Corn-a-poluza

I've always wanted to be a runner.  Always wanted to like lacing up those sneakers and hitting the pavement.  I even tried to join track in high school.  But it's never stuck.  Maybe I haven't given it enough of a chance.  Maybe I have too high of expectations of myself but nevertheless running and I...We have a love hate relationship.

My latest running kick all started when some of the other mamas from church and I decided to start working out together.  We'd load the kids up in the strollers and go for a jog.  I wasn't the fastest of the bunch by any means but I was honestly surprised that I could actually do it.  Well that led to that and all of a sudden I was signed up for a 5k.  I figured hey I'll be in Mendota, babysitters abound.  Why not?

Ready to go

So a few weeks of mild training and I was ready.  I didn't have any loft goals.  Just wanted to run the entire time and make it in under 40 minutes.  It's just another workout I told myself.  No biggie.

Race day came and I have to say I was a tad intimated.  Everyone in their running gear, stretching and running practice jogs.  "Don't worry about it," I told myself.  You're just going for another run.  Set your own pace.  Do your own thing.

And that's what I did.

The gun went off and I zoned out.  Just found my grove and kept going.  Jammed to my tunes and focused on my breathing.  The first mile was hard (10:45).  Little kids and old ladies passed me.  But I kept going.

The second mile flew by (9:00) and all of a sudden we were in the trails behind the lake.  Beautiful but not great for my timing.  I really hadn't practiced trails and I didn't like the constant passing and re-passing of runners.  Walkers keep to the left they said...well most didn't catch that.

As the end of the race came into sight I was honestly shocked that I was still running.  I lost track of the number of songs I had listened to (the only "time" tracker I had).  I figured I was probably on track for my goals and sped up a little toward the end.

33:48 was the final time.  Well under my original goal.  I also finished 122nd overall (out of 266) and 5th in my age group.  Nothing to write home about but it was encouraging.  Encouraging enough to sign up for race number two...Another 5k in about a month.

Post Race Selfie

Will I become a long term runner?  Probably not.  But for now I'm loving it. I feel like I'm finally taking control of my fitness and building my endurance.  I don't want motherhood to be an excuse for fitness and am impressed with myself that I'm taking the time to do something about it!

 

Jess's Wedding

Last weekend Mom, Mary, Mara and I headed into the burbs to attend one of my college roommate's wedding. I was so excited that the timing worked out for me to attend.  I was really looking forward to seeing some of my Augie friends and catching up with everyone again.

We checked into the hotel and had a little free time to get settled.  Mara made the most of it crawling all over the hotel room.  It's hard keeping her contained these days.  I got ready and headed downstairs to the ceremony.

The location was beautiful and the weather was perfect, right on the lake.  The ceremony was short but meaningful.  There were a ton of fun details that were so Jess and Adam.  I especially loved their "unity painting".  I give Jess a ton of credit for painting in her white dress.

Ceremony location

After the ceremony we moved to the patio overlooking the lake for cocktails.  It was so nice to finally be able to give everyone hugs and see what they have been up to these years.  I think it's been about four years since we have all gotten together!  I was especially excited to see that Jo had flown all the way from Sweden for the event.

Around 7 we moved into the hotel for dinner.  The dinning room was just as spectacular.  After many speeches we enjoyed dinner and I headed upstairs to put Mara to bed.  Little miss had ideas of her own and decided she wasn't ready quite yet.  So instead we opted to go join the party.

Congrats guys!

Everyone loved meeting her and I think she loved all the commotion.  She happily clapped after all the specialty dances and flashed everyone her beautiful smile.  Eventually she did tucker out so we headed back upstairs for bed.

I sneaked back downstairs for the remainder of the party.  We enjoyed a late night snack of McDonald's hamburgers and danced the night away to classics from our high school years.  I have never heard so many oldies (but goodies) at a wedding before.

So good seeing this lovely lady again

Soon it was midnight and I was beat.  I said my goodbyes and headed back upstairs.  It was so amazing to see everyone again and to be able to be a part of Jess and Adam's day.  These people were such a huge part of my life in college and it's nice to see we can connect again years later.

Happy wedding day Jess and Adam!  Wishing you guys many years of happiness.  Love you guys!!

Mara getting into her toys 

Mara-42 Weeks

Weight: Not sure on this one.  I swear you feel heavier but it's hard to tell.

Health:  Minus a few bumps and bruises you are doing great!

Cozy Coupe cruising

Social: You are doing great being introduced to all these new people again!  You are doing pretty well and are even starting to warm up to your grandparents.  You are still shy but if you are fed and not tired you do pretty well.  You even worked at your Great Aunt Mary's store for a few hours while Mama got her hair cut and ran a few errands.  I'm sure this will only get better the longer we are here.

I cannot stress your love for this thing

Diet: You are still doing almost all real food.  This isn't the greatest for Grandma as she bought you a ton of baby food pouches.  You now like to have something small for breakfast, usually some fruit.  You are also eating a ton more than you did at home.  Lately your favorites are turkey, avocado, cheese and of course strawberries.  You recently tried noodles, chicken, raspberries, squash and blueberries.  You love it all!

You seem to have figured out the NUK sippy cup.  You will drink a few ounces of water from it daily.  I can hear you sucking from it.  We will now have to introduce new types of cups and see how you do with them.  

Clothes: You are still in 12 month clothes exclusively.  I think we will be good with the 12 month clothing while we are here.

You are in size 3 disposable diapers.

Loves to look out the window at the corn

Mama's Favorites: I love seeing you play with mine and Uncle Joe's old toys.  It's so much fun to see you discover them for the first time.  I think it's so neat that we played with them at one time and now you are.

Crying:  You have been really crabby as of late.  I'm not sure what's going on.  I don't know if you're teething.  Molars?  Or this is a result of you being more active.  I miss my sweet tempered girl though.  You get extremely fussy if Mama is not right there and when you do not get what you want toy wise.  This is a new one for mama because you never really cried over toys till now.  Are we already dealing with tantrums?

Longest tongue I've ever seen

Sleep:  You are getting adjusted to our new sleeping arrangement here at Grandma's.  Thankfully they have a crib for you to sleep in.  For the most part you are doing great.  You have been waking up twice a night lately and I'm hoping that soon you will settle into once a night again here.

It's been weird for mama sleeping in the same room as you.  Thankfully I don't think we're keeping each other up at night.

We will probably start weening you from sleeping with mama in the mornings because your need to pinch me and rub my skin through your fingers drives me insane.  I love you baby but I can't handle this.


This Week: We traveled all the way from North Carolina and you did amazing!  We are now enjoying Grandma and Grandpa's.  You have been playing with all your new toys and exploring your new surroundings.

Daddy makes the worse days better

Baby Likes: You LOVE being pushed in the Cosy Coupe.  You could sit for hours in there while someone pushes you around.  We usually have to tear you away crying from it.

You love Uncle Joe's puppy, Ranger.  You talk to him and love when he comes to give you kisses.  Ranger seems to love you too and would probably lick you for hours if we'd let him.

You love to eat.  You seem to have an increased appetite lately and love to sit in your high chair and eat. You can barely contain yourself when mama makes the sign for "eat".

You love books.  Before you would barely sit through them now you get very angry when we don't read them multiple times.  You could look at them for days and I love this.

So many toys so little time

Milestones:  You learned "So Big".  Mama taught you this while we were on our trip and you picked it up fast.  You now do it on demand as well as sporadically.  When you do it on your own you look at whomever is in the room as if saying, "Aren't you supposed to ask how big I am?"

You went on your first major road trip.  We drove from North Carolina to Illinois.  16 hours in one day.  Girl you were a trooper.  You can read more about our drive here.

You are now pulling up to standing on EVERYTHING.  You pull up on the windows, the furniture, toys, mama, etc.  Once you get to standing you usually dance a bit.  You don't like to sit and only do so when you need to crawl somewhere.  I assume you'll be walking soon.

You walk with ease when holding someone's hand.  You love to be guided as you take your steps.  You are really stable on your feet.  Now you will also stand unassisted for a few seconds as well.

You crawled up the first step of Grandma and Grandpa's stairs and stopped.  You weren't sure what to do next.  This makes mama very nervous but girl you are ready to explore!!

You also crawled down from the bed one day no problem.  Just rolled to the side and lowered yourself.  Almost gave mom a heart attack.

John Deere baby

Best of Times: You really are developing a personality.  I love seeing it emerge and I am coming to realize you are this adorable, amazing little person.

Worst of Times: How are you 42 weeks?  Only 10 weeks from one.  Mama is not ready girl!

Our Breastfeeding Journey

In honor of National Breastfeeding Week here's a little reflection on our journey....

I was determined.  I was going to breastfeed solely.  We told all the doctors.  Glared at them with evil looks when they came close to you with pacifiers.  Struggled through that first night when you were all congested with fluid squeezing milk into your mouth.

Then came the newborn phase of cluster feedings and this new normal.  The feelings of inadequacy, of frustration.  Of pure joy that I was able to do this for my child.  There was highs and there was lows.  Tears flowed when we struggled through your tongue tie and relief when we finally got it clipped.  Times where I felt like I did nothing but feed you in a day.  Had to give up my beloved cheese because you couldn't handle dairy.

But then the rolls appeared and you blossomed.  You soared off the charts and we never looked back.  I finally felt like I knew what I was doing.  I could do this.  I could feed you.  Provide all the nutrition you needed.

Nursing became your comfort as you got more and more mobile.  When you stumble and fall, you look for Mama.  I love that.  I love that we have that bond.

Here we are at 10 months.  A milestone I was determined to hit but yet it seemed so far away.  You still nurse for nutrition but mainly you nurse because you love it.  I see your eyes light up when I sign it.  You love the cuddles and the closeness as much as I do girl.

So we will keep going because I know it's what's best for you.  I don't know when this nursing relationship of ours will stop.  In some ways I pray that you just decide one day you're done.  That may be better on us both.  In the meantime I will continue to treasure our time together (and try to especially remember this in the middle of the night) and know it will go fast.

I'm so glad I can do this for you Baby girl.  That mama's body is able to do this for you.  What an amazing thing, huh?

An Illinois Summer

Mara and I made the trek up to Illinois a few days ago and are adjusting to our new normal here.  It's been really nice and relaxing to be here and I am so glad that we decided to make the trip.  

First night at Grandma & Grandpa's

Mara is loving playing with some of mine and my brother's old toys.  Thankfully my mom kept most of our toys and it's been really neat to see her enjoying them too.  She really loves the Cosy Coupe car and will sit in it for hours as the poor soul someone gets to push her around.  She promptly screams as soon as you stop.  

On that note Mara is developing a bit of a stubborn streak.  Girl knows what she wants and will scream until she gets it.  For the most part I know what she is wanting but I am still trying to get her to communicate her needs to me via signing.  I can tell she knows what the signs means because she will smile or make sounds but she doesn't really do the gestures.  

We cruised on this until I realized its bad on MY back

As for other toys, she is also loving Uncle Joe's old tractor, music box and phone.  She loves putting the farmer into the tractor and pushing it around.  The music box is so loud but she loves listening to it.  She usually dances to the song while it is playing.  The phone is not like any phone we have.  It moves up and down as it rings.  She loves taking the phone off of this and putting her finger on the device that makes it move.  She will do this for minutes at a time.  

We have done a lot of visiting this first week.  We have stopped into the bank and seen all the ladies there.  Mara has also gone "to work" at Sports N Stuff for a few hours while I got my hair cut and ran a few errands.  She did great and even took a little snooze while she was there.  

Learned "So Big"

I've been training for a 5k this weekend and have been running the roads around my parents' home.  Mara and Mom have been walking while I run.  Mara still loves her stroller and usually zones out while in it.  

This weekend we are headed up to the burbs to a friend's wedding.  I am super excited about seeing a few of my Augie buddies (it's been years), especially Johanna who is flying in from Sweden!  Mara, Mom and Aunt Mary are tagging along for the trip and will likely hang out in the hotel during the wedding.  

Cosy Coupe cruisin

Thus far Illinois has been great.  Although we miss our friends, church and day to day life in North Carolina, the change of pace has been great for my mentality and spirit.  It's definitely helping time move faster and it's been great to see family again.

Tractors and John Deere

Dear Baby Girl-A Letter From Your Daddy

Dear Baby Girl,

Daddy is writing this note to you from Afghanistan where I'm deployed with the Army. It is Sunday; the day our family celebrates the Sabbath-day rest. It is hard to step away from work here and just rest. Daddy just listened to Pastor Bill back in NC give a sermon. I am so thankful that even in a war-zone half way around the world I am able to download a sermon and fellowship in spirit with our church family back home.

Daddy really misses you, girl. It was terribly hard for me to say goodby to you and you mommy two months ago. Time has dulled the pain a little, though and it gives me so much joy to see you and mommy almost every day over Skype.  Its hard to believe how big you are getting. You are now 10 months old and I feel like I've missed so many of your latest achievements. Daddy was able to see you crawl for the first time over Skype, though. You seem to really enjoy seeing me on the computer. Mommy says you go crawling to the computer every time you hear the Skype jingle. She thinks you know it's me on the other end. You have been talking a lot to me and you seem to enjoy showing me some of the new things you've learned. You like to show me how you can drop your toys out of Buddy's cat door and you like to try to put the jelly sandwich toy together but usually just bang the pieces of bread together until mommy helps you put it all together. You then immediately proceed to pull it all apart again. You also like to pretend call me either with mommy's iPhone or your own play phone. You hold it up to your ear whenever one of us says "Hello", and then you start jabbering away into the phone.

It has been a real joy for me to see you and Buddy getting along so well. Before I left he seemed to keep his distance and would only occasionally come up to smell you or tolerate your presence when daddy was giving him some scratches. Now that I'm gone, he seems to have warmed up to you. Maybe he just misses the attention daddy used to give him and will take it from whomever will give it. Either way, he now will come up to you when you are playing on the floor and plop right down against you. He also likes to smell your forehead, just like he does with me. You seem to know this and put your head against his so he can sniff you. Maybe you think he's giving you kisses. You still will pull his hair and smack his bottom, but I think you've learned to be more gentile than you used to. Buddy seems to take it in stride and even purrs during the beatings. You pull so much hair off of him, its a shock that mommy hasn't seen any of his hair in your poop yet.

You are now pulling up to stand on just about anything you think has something interesting to destroy (i mean play with). Pretty soon you will be standing on your own and then it is off to the races for mommy. You are now in IL visiting with your grandma and grandpa. I know they are excited to see you and your grandma is lavishing gifts on you even before your 1st birthday. Daddy knows this is grandma's love language so he tolerates this. It is really neat to see that grandma kept all of your mommy's toys and now you are playing with them. You really seem to enjoy the Lil Tykes scooter. Daddy couldn't get you to focus the last time we chatted because all you wanted to do was to get in the scooter and be pushed around.

Well, I love you, Mara. Thank you for brightening my day every time we chat. I can't wait to see you again in person even though that time still seems so far away. Prepare yourself for the biggest hug you've ever had in your life. It will be like bear hugs times a billion - trillion.

Daddy

Illinois or Bust

With Josh away, time has moved slow around the house.  Sure we're still going about our daily routine but in the back of our minds time is being measured by how many more days till he's home.  I guess one of the blessings of deployments is we are able to take a few extended vacations without too much worries.  So in hopes of time going a bit faster, Mara and I decided to head north and visit with family for a bit.

Aunt Mary flew down to North Carolina on Tuesday and we went into the airport to pick her up.  Bless her heart she had volunteered to do all the driving for us on the trip.  That day we did all the last minute things we needed to do, packed up the car and dropped Buddy off at his home away from home.  The plan was to wake up when Mara did that next morning and simply put her into the car (after feeding) and take off.  We were planning on at least two days on the road but not sure where we were going to stop for the night.  Basically we thought we'd be on Mara's terms and just see where the road took us!

Passed our after playing

Well 4 am came around, I grabbed Mara and deposited her (awake) into her car seat and we were off! Thankfully she soon drifted back to sleep and I was able to take a quick snooze as well.  What felt like a blink of an eye, we were in West Virginia!  Mara was up for the morning and in good spirits.  We took a quick bathroom and gas break and were on the road again.

Soon after crossing the border into Ohio we were starting to get a big heads.  How were we this far already?!  It was only mid-day!  We pulled into Chillicothe, OH for some lunch and a break.  Mara soaked it in smiling and laughing at everyone in the restaurant.  She easily went back in her seat and we were off!

All of a sudden we were in Dayton, my proposed stop for the night, but it was only 2 pm so we pushed on.  Mara was still in amazing spirits laughing and talking non-stop.  As Aunt Mary drove, we sung songs, played with toys and even skyped with Daddy in Afghanistan!

Crossing into IL and getting a little slap happy

Around 4 pm we were passing through Indy and the craving of real beds was entering our heads.  Could we really drive the entire trip in one day?  We had been on the road 12 hours but Mara was still doing great.  We'll take it city by city we decided.  If she melts down we'll stop.

Enter her afternoon nap.  2 hours of pure bliss and uninterrupted driving.  Just enough time to finally seal the deal.  We were hours from our destination.  There was no stopping.  

At 7:15 after 16 hours on the road we pulled into my parents.  I don't think I've ever been happier to get out of a car in my life.  I am still shocked and amazed that we did it.  900 miles, 6 states, 5 stops along the way, 2 crazy adults, 1 10 month old and lots of snacks.  Pure insanity.

Even Mara was happy to sleep in a real bed!