13.1

Blog it right away while it's fresh. My philosophy for the evening.

My half marathon experience was many things but a few that it was not:

• fast
• warm
• dry
• pretty

And what it was:

• A huge accomplishment to me. Something I would not have even considered before I had Adelyn.
• A celebration of my due date with Adelyn, support from my husband, and the freedom to move unencumbered.
• A fantastic challenge that gave me the opportunity to do something for me but truly motivated by my family. Without them I would not have thought of it or tried.
• And cold, wet, and tough. :)

The trip up provided enough drama when we realized that road construction could me the end of the dream if I didn't check in to the race headquarters by 11pm. We got in at 10pm.

My original motivation revolved around the need to lose the baby weight, my astonishment at what running felt like after having a baby, and a real need to feel "normal" again after being entirely focused as a mom for 6 months.

We found our hotel quickly and settled Adelyn for the night. I carefully layed out my clothes for the morning, shoes, running hat, a bottle of water, and the race packet with the all important number, chip, and instructions.

I slept like a rock until 3:50am. My alarm was set for 4:10 and I forced myself to lay there until 4:20am. Since everything was prepared, I slipped into my clothes and grabbed what I needed without Adelyn or Derek stirring at all. By 4:40, I clicked the door shut headed to breakfast.

The breakfast area was surprisingly quiet. Buses were picking up between 4:45 and 5:15. Missing the bus was pretty literal. Without that ride, there was no running. I grabbed a piece of peanut butter toast and a little coffee.

In the lobby I saw another single girl and we jogged through the rain to the bus. I am glad I met her because she had done a number of 1/2's and the Twin Cities Marathon so knew what was going on. Little things like, how to get to the best bathroom line, where to put your sweats bag, and where to line up according to your expected time.

Completely soaked and shivering like mad, we huddled waiting for the race to start. We were reminded, numerous times, to not throw things or urinate in the woods or on people's private property. After a particularly high-pitched rendition of Oh Canada and the National Anthem, the starting gun fired. 
Much different than the 5K I was in, the participants in this race were here for a reason and they wasted no time getting to it. My goal was 2:10 and realistic goal was 2:15. 2:30 was the bottom of my time-hope bucket. The farthest pre-race run was a little over 9mi. It is probably no surprise that through mile 9, I felt pretty darn good.
But miles 10-13. Man, those were tough. A lot of mantras, self-encouragement, and even a prayer were uttered on that part of the course. I just wanted that finish line. The temp had dropped, noticeably, and I was ready for that moment of triumph! And although it was tough, it was worth it. When the girl gave me my "finisher" medallion, I loved it!

Here is a link to pictures. They are mainly from the last mile. I was crying at the finish line - just couldn't believe I had made it - so don't make fun of my goofy face.

Adelyn 11 months

Here's the very cliche but very true statement about leaving Adelyn for two weeks. We missed her terribly and she changed drastically! She is clearly moving from baby-hood to the world of toddlers. She is scooting along any surface she can grip. Steps are soon to come. And the vocalization is much closer to words and continuous sounds rather than the single sounds of a baby. Her attention span is lengthening and she picks up books to flip through pictures.

I could keep rambling but you are probably wondering how she reacted to our return.She cried when she first saw us home. It took a few minutes for her to calm down and come to either of us. Thankfully, some mom's had warned me that she may be more upset than happy when we returned so I didn't take it too hard. 

Before we left

Helping pack

When we returned - stare down with Uncle Jason at his graduation party.

Probably texting you.

Home Sweet Home

The jet lag is gone!

We returned Friday morning from two very interesting and fun weeks of vacation in Israel. Crazy. I know. The trip was full of hiking and adventure, history, and walking in the places where the Bible takes place. We saw and experienced so many new things its been difficult to summarize or comprehend everything. Below are a few totally random pictures of the trip.



 Balconey view from first hotel

What a manger really looks like.

Jordan River

Crazy King Herod's crazy pool.

Drinking fountain in the middle of the desert - random.

Advertisement in the grocery store for the water we drank during the trip. It really made the water less appealing but it was hot out folks. Drink up!

Mandatory military service. Totally normal sight of young 20 somethings with guns.

Our view from the top of the hike.

Really embracing the local custom and looking like a complete tourist. Actually, it was just so hot and this kept me cool.

Ok. So many more photos but I don't even know where to start.

9 months

Apparently my last post led some to believe I was announcing a pregnancy. Let me clear up the confusion right away. Not pregnant.


But the baby I do have is wonderful. She has 6 teeth and is working on two more. This means she is very drooly and covered in runny nose. But she has learned some neat tricks. She can understand kiss, hug, kitties, mum, dadt, gives "five," tries unsuccessfully to stand alone, and is a constant companion to the kitties. I think they like that no matter what, she can always be counted on for a rub.

Also at about the 9 month mark, she became so much more expressive. She is constantly chatting and lets us know if she isn't pleased with something or bored. It's amazing to have "communication." She is also starting to get some formula to supplement her breast milk. I give that effort a solid C. However, table food - A+. So far she has tried everything. Which is good because she is in the 95th percentile for height and 43rd for weight.

And thanks to the musical stylings of such fine artists as Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Michael Jackson, I made my first 5 mile run tonight. I still have 8(!) miles to go but it's starting to look like I have a chance. Ok, gotta do momma duty. I will try to get pictures up tonight.

Observations from a sick day

Adelyn had a nasty fever yesterday and developed a tight chest and horse cough. So we are going on day 2 at home. She is doing much better today but still had a temp this morning. Some interesting things I have observed during our time:

• Hoda and Kathy Lee - day 2. I missed them since maternity leave!
• Adelyn is on the move. She and the cats are attracted to the same things that they aren't supposed too have. It's almost a race to who can get it first. Then they taunt each other. Adelyn has been coming out the winner and chasing the cats away.
• Baby #2 for March as arrived! Congratulations to Angie and Jay on the birth of Miles Jay.
• Adelyn has changed the language on our tv to French. So I guess we will be learning a new language.
• She spends the whole day saying "dad-e."

All for now. Have a good week.

Things occupying my time.

The question could be asked, When do we get to see more adorable pictures of your baby?

Not tonight - sorry folks. It's been a long week so this is a bullet points update.

Things that have occupied my time lately:

• Officially began training for my half marathon. I call it "my" half marathon because I now OWN that run. That's an example of my self-motivation talk since I am training alone. Good? No?
• Signed up for my first 5K on my first Mother's Day and of course the half marathon on Adelyn's due date from last year.
• Cleaning and cleaning and cleaning the house.  Should be listed next week.
• Touring other homes.
• Derek and I took a random Tuesday, went out for breakfast, used our massage gift certificates at Aveda, toured houses, and actually spent time together.

And what that has meant for life:

• Sore knees. thumbs down.
• Always a struggle to make time to run. The guilt that missing one run can cause is outstanding. Really wishing I had a training partner but secretly love the time to myself.
• Excited to be doing something new and challenging. Love surprising myself by being able to go longer or faster or not being winded after a good run. Especially happy to have something to commemorate two special days.
• I have never thought this place was so big until I realized all of the places that dirt and clutter could be. Dang.
• Touring other houses is overwhelming. I am ecstatic that we aren't in a rush to move because this is really going to be a process.
• Loved a relaxed day with Derek. 

Also excited that pregnant friend #1 had her baby. Congratulations to Christy on the birth of GraysonTimothy!
P.S.Some people bring dinner when you have a newborn - I am bringing a chicken from Sam's Club. Guaranteed tasty and not something I will wonder if you hated! Winner winner chicken dinner.

It's about time

In a move that I put off for way too long, I finally bought a highchair! Yay. Maybe I will get a diaper bag one of these days.  My friend Randee needed to get rid of her highchair, I needed one, neither of us wanted to take the steps = perfect. I love it and more importantly, Adelyn loves it. Thanks Randee!

At 8 months, Adelyn is sporting 4 fun teeth, one top-curly-when-wet head of hair, long legs, and a big smile. She is learning words, sounds, and identifying things by name. She repeats dada, ball, kitty, mum. She seems to be able to find the kitty's or daddy when we ask where they are. She LOVES to make singing noises, shaking her musical toys, playing with drumsticks, and clapping hands. And she crawls - mainly army crawl - but definitely able to get on hands and knees and move a little. She still loves to jump and bounce and is totally ready to move on her feet - the preferred method. What a love bug.

Quiet

It's spring break in college-ville and since that's the world I work in, it's quiet.

It's time to put it out there. I signed up for a Grandma's half marathon on June 18, 2011. Why you ask. Well, because I became obsessed with it - which usually means I need to do it. Second, because June 18, 2010 was Adelyn's due date. Third because it's something I have to do on my own - just me and 13 miles. And finally, because I think about that first run after having her and what an amazing feeling of physical freedom it was. Even if its not a pretty sight, even if I am the last to cross the finish line, even if I have to walk...  I LOVE being a mommy but running has been so amazing for me as an individual. This is me proving to me that I can do it. Plus, there are only so many episodes of The Biggest Loser and I Used to Be Fat that a girl can watch before she needs to just move!

And after all of that - I am terrified.

So that's my big challenge for the next few months. On top of that fun, we have decided to list our house. Cleaning and organizing this place was an amazing feat. It was a great sense of accomplishment but also a knowledge that this is just step one.

So really not quiet unless you want to talk about work.

Quiet Sunday

I woke so proud of myself. I was going to have Adelyn ready and get to early service at church. No interrupted naps for this family today. We hustled all morning and got into the car by 10 to 8. Victory. Then I backed out of the driveway. Oh no. Since Derek was working, I just couldn't risk driving up to North Mankato by myself and get stuck. The snow has returned.

So plans change. :) I haven't left the house since and it's been great. Adelyn and I had play time and we hit all the meals and naps on time. I organized "the cabin" (our total wood paneled upstairs). There is still plenty of work to do but it felt great to get a start.

I could have used a trip to the gym but somehow the sleet on top of the snow really discouraged that choice. Instead I baked.

I love this oatmeal and wanted to make my cookies a little more healthy. (In theory at least.)

Motivation.

The final product. Chocolate Chip cookies with oats.

 And some homemade chilli.

Adelyn's First Valentine's Day

Adelyn got so many nice Valentine's Day cards and gifts! She got clothes, books, money, and candy! And I didn't buy any of it. Below are some pictures of her opening her cards from the daycare friends.

We clash. Sorry. This is her treat bag from daycare.

She can't eat it but she is excited!

Showing me her Valentines. Look Mom, coloring book and fruit snacks!

Look at my stickers Mom! And more fruit snacks.

Showing Bear her pencil and card in a bag. She was so overwhelmed by the noises and new bright colored cards and baggies that she didn't even put things in her mouth!

Until here. I guess her stickers looked good enough to taste. This ended our photo fun.

Chilling with Uncle Chris during the weekend.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just for Christy. Checking out Connor's card.

Sunny Sunday

It occured to me on Friday after work that Adelyn has pretty much never really seen the yard. She usually is shuttled from the car to the house with a blanket over her head to guard from the negative temps. What a treat to let her see the sun and true outdoors today.

In further exciting news, my new shoes had their maiden voyage today. Pretty sweet. I set the treadmill to 10 minute mile and committed to 2 miles. It might not sound like much but I am way out of shape so it was an accomplishment. I realized how out of shape I still am when I was attempting some ab moves that used to be no problem. Wow. I guess I know that I have some work to put in.

We ended the day by making Red Wine Beef Stew. It was amazing. I don't really love beef roast but the red wine added a delicious richness. Totally worth the work. And with the hubby's help on chopping veggies, it was a "fun" family project. Topped off with some flat chocolate chip cookies. Mmm. Good day.

And a final "shout out." My little brother got inducted into the National Honor Society tonight. Congratulations buddy.

Shopping

Well, what do you do when there is too much to do? Pick a project, start dishes, laundry...nope. Go shopping.

It wasn't the shopping I was hoping for but a successful day none-the-less. I came home with new running shoes - probably the best I have ever owned - and a sweater bought with birthday money. Double win. Something I wanted and something cheap/free. Adelyn got three shirts and jeans. Love them. I could have spent SO much more on her but tried to remain reasonable. I still need a high chair for her, home accessories, and a new pants or skirt.


The shoes. I tried to get a picture of the other things but no luck.

I did tackle a few things around the house. Then after putting the baby to bed, got a craving for chocolate chip cookies. So I whipped up some cookies. Unfortunately they are completly flat because the butter was way to warm. Oh well, they taste good.

So Lazy

I have been up since 6:30am which sounds impressive for a Saturday but I am so lazy.  It's 10:30am. I have fed and changed the baby, gave her a nap, took a shower, ate oatmeal, and scolded the cats. I haven't picked up the house, started laundry, done the dishes, cleaned the bathroom, organized the upstairs, gone shopping, called the photographer to pick up pictures, blah, blah, blah. So much. Where to start? Oh, I know. Blog about it.

A quick one

Baby A and I were home alone last week and had a pretty good time. We really missed Daddy and it's been pretty fantastic to have him home. The dear bought me flowers for my birthday last week. Granted he missed the birthday in Utah skiing but flowers none the less. Loved them and they are still looking good on my desk.

We also got Adelyn's 6 month (actually 7 months) pictures taken last week. It was fun but the little girl was a stoic. She had to study and take in her surroundings before she could crack any type of smile. It was ok. I loved the results. Not so sure about the ones I am in. Kinda wish I had done my make-up that morning. Now to pick which to order...

Pretty tired tonight so all of the fantastic posts that were written in my head are gone. Sorry. A couple of pictures and I have to go to bed.

The skier and the baby

Early morning on my birthday. 29 *sigh* It's not the age, I just don't like odd numbers.

 

Birthday dinner with the family. My brother ate a $40 steak.

Typical night in pictures

 A friend recently posted about a typical day. I was inspired to post about a typical night - in picture -after Adelyn has been played with, fed, given a bath, given a bottle, said prayers, and put to sleep.

The clean pile. No dishwasher = really chapped hands.

Baby laundry to fold. Love it.

Paper mess represents the rest of the house.

Baby monitor. I keep this by my side all night. I know, the medicine bottle is weird. It was just on the table. Not a part of my story.

Cooking dinner happened pre-inspiration to take photos. It was taco night. It's not a thrilling evening but I love  being home with my family.

( I could absolutely give up the dishes...)

Friends?

I haven't figured out if Adelyn and Howard are friends or if he knows that being near her means more attention. He always shows up when she is crying and both cats sleep in the hallway between our bedrooms. Her affection is shown by pulling his fur but he keeps coming back. Here are a few photos that were in the reject pile until I noticed a theme...

A for effort

I came home from a few Saturday morning errands to the following outfit on Adelyn. It was completed with a pink and green polka dot t-shirt and grey socks. I guess the polka dot theme was consistent on the pants, dress, and t-shirt. I was just impressed that she had been changed but I think I will keep the clothes selection duties.

Pantsy Post

Wore my old work pants today from pre-baby times. Granted, she is 6 months old so it is time but I didn't want to be devastated by them being too tight, so I waited. Guess what... They're not that great. They fit fine but they look...tired. Bummer.

Oh well. Have a good weekend!

New Carseat

Adelyn hated her old carseat. It was so tight and she would cry everytime we went somewhere. Weight wise, she still had about 6lb but height was she had maxed out. So thanks in part to a Christmas gift from Derek's parents, we got a new carseat. My parents had bought the last one as a gift so we are doing well in the car safety department!



New carseat means she gets to wear the snowsuit I bought in September.

Comfy and warm.

And a new hat to look like a true MN baby.



Yay for fixing my text color! Thanks Jeff.