Baby, Baby

Running is a stress release, a time to unwind, a chance to clear my thoughts. I have been told by my Dr. that my IT band simply needs a break from running/biking/lifting and everything that aggravates it. Those words, "take time off," I despise hearing them. So, my "time off" began on Monday. I will continue with physical therapy, acupuncture, ultrasound, deep tissue massage, and icing (although that's hard to want to do when it's -30 outside).

Does anyone have any ideas as to what I could do to heal faster? Any stretches that work effectively or any ideas about how to still get in a good work out? Please let me know if you do!!!! I NEED to run, not want to run.

On another note.... Lately I've had a lot on my mind so not being able to run has been frustrating. The thoughts that permeate my brain all seem to relate to our baby. Our 10 month old foster baby. Being a foster parent is not easy. The stress of being responsible for a baby that isn't yours can, at times, be overwhelming. I feel such joy, love, oneness with this baby but I know she's only with us for a short time. I tell her I love her before I put her to bed each night. Will she remember these words when she gets older? I pray over her as she lies in her crib, sleeping ever so soundly. Her precious face looks so peaceful, safe, warm as she sleeps. Will she stay this way? The days can be long between naptimes, feedings, appointments, parent visitations, and simply chasing her around the living room as she now is a speedy crawler. I will one day miss these moments and wish I had them back. She calls me "mama" now. Does she know I'm not really her mama? What impact can I have on her little life, what can I do to make a lasting impression upon her heart? Does my soothing voice that sings her songs delight her? Does reading bedtime stories about the rabbit and her mama make her feel loved? Her future is unknown. For 10 months we've raised her in a loving, safe home but we can only have her for just so long. The judge will decide where she should stay, oh that time will come too soon. For now, I will enjoy her each day and smile each time she looks at me with those big brown eyes and clings to me while saying, "mama, mama, mama."