perhaps NOT in labor? What the fuck was going on? And why on earth was I so confused when I’d done this shit three times before?

At the hospital, the nurse checked me and after a very uncomfortable pelvic examine, with her hands still fumbling inside me, she declared, “Well, I can’t even find your cervix.” Not words you want to hear when you suspect you’re in labor. She couldn’t even tell me how far along I was (or wasn’t) because she couldn’t reach my dang cervix. At my midwife’s suggestion, we headed home to rest and see if things would pick up in the comfort of our own space. “No need to be trapped in this room for hours if not days. Hydrate. Rest. Relax.”

I felt so so silly. Here I was, pregnant with my fourth child, being sent home from the hospital because I had misunderstood the signals from my body. Friends texted reassuring words. I wasn’t silly and shouldn’t be embarrassed, but man, despite their kind words, I still felt pretty down.

Shortly after our return to the house, Sunny was dropped home and dad and Kimmy and her chocolate hippo puppy Yanmar arrived. The rain cleared, and it proved to be a humid, sticky, sunny day. Sander played nude outside with the hose, delighting in Gladden and Yanmar’s antics. Dad took the girls to the movies. James and I lay down to rest, and during all of this, I’d still feel those contractions, every 10-15 minutes, never so strong I needed support, but so distinctly present.

As the day wore on, doula/friend Libbie and FGM Geraldine texted and checked in. G suggested that we get together to cool off in the local community pool and have dinner at their place to keep me distracted and out of my head. We went for a much-needed swim, and then enjoyed a big family dinner. It was indeed the perfect distraction. I noticed that the contractions were gradually getting more intense, as I was finding I was stopping to sway and bend at the waist when they’d happen. But still, only 10-15 minutes apart. And I was still managing them without support. After dinner, Kimmy, Sunny and I opted to walk home, and that movement definitely urged the contractions along.

We wrangled the kids into bed, and after everyone was settled, I suggested that James and I go for another walk. Despite some rain showers, we ventured out on to the campus where we’d met nearly 15 years prior. It was so cheesily apt that he and I spend some time that evening, on the brink of welcoming our fourth and final child, strolling past the building where we’d met and reflecting on those early years of our relationship and everything it had brought us. We even bore witness to two college kids making out in plan sight through the windows of one of those dorm rooms. As I rocked and swayed through a contraction, James hollered, “Careful, or this may be your fate!” in the general direction of the blissfully unaware pair.

The walking definitely kept the contractions coming, and by the time we arrived home, I was asking James to help press on my hips to ease my back pain during each one. I was rolling and bouncing and laying over a yoga ball, and we settled in to some marathon episodes of ‘Queer Eye.” As the night wore on, things intensified, though again, the timing remained very spaced apart. I thought about waking up Kimmy or calling Libbie or G to come support, but there was something special, intimate, and safe about me and James, in the quiet of our living room, managing this together without distraction. And I still wasn’t convinced that this was “it.” I even tried to lie down and sleep but the contractions were just too intense to conceivably rest. Finally at 3:30am, after a contraction that brought me to tears, I cried Uncle. I called my midwife and sobbed, “I just need to sleep. I’ve been awake for over 24 hours, and I can tell that I’m still no where near ready to deliver this baby, but I need some sleep! And these contractions just won’t pick up, but they won’t quit either!”

She agreed, and said it was time to come back to the hospital.

“See, you ARE in labor. And if you’re under three centimeters, you’re going to take a much needed morphine nap. And if you’re over 3, well, we can talk about what options you want to consider because I know you’re exhausted. But let’s first get a handle on that cervix.”

Assuming of course that they could fucking find it this time!

We left in the dark and pouring rain, arriving at the hospital a little before 4am. I noticed that the contractions had become increasingly closer since the trip to Vermont, and while they weren’t as long as they’d been at home, they were coming more rapidly. The nurse checked me and determined I was at 4 centimeters (the correct number is 10. Always 10!). I knew exactly what I needed and wanted. This labor was reminiscent of Sunny’s, except I am now almost a decade older. I was not up for soldiering through the remaining 6cm without support. I wanted the epidural, STAT!

Unfortunately, epidurals don’t happen STAT. I needed to get a bag of fluids in me and wait for the anesthesiologist. As I waited with the IV pole in hand, labor started to really pick up. At this point, I was worried it might be too late for the epidural, that I’d be in too much pain or having contractions too frequently. The nurse, my midwife and James supported me through that 90 minutes until I was able to final get some relief.

The epidural went in around 6am and the midwife said she’d be back to check me at 8am. In the two hours of hard labor I did between arrival at hospital and waiting for anesthesiologist, I had progressed to 5cm. ONE MEASLY CENTIMETER! Curses. I figured it wouldn’t be until the afternoon that we’d hit the magic 10. The midwife Kim, one of two in the practice I see, even bemoaned that she would once again miss the opportunity to attend a Cart baby delivery. She was off at 9am, and her partner Amy (who attended Courtland and Sanderling’s birth) would tag in.

I had some anxiety settling in to the epidural because of what had happened during Sander’s labor, but I was in a much more stable and strong emotional place now two and a half years after your death. The reality of having this baby started to sink in as I was given a break from the pain, and that also fueled some of the nervous energy I was experiencing. Fortunately, this epidural was much more evenly distributed in my body and while my legs were tingly, I could still move them, albeit clumsily.

I really wanted to sleep, but anytime I turned on my side, the monitors would lose the baby’s heartbeat. Despite valiant efforts from the nursing staff, we just couldn’t get a steady read on babe’s heart anywhere but with me lying on my back. While I wasn’t “fluffy,” a term the nurses kept using, I apparently was fluffy enough that the fetal heart rate monitors were going to be finicky. So I lay on my back uncomfortably while James snoozed in the chair beside me.

During those two hours, I did my best to relax, breath, rest and really take in that large and expansive belly, acutely aware that these were the last moments I’d ever carry and bring life into the world. I sucked on a grape popsicle and intentionally focused on the quiet, peaceful energy of that moment, just me and my baby, working together. While I was no longer in pain, I could feel my body working. I knew when I was contracting, I felt the pressure and energy. I rubbed my belly as baby moved and swirled beneath my hand and whispered to myself, “I can do this. We can do this.”

I thought about you, mom, and allowed myself to feel the great sadness of once again having to welcome one of your grandchildren without you. It is so fucking unfair. I will never stop feeling that hurt. But I also channeled your strength and love. I knew that you had done this for me, and I would have that energy with me as I did it for my own child.

For a brief moment, I wondered if it might be possible that I could be ready to deliver by my next check at 8am. I felt the pressure shifting in my body, and it suggested that we were getting closer to meeting this baby. But I didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I pushed that thought aside. No need to set myself up for disappointment.

Despite this fleeting thought, I was admittedly floored when my midwife walked in at 8:20, checked me and said, “Shall we have a baby?”

Shocked but elated, I laughed and said, “Hell yeah! And see, you DO get to catch a Cart baby.”

James furiously texted my sister, as Sunny had so desperately wanted to be present for the birth, but I knew that there was no way they were going to make it. That fifteen minute drive had nothing on my desire to meet this little one.

Kim zoomed out of the room to change out of her street clothes, and she arrived back at 8:24am. During my first contraction with her back in the room, she gently coached me through my first push and I heard one of the nurses exclaim, “Wow, she’s clearly done this before. That baby is coming right out.”

Three pushes and 90 seconds later, sweet Weatherly was earth side. It was fast yet peaceful, quick and empowering and as Kim handed me my baby, I was immediately reminded of what Courtland looked like at her birth. She was so very like her big sister. James and I didn’t know the sex of the baby, and the umbilical cord was between her legs so it took a moment for me to move it out of the way. I have to admit, I was shocked to behold a vagina. So many people had predicted it would be a boy, I think I’d really internalized the idea of having two girls and two boys. I was truly, genuinely, utterly surprised and thrilled when I looked down and exclaimed, “Oh my god! It’s a girl! We have another daughter!”

While the labor was longer than I’d hoped, I couldn’t have asked for a more empowering conclusion to my own childbearing journey. Her delivery was truly awe-some. I will never forget the power I felt in that minute. I knew I would bring her into the world with confidence, and there she was, on my chest, screaming that epic newborn scream, so fresh and new and perfect and alive and ours.

Every birth was so distinct and taught me so much about myself. I am grateful for each and every one. What a gift to have made and carried and welcomed these lives.

Like a shooting star, baby Cart #4 entered our world and completed our family, reminding me of love’s infinite capacity.

Weatherly Elizabeth, we are so very glad you’re ours.

How you would just adore her, mom.
143 Your Ashley

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XXIX

Hi, Mom,

Christmas 2017 was a good one. But my lord were you missed.

We went to bed on Christmas Eve to a ground covered in green grass and awoke to a winter wonderland. I can’t recall a white Christmas quite so spectacular. We made Swedish cardamom rolls like we did the morning of your last Christmas with us. We’ve really perfected the recipe. Sanderling nearly ate his weight in bulle. We opened presents by a toasty fire. Dad won Christmas by gifting Courtland a karaoke set that provided the evening’s entertainment (and many more to follow, no doubt). We spent the afternoon sledding, before eating boeuf and popping Christmas crackers, and cozying up to a viewing of “Love Actually.”

Earlier in the week, after prepping your wild rice shrimp casserole recipe for Christmas eve supper, I reflected on our first Christmas with Sunny.  That year, I remember feeling such gratitude that all of our loved ones were alive and healthy and together. I remember rolling over to James that night and saying, “I know it won’t always be like this.” I just didn’t realize this would change so quickly. I thought I had years, decades if we were lucky, before this feeling. This forever balance of light and dark.

It’s never going to feel right without you, but we’re learning to navigate your absence and find light in even the darkest places.

143 Mama. Merry Christmas.

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XXVII

Hi, Mom,

I’m currently curled up on the couch with your snotty, phlegmy, pathetic grandson by my side watching marathon episodes of “Cars.” He requested that we get “cozy,” so we’re buried under blankets, snuggled up side by side. You always said the upside of us being sick as kids was how dang sweet we’d become, and boy is it true. He is disgusting, but very, very sweet.

We’re winding down from two busy, beautiful, celebratory weekends. While so festive and filled with love, I just miss you so dang much. After everyone departed this morning, I found myself carrying such a pit in my stomach. When all the noise is gone, I’m left with the devastating reality of your absence. Thanksgiving was another delicious, family affair with all of Jake’s family in the mix. And this weekend we once again watched the girls dance in “The Nutcracker” and Michelle and Dellie and our chosen family rallied together to support the girls. It was so lovely to have the house brimming with activity and love, but again so palpable that you should be a part of the energy. The memory of you is never going to be sufficient.

Sunny misses you particularly so. She’s really feeling your death during these big weekends. You made such an impact in the too brief six years you were her grandmother, and it’s fucking unfair that she has to live without you, too. You are her top request on her Christmas list to Santa. She understands that it’s not a realistic gift, but it’s her deepest desire regardless.

She drew a photo the other day of you as an angel with song lyrics about how she just wanted you for Christmas. She sat crying as she colored.

“Sometimes it feels good to cry. Because it shows me how much I loved her.”

Ain’t that the truth.

143 Your Ashley

XXVI

Hi, Mom,

Sunny is proving to be quite the fish. She competed in her second ever swim meet this past weekend and wound up placing third overall in the girls 8 and under category. I am so proud and impressed by all of her hard work. She so clearly loves to swim, and has been finding meets exciting and rewarding.

“My tummy is all filled with butterflies. I guess that means I care!”

I’ll continue to drag my butt out of bed at 5am on a Sunday to watch her race if she continues to put in the work and find pride in the outcomes. The kid swam a 100 IM in under 2 minutes! I’m not sure that I can do such a thing.

She had to miss a few practices due to our mini holiday with the Swedes, and after he first practice back, she came home and declared, “I just really missed my time in the pool.”

Dad is taking particular joy in her accomplishments, as I’m sure it feels very reminiscent of my days in the pool. How I know you’d delight in her successes as well.

143 Your Ashley

P.S. The meet was at Smith! Particularly meaningful. We talked all about your mama, and the benefits of a women’s college. Gosh, Northampton is a special place, and that campus stunning!

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XXV

Pet Care Tips and Tricks

Do you want to extend your pet’s life spans? Then it means that you, the pet parent, need to do some research. That means you need pet care tips and tricks that will increase your pet’s quality of life as the years pass.

Prioritize Training Your Pet If Possible

Not every animal can be trained; in some cases, the cat will train you to honor their territory and space. It’s still worth a shot to see if you or a professional can instill good habits.

Cats should get a lot of space for scratching, and frequently cleaned litter boxes. If you reinforce that office chairs are not good for sharpening their claws and trim their nails, then there is a chance they will listen. Have ample cardboard boxes available, and daily playtime sessions so they won’t run around at night and keep you awake.

With that said, training your dog at least can increase their quality of life. If they learn to appreciate the leash, not jump on guests, and sit on command, they are less likely to get in trouble with strangers or authority figures. The wee pad is preferable to them urinating on the floor or on someone’s handbag.

Research The Type Of Pet Food Required

Different animals have various dietary needs. In the case of dogs and cats, they need a well-balanced diet. Make sure they have wet food and dry food, and meat suitable for their stomachs. Identify fruits they cannot eat, like grapes, and keep such items out of reach.

Never put a cat or a dog on a vegetarian diet. It is cruel and unconscionable, no matter what you believe. Dogs and cats are carnivores; while they can eat certain fruits and vegetables. If you want a pet that eats vegetables, go with chinchillas, rabbits or guinea pigs.

On that note, make sure that all of the diets are balanced and healthy. Rabbits can’t live solely on carrots, despite what cartoons may tell you.

Brush Everyone’s Teeth Regularly

Many owners often overlook this, but much like with human teeth being an indicator for serious diseases, pet teeth can drastically determine their health. If they aren’t cared for, cats and dogs may have a hard time eating, which affects their health in the long run. While you can use a toothbrush for your mouth, your pets can’t. That is when you need to step up to the plate.

Dogs and cats are generally not fond of getting their teeth brushed. Instill the habit early in younger pets and amenable older ones, rewarding them with cuddles or treats after the task is done, this is the best example of how often to brush dogs teeth.

Improve Your Pet Health From RescueStrays

At RescueStrays, we work to ensure that our cat and dog care is stellar for our charges. Our pets are treated with the best food and quality-housing to give them a good life.

Reach out as soon as you are ready to start a remote adoption. Dogs love people, and we know they will love your affection from a distance.

XVI

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They all share your darling half strawberry nose.

XIV

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I wish you could hear the coos of comfort as he nestles in to sleep.

I wish you could see the gentleness with which she holds the world.

I wish you could taste the sweetness of sticky cheeks and sugar-dusted fingers.

I wish you could touch the leaves as they dance ’round her limbs.

I wish you could smell the powder and peace on their pillows each night.

I wish you were here, sensing their world and all its simple, broken splendor.

III

Hi, Mom.

Sunny has finally agreed, however begrudgingly, to wearing a swim cap during swim practice. Success! Finally! I know that you and I both pushed her on this last year during swim season – and she finally acquiesced now that she’s swimming on the team.

I have a much better understanding of how you must have felt during the peak of my competitive swimming years. Consumed and forever frustrated with the state of my chlorine-saturated hair. Sunny, like me, has unbelievably porous hair, so it turns that awful shade of green and gets all coarse and tinsley thanks to so much chlorine exposure. No amount of pre-swim rinse and conditioner followed by post-swim, anti-chlorine shampoo treatments has made much of a dent. When Sunny protests about the cumbersome, lengthy process to prep for swim practice, I’m reminded of my own annoyances with you when you’d insist that I step in a cold, fresh water shower before diving into the pool. It all comes full circle.

I caught a glimpse of her from across the pool at practice last week, standing in her racing suit, goggles on over her new blue cap, tall and lean, long-legged and lanky, and I reflected that you must have beheld a very comparable sight with me.  She shares my love of the life aquatic, and is such a strong, confident swimmer for her age. It’s clear that she is one of the strongest and fastest in her group. Her strokes are coming together beautifully, and holy shit, the girl can already nail an unbelievable racing dive. The team was practicing starts the other night, and when Sunny came off the block, both her coach and myself audibly gasped. Neither of us were expecting her to get such distance (and her coach actually thought she might land on the kid in front of her!). I wish you were around so I could brag about this to you, because who else but with my child’s grandmother can I be so over-the-top proud of a seven year old’s swim habits and not sound utterly ridiculous? I love watching her grow in this way, and, more importantly, I love seeing how much she has taken to this sport, how much she loves the water, the discipline, the practice. How happy it makes her to be in the pool. You and dad always called me your fish, and apparently it’s genetic.

143 Your Ashley

37/52

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“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week sometimes, in 2016.”

Sunny: A portrait of friendship. She’s had a wonderful time reconnecting with friends from preschool at her new elementary school. And making some new buddies along the way.
Kaki: Diving into Kindergarten like the bold, brave kid that she is.
Sander: Our final dip in the pool this past weekend with our waterbaby.

More details about The 52 Project here. To view all the portraits in the series visit here.