The Chapples

We're alive!

2012-01-27T11:29:00.001-08:00

Everyday, I think to myself that I need to update this thing! And the guilt sets in that I used to take a picture of Baker almost daily when he was an infant and now, I only seem to take a picture if my phone is in hand and the thought crosses my mind. Two kids more than doubles the busy-ness, I'm finding. Since I last posted, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas happened (along with too much excitement and sugar for the preschooler and some hard days for the little guy as his first two teeth appeared). Days pass in a blur and somehow Forrest is almost 6 months old.

Forrest...he's a delight. I don't know what I did to deserve another mellow, smiley, good-natured baby but I'll take it. I had forgotten what a sweet age this is. I am trying to soak up every moment of babyhood since it is such a fleeting time.

Baker...you might wonder why there are no recent photos of him and that is because he refuses to let me take a shot of him. I mean, he runs from the camera. But my little man is growing up before my eyes. He continues to crack us up daily with his Baker-isms and make our hearts swell with his caring ways. I mean, how do you top his prayers at night, being thankful for his "sweet mommy, sweet daddy, and sweet little baby Forrest?" I've had the hilarious experience of watching him line up at the preschool playground when I come to pick him up - when he doesn't know I am watching him. Inevitably, he's either the line leader or holding one of the teacher's hands. I have no idea where our little extrovert came from but his social energy far exceeds my own.

So, we're happy. We're healthy. We're loving this mild winter that has allowed for lots of outdoor play time. Mama is happy because running is going especially well. The real test is on March 18th at the Quintiles half marathon. But I'm doing the work, thanks to Michelle.

Whew. This post only took me a few months to write. Maybe I'll get back on here before May!

Baker, 3 years old

2011-11-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

I have a little (ok, a lot) of guilt that I haven't even updated this thing to celebrate Baker's birthday which was almost 2 weeks ago!

Forrest, 3 months old

2011-11-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

One-handed typing

2011-11-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

Because Forrest is a crankster today and doesn't want to be put down. I seem to remember this whole 3-week/6-week/3-month/6-month growth spurt thing and wonder if that's what is going on with him. My normally laidback little guy has just been fussy and seems uncomfortable the last few days.

3 months. Really, how has it been 3 months? Sometimes I feel this sense of, holy cow, time is moving TOO quickly and my baby is growing up too darn fast. I want to soak in every moment of his babyhood since this is our last child. I love his little baby head smell, his milky breath, gummy smile, the way his legs still curl up under him when I pick him up, how he looks up at me when I am nursing him with his big eyes. Such sweet moments. I am going to blink my eyes and he is going to be a big boy like Baker.

Speaking of, he is just cracking us up lately with the things he says. I love his observations of the world. His perspective is so hilariously spot on sometimes. I love this age (well, minus the fits about things not being "just so")...the big kid conversations mixed with little kid innocence. He is such a loving little guy. I will be so sad one day when he doesn't need a hug and a kiss at random and when he shies away from me when I tell him how much I love him. I also love his independence - that I can just set him free at the playground and he'll climb and run with the other kids rather than needing me to be right there. I love hearing him talk about "all my friends" from preschool. He has this whole other little life that I am not part of and while part of that makes me sad, I am also so joyful that he feels connected to other little people. Social butterfly he is.

I'm not sure how I got so lucky with these kids but I hit the jackpot.

Updates coming...

2011-11-04T05:19:00.001-07:00

I WILL get some new pictures, at the very least, on this thing this weekend!!

Too lazy to blog

2011-10-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

(Forgive the paragraph spacing. No matter how many times I have tried to edit it, I can't correct it!!!)

Or maybe too busy to blog? Either way, I think about posting and then just don't get around to it! Some days I just feel overwhelmed by taking care of two kids. Thankfully there are other days when I just feel so fulfilled that it doesn't matter.

Things are going well here - kids, work, running, repeat. I guess I should post Forrest's stats for prosperity's sake so he doesn't read this one day and think that Baker got more attention. HA. I took him in for his 2 month check up on Thursday and he weighed a whopping 14.6 pounds (96th percentile) and was 25 inches long (99th percentile). He's definitely getting nourishment, that's for sure! He continues to be a pleasant, smiley baby who sleeps well and just takes things in stride. Thank goodness, because he just gets toted around a lot with Baker and has to nap in the midst of loud playing. I would never have believed that I would say this when Baker was an infant, but having a small baby is SO MUCH easier than having an almost 3-year-0ld. Baker is a wonderful kiddo, it's just a demanding age that requires a lot of energy on my part. You forget how quiet and simple infants are.

Baker has decided that he wants to be a "big, black monster" for Halloween, whatever that means! He is adamant about it, so I guess that'll be an easy enough costume to finagle! He's pumped about going to the pumpkin patch later today so I'll have pictures of that and from the fair last weekend. He's had some funny statements lately like when he was rocking his stuffed animal and pretending to give it a bottle. I told him that he was a great daddy and he looked at me and rolled his eyes, saying, "Mommy, I am just a kid!" Touche!

Running continues to get better by the week. I ran with my friend Karen this morning and we did 6 very chatty miles, averaging 7:47 pace so I feel like my speed is getting there. I signed up for the local Mistletoe 5k in December with hopes of at least winning my age group. Last year's winner in my AG ran 21:56 and I'd like to think I will be more than able to run that by December (of course you never know who might show up to the race). The top three overall women all ran 21:something, so my secret goal is to win an overall award. It's a hilly course so we'll see what happens. Last year there were over 1500 runners in just the 5k (there is a half marathon that goes along with it), so it's not a small race. The slower times indicate how hard the first half of the race is...uphill. I am just pumped to get back out there. I am eyeing February and May half marathons but those details are fuzzy.

Nap

2011-09-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist.

Forrest, 6 weeks old

2011-09-21T13:00:00.001-07:00

He's a bruiser...and we love it.

Brothers

2011-09-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Airshow

2011-09-16T05:46:00.001-07:00

2011-09-16T05:27:00.001-07:00

Seems like I took a picture of Baker at least once every day when he wa an infant. So cliche, but so true that the second child gets slighted in that category. I am thankful for the phone camera or he'd have even fewer pictures! (Even though those pictures are pretty poor quality).

Another week has passed. Forrest is sleeping through the night now, or almost. We put Baker to bed about 8 then I feed Forrest and put him down about 9. He has been sleeping until 4 or 5 every night for about a week now (I know...don't hate me). Seems like that was about the age Baker started sleeping 7-8 hour stretches too. It's not only their sleep habits that are similar - it's amazing how little expressions, sounds, smells, and schedules are identical. Sometimes I look at Forrest while he's sleeping or nursing and I flash back to three years ago doing the same with Baker. It's truly wild. And cool. I am not sure that either one of the boys would be thrilled to understand that Mommy is comparing them already but it is what it is.

Running...I have just been adding a little more each week. Each week, I have 2 or 3 solo runs, a couple of runs just with Forrest in the stroller while Baker is at preschool, a double jogger run (or should I say "run," seeing as I am just shuffling with that beast of a stroller), and a walk in there one day with a friend. I am trying to go to Body Pump on Sunday afternoons to keep up my hard-earned strength from my pregnancy. It's fun watching my pace get faster each week and finally have hit some sub-9 minute averages. Slow going, but I am determined to prevent injury this time around. Most of my clothes are fitting again, a little slower than with Baker. Eh, it'll come.

I am going to start seeing clients again on Monday and just add a few more each week. I am hoping that working from home will be a nice change (will certainly be more convenient and save us a big chunk of money each month!). This break was VERY refreshing and I am looking forward to putting that professional hat back on.

Happy Fall!

Milestones

2011-09-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked Baker's first day back to preschool (2 year old class) and Forrest's 4-week birthday. Baker was so excited about school that he was dancing on the front porch in the morning. Apparently his teacher, Mrs. Perkins, is his "new best friend," and she has "cool trucks." The day was marred slightly by a little accident (the teacher said he was a little too busy to go and then when he saw other kids heading to the bathroom, the power of suggestion was a little too much for him) but it was a great day otherwise.

Forrest is 4 weeks old! We cannot believe that much time as passed. He continues to be a great baby. I decided to put him to bed in his own room upstairs to sleep and he's done great although now I watch the monitor all night to make sure he's doing okay. He's only waking up once during the night so no complaints there.

I am on the countdown until I start seeing clients again. My goal was to stay out totally until the first week of October but I am getting emails from people wanting appointments sooner and I am caving. Maybe because I am ready for a routine and income, but also because I am a sucker. I'll learn to say no one day...

Three weeks

2011-08-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe three weeks have passed. Days are a blur of feedings, getting a run or walk in, playdates, naps (sometimes!), baths, bedtimes, repeat...

I get a little frazzled trying to take care of both boys' needs at the same time but figure I'll get the hang of it over time. I seriously do not understand how people have more than two kids. I am overwhelmed by trying to get Baker to the potty and fed while nursing Forrest and changing diapers. Yes, it does seem like my days revolve around my kids' eating and pooping!

Forrest generally sleeps well - he gets up once or twice a night. We've had two 6-hour stretches so far and I am super hopeful that he ends up being a great sleeper like Baker was as an infant and continues to be as a toddler.

I never posted last week after Forrest's 2-week check up. I remember taking Baker for his and being amazed that he weighed almost 9 pounds. I guess when you start out in life weighing 9 pounds like Forrest did, weighing 10.5 pounds at two-weeks old isn't that much of a gain but that does put him in about the 95th percentile. I can attest to the fact that he seems to relish mealtime. There's definitely some satisfaction as a nursing mother that my child is thriving.

So, that's the post for day. Or maybe the week. Seems like I should be updating things more but my internet time is usually when I am nursing or eating and I don't have enough hands to type too!

See any resemblance?

2011-08-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Forrest, 2 weeks old

2011-08-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Finally!! More pictures (not necessarily in order)

2011-08-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Pictures

2011-08-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

I swear, I will get around to putting pictures on the blog. I tried to yesterday and they were loading so slowly that I gave up. In the meantime, my talented friend Emily Elrod came today to take pictures of Forrest. He was a little star! I can't wait to see the whole batch, but for now here are the sneak peaks:

Update, finally!

2011-08-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay, things have been a little busy around here since about midnight on Tuesday morning when my water broke. Forrest Gordon Chapple came into the world at 4:15 AM, at 9 pounds and 22.5 inches long. So, just a little over four hours of labor start to finish since the breaking water woke me out of a dead sleep. Fortunately I was able to get an epidural because boy, these contractions were awful from moment my water broke - every two to three minutes off the bat of tear-me-apart pain. Way worse than I had with Baker. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of visitors, feedings, trying to sleep a little bit, and recovering myself from pushing a big boy out into the world. I feel like I was in a car accident - every inch of my body is sore. I will post pictures soon (if you are on Facebook, there are a million on the already!).

+ 2 Days

2011-08-06T05:08:00.000-07:00

I went in for my check up yesterday, curious about any progress. The irony of now being "late," is that I have a ton of energy and feel great - like my normal self, just with a huge belly. What in the world? So, I am dilated to about a 4, head is down so far that the doctor could "play with it" (her words - yikes!), and she felt like there's no reason that he won't make his appearance any day now. She went ahead and stripped my membranes and was warned that this could set off contractions and maybe bleeding. This was true for, oh, about eight hours and then back to normal. Part of me was thinking it would do the trick but the realistic part of me knows that babies just have to come when they're ready.

So, off I went with an appointment card in hand for WEDNESDAY, should I make it until then. The plan is that if I have to go in Wednesday, I will have a fetal non-stress test for 30 minutes just to see how the baby is doing in there, have an ultrasound to check fluid levels, and then an internal exam. If anything is off at all, I will be sent to the hospital to be induced. If things look good, I can opt for induction on Thursday or Friday or choose to wait for spontaneous labor. Hopefully I won't make it until Wednesday and we won't have to worry about the next choice.

Meanwhile, I am continuing with my walk/running, Body Pump classes and just doing my everyday thing. Days are a little long since I stopped seeing clients week before last but I think I can fill a few more days. I mean, what choice do I have?

Anyone have experiences with being late with their little ones?

Due Date Pic

2011-08-05T03:58:00.001-07:00

And the waiting continues. Note sad face.

0 days left?

2011-08-04T04:13:00.001-07:00

So, that's what my ticker says. What's it going to say tomorrow? Will it tease me, saying, "HAHA, sucker! You just have to wait it out, MUHAHAHAHA!"

There's not really any doubt in my mind that this child will not be making his entrance into the world today. It's been a long week. After the hospital deal on Monday, things really started picking up on Tuesday evening - regular contractions and pain. I just *knew* that was it. Then yesterday morning, it all just STOPPED. Nothing. I confess to having a meltdown, between exhaustion from not sleeping the night before, Baker not taking a nap, and just feeling bummed that I got my hopes up that it was time. I pulled myself up by my bootstraps yesterday afternoon and had a playdate and then took Baker to the pool and felt a lot better (well, except for those war stories from women at the pool who were eight, ten, TWELVE days late - not helpful).

So today I have a new attitude. I can't control this process, as much as I'd like to think I can. I am going to keep on walking, planning things to do with Baker, and tonight I think I'll go with Jason to his bike race 45 minutes away and enjoy myself. Might be one of the last times I actually get to sit in peace without a little one attached to me for a while.

We'll see how long this attitude lasts. ;) Tomorrow I go back to the doctor and we'll see what they say about the next step.

Waitwaitwait

2011-08-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was fun.

I felt like I was leaking over the weekend so decided to go ahead and call the OB office since I had the same thing occur with Baker. I went into the office at 2:30 and the doctor did two tests to see if I was, indeed, leaking amniotic fluid. One test was positive, one was negative. Because he didn't want me to walk around with my water breaking, he sent me to triage at the hospital to run a more conclusive test. Hours later, after laying in a super-uncomfortable bed with the fetal monitor attached to me, the conclusion was that I was NOT leaking. Home I went. I was really upset last night. Just tired, impatient, hoping for some news. Well there is some good news in that I am now dilated to a 3+ so SOME progress is being made. Just not fast enough for me. Wah, wah.

Looks like I will make it to my due date, most likely. I would be really surprised if anything happened tonight or tomorrow but I guess things can happen quickly. I've been doing everything I can to hasten the progress - fast walking with some running thrown in, lifting pretty heavy weights at Body Pump, bouncing on the exercise ball, etc. Truth is, this kiddo is just going to come when he's ready - I probably don't have any control over it but at least it makes me feel like I am doing SOMETHING. Now I am going to head to the pool with Baker and it's almost 100 degrees. It's likely all that will do is make me tired and grumpy.

Send labor vibes my way!!

No July Baby

2011-08-01T03:49:00.000-07:00

Whiny post ahead.

Not that I really thought we WOULD have a July baby, but there was some wishful thinking on my part. I promised Jason I would hold the baby in until late yesterday due to the annual Hanes Park Classic Crit that he was dying to do. We all schlepped out there to watch him (boy, oh boy, not sure it could have been any more humid - bleh) and while we were out there, I was sure that I would be having a baby in the next day or two. In fact, all weekend I keep thinking, "THIS IS IT!" and then...it's not.

So, with three days until my due date, I don't really feel different than I have since last week. Still crampy, still tired, still carrying this baby so low I can't believe he doesn't just fall right out. I was 2 cm. dilated and 50% effaced on Friday but looking back to what I recorded when I was pregnant with Baker, I was at about the same place at 37 weeks!! So basically, I am not too encouraged by those numbers. I'm not having many real contractions, just pressure. I can't sleep - just toss and turn trying to find a comfortable position and that is saying a lot. I LOVE sleep and usually don't have any trouble.

I woke up kind of weepy and down feeling. What the heck? I should be jazzed that we'll soon meet our little man but all I can dwell on is that I am READY. I hate waiting, I hate the unknowns, I am sick of being pregnant in such hot weather. I almost think I am ruined by having Baker two days before his due date because I've carried that information in my head, assuming that I would go early (or at least on time) with this one. There are no promises in childbirth. My body is going to do what it is going to do. And that is pissing me off today.

And with 10 days to go...

2011-07-25T03:45:00.001-07:00

It seems impossible that he'll get any lower.

My prediction is that I will still be here in a week and probably still here on my due date. Not sure why I have that hunch...just do. I am working until this Wednesday, have a dentist appointment on Friday and then NOTHING on the calendar. NOTHING. If you get a frantic phone call/email/text from me asking to you to entertain me lest I go nutso waiting on this baby to come (especially since it's too hot to even venture outside), please humor me.

Ho Hum

2011-07-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

I feel like I should have something to post about but I really don't. We got back from the beach on Sunday and this week has just been catching up around the house and seeing clients. I am only in the office two more work-weeks (assuming baby stays put) so have been tying up loose ends there. And, I am moving my office to our home when I come back to the office in October so there's all of that to think about.

I feel like we moved in last month and scurried to get a lot of stuff done and then it all came to a standstill. We still have nothing on the walls and there are a lot of odds and ends that I'd love to do around here, just don't really have the motivation to do them. But hey, I'm getting a lot of sleep and playing with friends and going to the pool and working out! Those things seem higher on the priority list than having a perfect house. I figure I'll be pretty housebound this fall and those things can get done then.

Baker is pretty well potty-trained now, which has been a big undertaking. So nice not to have to buy diapers but I will say, diapers are a LOT easier than taking time to go to the potty every little bit and worrying about where the bathroom is every time we're in public. Thank goodness for portable potty ring! Baker is back in preschool twice a week for the month of July and is excited to be back with his buddies. I can't decide if he just got a little spoiled on vacation with the extended family or we just pack too much into his days and he's tired and overwhelmed, but seems like when he's good, he's awesome, adorable, and FUN but he is also really testing us and stubborn as heck. Maybe that's just being an almost-3-year-old??? My full term pregnant self is not that patient and I feel like I am on his case a lot. Then I get sad that I feel like I am always fussing at him. I just don't want to him to remember me as a crabby mom. Anyone else out there feel like this?

Well, I guess I found something to post about!

35 weeks

2011-07-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor yesterday for my check-in before we leave for vacation and things looked great. The doctor said I was still "closed up pretty tight," which bodes well for traveling 4+ hours from home. Not that I was worried about going into early labor, but at least my body appears to be hanging on to our little guy for a while yet. It's surreal that I am this far along...just can't believe that we are going to be a family of four in a month. I waver between having butterflies in my stomach because I am so excited and feelings of dread of the labor-intensive infant stage. I know that sounds bad, but I think the second time around, there's no surprise about how tough things will be for a few months.

I got out last night for a run/walk and realized that I feel a heck of a lot better than I did with Baker at this stage and it's a LOT hotter. I credit the fact that I HAVEN'T tried to run almost exclusively like I did last time. I am just run-walking now, going to Pump class 2-3 times a week (weights), or just walking. Elliptical now and then. And boy, I feel really good. No injuries, no pain, nothing feeling wonky like last time. I am pretty proud of my restraint since the desire to run daily is certainly there, I just don't want to pay with pain in the end. Maybe I AM learning something in my old age. ;)

Baker and I have been soaking up our free time with trips to the pool, playdates with friends, errands, and all of the things that will be trickier to do once his brother is here. I am just not a "sit at home" person and am trying to maximize our relatively flexible schedule while it lasts. I'm tying up loose ends at work, referring some clients out and making sure the rest are stable before I leave for two months. When I return I am going to be working out of our home office which will be a whole other adjustment. But one thing at a time...

We're alive!

2011-06-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in 20 days!! Our laptop is broken again and so I am waiting for that to come back to be able to post pictures but here's the bullet-pointed list of things that have happened in the last few weeks:

* We had a wonderful time at the beach over Memorial Day. I think we were actually able to put aside most of the house and moving stress for four days. Lots of time to play on the beach, read, exercise, sleep, and just BE. SOOOO nice.

* We moved!! We have been in the house almost two weeks and it's been awesome. I think we are all settled in now, minus things being hung on the walls, and it just feels like HOME.

* Baker got a "big boy" bed. That was a much easier transition than expected. He slept fine from the first night (except naps but that was solved once I hung something over the windows because it's so light in there).

* We're working on potty training and he has done super! I am doing a modified "boot camp" style training and he does better each day. We'll see if there's any regression when the baby comes but for now, I am impressed with how fast it clicked.

* Blogger tells me I have 50 more days...50 more days to enjoy relative freedom, being on a predictable schedule, exercising when I want to, sleeping well, napping, just enjoying Baker and Jason. Our world as we know it is quickly coming to an end and I admit that I am scared. Maybe denial is more of the word I am looking for...

Changes

2011-05-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in 10 days. Now I am 30 weeks pregnant with 70 days to go. As I posted on Facebook this morning, so close but so far away! So, house stuff: our sellers backed out on Monday but all hope is not lost. We had two showings yesterday and potentially the previous buyers are still interested so hopefully we can get this show on the road ASAP. We move NEXT FRIDAY! We've had a lot of bittersweet observations about this being the last time we do this or that at this house. In the end, the change will be a good one but there is still sadness about leaving our litle house.

Pregnancy is smooth sailing apart from anemia. Hopefully those extra iron pills will bump my hemoglobin levels back up. I don't seem to notice a difference but my doctor promised an "energy burst" with increased iron. Maybe I am tired and don't even know it? In any case, still running strong, feeling super. No complaints here at all.

Today is Baker's last day of preschool for the year and I was nostalgically looking at his picture from the first day in comparison to today and he looks so old now. Just a little boy...no baby left. I confess that I love each day more than the last with Baker and some of that has to do with his becoming an independent, smart, observant little guy rather than a baby. Not that I am not looking forward to having another baby in the house but do enjoy toddlerhood more than expected. I included the pics from the first and last days of school. Time...it flies.

Updates

2011-05-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

Long time, no post. Blogger tells me that I am due with #2 in 80 days, we are at a standstill with our home buyers (long story that I shouldn't put on a public blog but so freaking ridiculous. Take my word for it.), and we are just bundles of stress and hormones - well the hormonal one is me. Lots of tears and tension this weekend thanks to this house stuff. I think we both know that this is going to work out in the long run but I just want to get settled in our new home and relax for a few weeks before this baby comes! Jason just wants justice for what has happened to us with the house stuff (again, sorry to be so vague) and is fueled by anger and feelings of helplessness. Add to all of that a bunch of gloomy weather, lots of difficult client situations at work, and trying to make sure that Baker isn't affected by all of the chaos around him and I am one tired and stressed lady.

The good news is that we have a four day beach vacation coming up, and then we are at least closing on the new house and moving in! We all need to seriously relax and clear our heads so that we can come back refreshed and ready to deal with what happens with our current house.

Baby wise things are sailing along. I have scaled back the running bit just because it isn't too comfortable. I am not injured or anything just feel ungainly and clumsy. I have been able to do a lot of classes at the Y and other cross training so feel like I am in great shape. I just made the decision early on in this pregnancy that I would NOT risk injury this time. Overdoing it during Baker's pregnancy and especially right afterwards led me to have to drop out of running for several months and miss out on marathon training. I would rather take the conservative approach now then pay later.

So there's my negative post. Hopefully thing will be looking up when I write next!

And we are so thankful for the bright spot in our lives, named Baker. He is an awesome kiddo and we are so blessed to have him to lighten our hearts every day.

Baker's weekend

2011-05-04T04:05:00.000-07:00

I went to San Antonio with my mom and sister for the weekend so Jason's parents came to help out with Baker. He got to go to the toy store, the mall, visited with his little cousin Eliza and great-grandparents, had ice cream, and just had lots of attention all the way around. Lucky boy!

Beautiful day at Muddy Creek Trail

2011-04-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

I had to take Baker and Emma out of the house for a few hours while we had our home inspection so we headed to the Muddy Creek Trail. He had a great time riding to the playground but was stubborn and wouldn't ride back so I gave him the job of walking Emma while I carried his bike. Spring in North Carolina couldn't be more gorgeous.

Easter Pics

2011-04-24T15:11:00.001-07:00

I don't know why I forget to take pictures on holidays but this was all I got. Sorry, grandparents! And who knows what kind of sweat or grime was the lense of my camera phone. Mommy FAIL.

Updates

2011-04-20T13:23:00.001-07:00

Baker was so generous and shared his stomach flu with me this week! Yippee! So fun. I am so over being sick this spring. OVER IT.

In other news, here is a picture of our new house and my ever-growing belly!

It's ours!

2011-04-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

In five days, we listed our house, sold our house, made an offer (well, several counter offers), and had our offer accepted on a new house! Can you say whirlwind?? It's almost surreal. I've been going to bed absolutely exhausted every night lately - is it any wonder?? So much to think about.

We're closing on May 31st on our current house and June 2nd on the new house which means we can breathe a little bit between now and then. Assuming both houses have reasonable inspections and I can pack up the house by then, we're good to go. Seven or eight weeks to unpack and get situated before the baby comes sounds absolutely doable! I bet you can hear my sighs of relief all the way in California.

Baker's 2nd race!

2011-04-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

Jason had a crit down in Denton, NC and there just happened to be a kid's race right afterwards. He was the youngest participant by about 10 years but boy was he proud of that medal!

Offer has been made

2011-04-11T17:51:00.001-07:00

Let the waiting begin. My parents came to see the house today and it was nice to have two more pairs of eyes to see what was good (almost everything) and bad (almost nothing) about it. The one little catch is that they're selling it by owner and one of the owners is in Haiti on a mission trip so not sure how that's going to work with negotiating an offer. He'll be home this weekend but hopefully we can haggle with his wife. Nervous, nervous, nervous.

House Update

2011-04-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sign went up Thursday, we had an offer within a day! We countered, they accepted...now we just have to wait for 30 days during the "due diligence" period when they could potentially back out but I don't think they will based on what we know. That was WAY too easy (not that I am complaining!). We do have to keep things tidy since we still have to show it for that 30 days, including one tonight and an open house tomorrow. Ask me how tired I am already of schlepping a toddler and a dog out of the house in a few hours' notice?!?!?! Again, it could be a million times worse so I'll hush now. We're going to look at three houses today and hoping something appeals to us! In other awesome news, Jason's mom ran her first 5k this morning in under 30 minutes - 3rd in her age group! We are so proud of her. She is jazzed to run another couple of 5ks this year and try for a 10k next year. Talk about inspiring - 58 years old, a new runner, and already running faster than people half her age!

Asking myself...

2011-04-01T12:11:00.001-07:00

WHY are we doing this? Moving, that is. It's all going to be worth it in the end (we hope) but the process is oh-so tiring. For example, Jason scheduled to have one of those POD things delivered today (portable storage unit that sits in your driveway until you're ready to move) and the delivery guys couldn't get it down the driveway because of low-hanging power lines. So we can either call the power company and have them move the lines or scrap the POD. I think we'll end up going with the latter and just stack boxes in the garage. The whole point of getting that thing was to shove the clutter in there so everything looks nice and neat for when we show our house to potential buyers.

Which is NEXT WEEK! The sign goes up one week from today and an open house has already been put on the books for the 10th. That means in 10 days, we need to pack the clutter, deep clean, fix the yard up, and basically make sure everything looks pristine. Oh yeah, and that all-important detail of finding somewhere to go if we DO sell fast! We've seen some nice houses out there and are going back to see a house for the second time tomorrow but part of me feels like nothing compares to the house we have now. I love our house dearly. If not for the busy traffic going by, the lack of playroom, and some of the layout irritations (like the laundry being in the corner of the basement), I'd stay there forever. I am trying to remind myself that this is a good move in the end, but boy will we be glad when it's all said and done!

22 week pic

2011-03-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

This baby is hanging out way low, just like Baker!

I'd take a deep breath if I could...

2011-03-28T04:22:00.000-07:00

I've now had this miserable cough/sinus thing for SIXTEEN DAYS! I'm pretty certain I've cracked a rib because I am in so much pain on my left side just rolling over in bed makes me want to sob. Sorry for the complain-y post. I am just so over being sick! I did get some runs in last week but once the rib pain started (Saturday) I had to throw in the towel again. Way too much jostling and I can't take very deep breaths without sharp pain. Anyone out there ever had a cracked rib? I'm guessing there's nothing that can be done for it but to rest and wait it out. Our other "need to take a deep breath" issue is that we're officially putting our house on the market on April 8th! We already have an open house scheduled for April 10th. Our realtor is pretty certain it'll go fast and we have no where to go at this moment. We've seen a few houses we really liked but haven't 100% decided. April is apparently "the month" to list a house, so we're hoping we'll be able to make a decision fairly quickly. That means the next couple of weeks are going to be a madhouse of packing up some of the clutter and deep-cleaning in preparation for showing the house. I admit I am totally overwhelmed with keeping the house spotless for any spontaneous showings that might happen (with a toddler and a dog, no less!). We're pretty neat people but like everyone, we have to live here in the meantime which means everyday dirt and dust. I see lots of cleaning in my future! I've kind of given up on any normality for the next four months (heck, the next year!) with the move and the baby on the way. I just wish I felt better to enjoy the ride.

Baker's first bike race

2011-03-26T17:18:00.001-07:00

They were all winners. Start 'em young!

So.

2011-03-16T04:24:00.001-07:00

Having more time to reflect on the miracle that is our SON in my belly, we are just so excited. I have been so sick since Sunday - like flu sick. Fever, terrible coughing, sore throat, headache kind of sick. Lie in bed sick. Changing clothes several times a day because the fever makes me sweat sick. I am not sure I've been this ill since I had the flu eleven years ago. Anyway, I feel like I've been barely functioning the past few days but now with the help of some strong antibiotics, I feel like a human again today and it's really sinking in that we're having another boy and that he's perfectly healthy. One of my friends said "I just picture you with this little troop of men, " and as it turns out, I picture that too.

Knowing this is our 2nd, and last, child there have been some emotions that have come along with it. Obviously, the sadness that this will be my last pregnancy (yep, I am one of those freaks who loves every second of being pregnant) but now that brief wistfulness of not having a daughter to do girly-girl stuff with. But that thought is very fleeting and then I think of my little guys and doing fun boy stuff with them and it just *fits*. Same for Jason - it just makes sense to have a family of boys. So, we're very very very happy.

I don't talk about my work very much on here out of respect for my patients and the very private and precious work they do with me in therapy, but one especially dear client said to me recently when talking about her dating woes, "Allison, raise your son to be a good boyfriend!!" I chuckled at the time, but really there is a lot of responsibility in raising a child in general, but also raising sons to be respectful of women (and ALL people of course because who knows, they might have boyfriends not girlfriends!). My lucky sons (ha!) also have a mommy who processes emotions for a living so hopefully they will be encouraged to be themselves and not tamp down their feelings. I just hope I am up to the challenge of being a good mom to little guys.

3:1

2011-03-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am going to be outnumbered!!

We're having a boy!! He looked perfect on the ultrasound, everything just as it should be. We couldn't be happier!

Wouldn't it be nice if bedhead looked this cute on all of us?

2011-03-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

Pizza Night

2011-03-10T03:39:00.001-08:00

Most pictures taken of Baker lately include this "CHEESE!!" face. Appropriate considering he ate as much cheese out of the bag as he actually put on the pizza last night.

150 days

2011-03-07T04:48:00.000-08:00

That's how many days my ticker up there says I have until Baby #2 comes. That sounds like a lot until I start thinking that I am almost halfway through this pregnancy and how fast the past 18.5 weeks have gone.

If you are know me in person or are friends with me on Facebook, you know that we're hoping to move to a new house. We met a realtor at a house on Saturday and adored it. The trick is that we need to sell our house first and it's not quite ready to put on the market and so I am panicking about losing out on a great hosue because we're not quite ready. We have some painting to do in both bathrooms and our painter isn't able to do it until late-March at the earliest. We *could* do it ourselves but #1, I really don't want to be dealing with paint and dust that comes from sanding walls that had wallpaper on them while I am pregnant and #2, we just aren't DIY-ers. We'd rather pay someone to do a great job and just have it knocked out in two days rather than trying to do it ourselves on weekends. The painter also said he would like Baker and me to be out of the house for the two days so I guess we'll be staying at my parents'.

Anyway, I am in a frenzy of cleaning and organizing and fortunately have a slow work-week. I am one of those procrastinator types that needs a deadline to get stuff done. Now that I know that we have about a month to get this house pristine, I am on it! Of course we'd love to be moved before August 4th, but time will tell. I am living and breathing house-hunting...obsessed!

If anyone reading this lives in Winston-Salem, if you know of anyone who wants a wonderful Ardmore house (3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, in great condition), let us know! Our street is wonderful and we are sad to leave our precious house but alas, we need more space.

#1 vs. #2

2011-03-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

I just took a look back at my blog posts during my pregnancy with Baker just to contrast. Here are my observations:

* I am bigger at 18 weeks than I was at 25 weeks. Truly. What it is called, uterine memory? My body definitely remembered how to make a baby bump in a hurry!

* Looks like I was struggling with the pelvic pain already at 19-20 weeks last time. I am running significantly more this time for whatever reason, maybe because I was coming off of Ironman training last time (less running) and had a three-year "just running" base this time? In any case, I still feel really strong running-wise. The past two days have been 7 mile runs at blistering paces of 8:37 and 8:44 (hey, speed is relative, right?). I think I was running more like 10:00 pace at this point last time.

* I was much better about taking belly pictures last time. I wonder if that is how it's going to be with taking pictures of baby #2? I took so many of Baker at the beginning. I have a hunch that I will be too busy to take a daily pic of the second kiddo.

* I got a Groupon for a month of unlimited yoga classes at a downtown studio. I think I am going to save it for May or June when I am feeling creakier and it's too hot to do a lot outside. My goal with this pregnancy is to do yoga at least twice a week from here on out (can anyone recommend a good pregnancy yoga DVD?). This will definitely be a challenge since I really have no love for it but I really, really want to love it! All of my yoga friends seem to have fewer injuries and I am so stiff it's not funny. Shouldn't an almost-34 year old still be able to touch her toes and be able to sit up straight for more than a minute without feeling the need to slouch?

All in all, this has been a super pregnancy. A friend of mine had her little boy yesterday and I started getting butterflies in my stomach about meeting this little chickadee!

Almost-18-week check up

2011-02-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed by my body and how it does what it needs to do to grow a little human. So, compare weeks 1-12 and weeks 13-17. Same mileage running-wise each week, eating seemed to be the same. I gained more in the last four weeks than I did in the first WHOLE trimester! Before it sounds like I'm concerned, I should say that I am not - just more in awe of my body's innate ability to create a healthy environment for our little one.

The baby's heartrate was 158 bpm, similar to last time. Isn't the old wive's tale that a higher heartrate usually correlates with a female? Looking back at Baker's records, his was always high too so that myth definitely doesn't stand. If anything, the baby is just a mover and a shaker per the nurse. Good to hear since I still haven't felt a lot of movement. I didn't feel Baker until 18.5 weeks so thinking it's going to be the same this time.

One interesting tidbit for the runner mommies out there. I saw the doctor on staff today who is notably active (he's a cyclist). I mentioned my running mileage and his comment was that I should probably cut back by the third trimester to prevent hip and knee problems down the road. I didn't question it much since there are so many opinions out there but just thought it was interesting that an athlete was the one who gave me that advice, not one of the other non-athlete docs. He did say, "I know a lot of you hard-core runners have no problems, just thought I'd give you some words of caution." Interesting! If it goes like my last pregnancy, I won't be running in the 3rd trimester ANYWAY!

Sunday in the park

2011-02-28T04:36:00.000-08:00

Three cheers for 77 degrees in February!

17 Weeks

2011-02-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

Definitely growing!

Sunday Morning Pancakes

2011-02-13T04:44:00.001-08:00

Belly Pics

2011-02-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

Funny how this second kiddo is already getting less attention than his/her brother did in utero. I cannot BELIEVE that I'll be 15 weeks tomorrow. It's flying. I realized that I photo-documented my pregnancy with Baker starting from week 5 and didn't even take one picture of this pregnancy until two weeks ago. Oops. So, I give you eveidence of week 13 and week 15. Sorry, baby. Mama loves you just as much as Baker, just can't get it together this time around! (Oh, and I cannot figure out how to turn the flash off my Droid in darker rooms - help?).

Huge sigh of relief

2011-01-31T11:14:00.001-08:00

I FINALLY got to go back to the doctor today. I think that was The Longest Month Ever. This was my first opportunity to hear the heartbeat since our ultrasound on December 23rd. After a quick weighing (total pounds gained = 3), and blood pressure (90/60 - no wonder I am lightheaded so much of the time), the nurse had me hop up onto the table and aimed the Doppler at my belly. She poked around a bit, low on my abdomen, and there was that wonderful whoosh, whoosh, whoosh sound of our baby's heart. 164 beats per minute, which means nothing other than that he/she was moving around in there. The nurse commented that she could tell the baby was kicking around. I cannot tell you the sense of relief I felt hearing that awesome sound. I could have listened all day.

After the recommendation to drink WAY more water since I am still running 45+ miles per week, I was off to schedule my next appointments. So, another four weeks until I see a doctor and two weeks later, on March 14th, we'll have the "big" ultrasound. Boy, I cannot wait. Anyone want to place bets on the gender??? If I had to put money on it today, I would say boy but that's just a result of my own n=1 being a boy, so I can't imagine having anything else. Either one is perfect.

Chip off the old block

2011-01-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Since I never seem to take pictures anymore...

2011-01-21T03:54:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of Baker in the pet store yesterday. You would have thought we were at Disneyworld based on his giggles and excitement!

How pregnancy #2 compares to #1 so far

2011-01-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

Similarities:

* No morning sickness
* No difference in appetite than usual, no cravings or aversions
* Tired, oh so tired.
* Still running pretty strong

Differences:

* Time is FLYING. Last time, it seemed like weeks just dragged but this time I can't even believe I'm already 10.5 weeks.
* Night sweats. Buckets of sweat all night long. I had these post-partum last time but don't remember having them during the pregnancy.
* Irritability and irrationality. With Baker, I was so happy and glowing all of the time. I just feel like a nutcase right now. See below.
* Anxiety. See above. Part of that is I've met so many women since having Baker that have had miscarriages in the first trimester and I just can't shake the idea that I will have one too.
* Not as worried about how far I'm running and how fast. I'm just glad to be active, whatever that happens to look like on any given day. I put a lot of pressure on myself with Baker to maintain paces and long runs.
* Overanalyzing EVERYTHING going on with my body - for instance, I felt really good running yesterday - still a bit breathless on the uphills (one of my running buddies decided to lead us on the hilliest 9 mile route she could find) but generally great. I started thinking that maybe the baby hadn't made it and that's why I have more energy lately. Then I remember Friday's run and how I could barely pick up my legs.

Sigh.

I really don't like this stage. I have three more weeks to wait until my next doctor's appointment. By then I'll be almost 14 weeks so should be able to hear a heartbeat with the doppler. Until then, you'll find me rocking in a corner, babbling incoherently (not really, of course, but I do feel a little crazy right now). Bless Jason. He's a saint to put up with my neurotic self.

Fast Forward

2011-01-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

I met with my OB yesterday and after looking at my ultrasound pictures and doing an internal, she put my due date BACK as August 4th rather than August 7th. I'll take it! That's three less days of being pregnant in the sweltering heat. Hear that, body? You now have permission to pop this baby out early! I'll be 10 weeks on Thursday and can't believe it's moving along so quickly. I'm still in my regular clothes but it's definitely obvious when I wear something fitted that there's a tummy there - I assume that most people just think I ate too many cookies over the holidays since that IS what it looks like! I don't mind since it's part of the deal and just evidence to me that we're moving in the right direction.

I don't think I'll truly rest easy until I have the baby in my arms, but getting through the next month will help. They didn't even attempt using the doppler yesterday to hear a heartbeat since it's too early. That means four weeks of waiting until I go back to the doctor...all the while praying that our baby is thriving in there. I have a lot more anxiety about the fragility of little embryos this time around. Just all too aware of the precariousness of the first trimester. I don't like to live that way but the worry just seems uncontrollable.

I need to find more ways to relax. My shoulders are up to my ears all of the time and I can't sleep. Yoga? Relaxation exercises?

White Christmas and one pooped Mama

2010-12-27T05:20:00.000-08:00

Apparently this was the first white Christmas in Winston-Salem in many, many decades so we took advantage of it! Baker is up to his ears in new toys which is great since he is occupied while I sleep eleven hours at night and doze through the afternoon.

The exhaustion is overwhelming! I was trying to explain how I felt to someone over Christmas and all I could come up with is like a severe case of mono, minus a sore throat and fever. I daydream about getting under the covers. I even closed my eyes while I was running yesterday afternoon thinking maybe since I've run that route a million times, my feet would just find their way home while I took a nap. I know I sound like I am complaining, but really I am not. It's more of a curiosity about how much rest my body needs this go-round than a gripe. It could be a million times worse! Jason might disagree since I bit his head off about laundry (don't ask) on Christmas morning. I go from docile to rage in .2 seconds. It's a little bit scary. I don't like being one of those people that you have to tip-toe around but it is what it is...

It's Official!

2010-12-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

It's no surprise to most of you now since I've announced our pregnancy to family, friends, and Facebook. Part of my lack of posting the latter half of 2010 has been because we were trying to get pregnant and I didn't feel super comfortable putting all of those details out for the whole world to read about. I also didn't want to make the official announcement until we had an ultrasound and saw a growing baby with a strong heartbeat. We saw the little peanut yesterday! To my disappointment, my due date was shifted from August 4th to August 7th based on measurements. Those three days matter! ;) Anyone who has carried a baby to term would agree!

So far, this pregnancy has been exactly like Baker's. Not at all sick, just exhausted and breathless, and having terrible nightsweats. It could be much worse, that's for sure. I seem to be crabbier this time around but that could have something to do with the fact that I am more exhausted since I have a toddler to manage. It's amazing how slow I already am when running. Just cannot breathe! It's fine. Amazing how that becomes small peas compared to the gift of pregnancy.

So far Baker doesn't have a clue how his life will change next year. Right now, "baby" just means that thing that is under mom's shirt (or his own, on occasion). I'm looking forward to seeing how he reacts as reality sets in!

Ho Ho, Oh No!

2010-12-14T03:07:00.001-08:00

Pictures...finally

2010-12-06T04:13:00.000-08:00

So, the last month or two has been full of festivities - Halloween, fun with friends, raking leaves, Thanksgiving, and our trip to Colorado (including a pro cyclocross race!). Here is a random smattering of photos from the last month or so. You might even recognize another blogger in there!

We're back

2010-12-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

The computer was salvaged (just got a new screen), so I can blog again! Now I need to upload all of the pics we've taken in the last month of our trip to Colorado and other events. It's funny how when you get out of the habit of posting, it's hard to get motivated to start again!

Lull in blogland

2010-11-04T03:48:00.000-07:00

Our laptop screen cracked so I am doing all of my posting from my Droid = infrequent posting. So, I will have to wait until I am back at my office to post a Colorado report. Hopefully we can remedy the computer situation soon. Any suggestions out there? Anyone want to rave about their Mac, iPad, notebook, etc.?

Couple of birthday pics

2010-10-27T14:47:00.001-07:00

I was a slack mama and didn't even take any pictures on his birthday, so borrowed some from Jason's sister. His mom took more which I'll post soon...

My laptop is broken so I am relying on my smartphone and office computer lately so posting will be sparse!

Two years ago...

2010-10-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

I was hugely pregnant, playing at the park with my nieces feeling very crampy but still not at all aware that I was in LABOR!!

Baker will be two tomorrow. This has been an amazing year of change for him! Walking, talking, Mr. Personality. Baker has his own group of buddies, is in school learning all kinds of things, amazes us every day with his observations about the world. He's cuddly, sensitive, goofy, serious, and exuberant all rolled into one. How lucky are we to have this amazing little boy in our lives?

Touch-a-Truck Sunday

2010-10-18T03:38:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross Saturday

2010-10-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Candy corn season is here...

2010-10-08T04:30:00.001-07:00

And that's what's in his cheeks.

Dixie Classic Fair 2010

2010-10-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

1/2 Marathon Race Report

2010-09-18T12:32:00.003-07:00

We went up to the NC mountains again this weekend for me to run a half-marathon. I haven't been very goal-oriented lately and just wanted to go out and see what happened. If I felt good, go for it, otherwise just enjoy running in a beautiful place. As it turns out, I felt great on my two-mile warm-up and when the gun went off, I felt terrific. There were two guys ahead of me from the start and one very fit looking woman. I moved past her where I stayed for 9 miles until she turned on the speed and blew past me. Ended up 2nd overall female, 7th overall runner. I actually ran a very smart race (maybe I AM learning something!!). Passed the 13.1 mark in 1:37:40 and crossed the finish line in 1:42:22 (13.7 miles). The general opinion was that the course was anywhere from 13.7 to 14 miles. Good enough! I got a sweet piece of local pottery as a prize and went home happy.

That's the last of my planned races and in retrospect, I've either won an overall or age group in every race I've entered. I'd say it's been a successful year.

Look for me in your next Runner's World Magazine!

2010-09-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Our friend Kyle is a fantastic artist/illustrator. Apparently I inspired his recent picture for an article in RW. He didn't quite get my mileage per day right (he said I run seven miles a day which is true some days, of course some days it's much more and some days less but can't expect someone to remember my training schedule - ha!), but it's cool nonetheless.

Check it out!

First day of preschool

2010-09-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Don't let this face fool you. He wasn't apprehensive about going to school, he just didn't want to let go of the truck long enough for a picture. He had a great day, apparently. I mean, who wouldn't with a room full of toys, playground time, and cupcakes for a snack? He's been talking about an airplane and a helicopter today so I guess those were the toys of choice.

Labor Day weekend in the NC mountains

2010-09-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

Jason arranged a 3-day vacation for us up in the mountains (about 90 minutes away). It was pure bliss - awesome weather, time to read and nap, Jason raced a brutal crit, I did a lot of road and trail running, we ate some terrific food, and did the tourist stuff. Baker LOVED Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock and had no fear of heights on the mile-high swing at Grandfather Mountain. I think he would say that seeing and feeding the animals at Tweetsie and Grandfather were the highlights. It was truly a perfect weekend. Just perfect.

One last summer beach trip

2010-08-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Fun with paint

2010-08-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

Summertime

2010-08-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

The lack of posting is primarily because we're just having a lazy summer around here. Our days are filled with simple things: running, playing at the park, playdates with friends, time with Matchbox cars in the air-conditioning, the pool, popcicles, chasing each other around the house, snuggling on the couch with books. Everything else has taken a backseat.

I'm still working but work is...work. There's a whole back story to that but I tend not to put much about my job online because of the personal nature of work with clients.

Running is...running. I feel like I've peaked for the year and am just hanging on pretty half-heartedly. I decided to run a really low-key half marathon in September instead of the local 30k and that's taken a lot of pressure off. I just want to run it for the experience, the scenery, and the opportunity to have a night away with Jason.

Speaking of Jason, he's been riding in the Crossroads Classic again this year - a race every day for five days straight in different towns nearby. I think he's pretty exhausted after getting home late every day and then getting up for work before 6. Add to it the gross hot weather we've had all summer and I'd say he's going to be one tired guy come Saturday.

So, the update is that all is well. Just boring from the outsider's perspective so there's not been much to say, but perfect to me.

Run for the Greenway 5k

2010-07-24T10:45:00.001-07:00

Yeah, it pretty much stunk.

I hit mile 1 in 6:29 and knew I couldn't hold it even though I SHOULD be able to per my training lately. Ended up with a 21:33 finishing time which was about a minute to a minute and a half slower than planned. 1st in my age group, 6th female (got passed by two at the end).

Afterwards, sounded like everyone was grumbling about slow race times so I wasn't alone, at least!

Ideal race conditions!

2010-07-23T03:59:00.000-07:00

Forecast for tomorrow: High of 98, feeling like 105.

At 8 AM, already predicted to be 83, feeling like 91.

Perfect PR-setting temperatures!

But not. But Jason's words are ringing in my ears: everyone is racing in the same conditions so at least you'll all suffer together.

At least it's just a 5k.

Surprise, surprise

2010-07-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

See, told you that if I was honest about being burned out that I would actually become motivated! I'm going to ride this wave as long as it lasts...

Edited to add: Somehow it didn't post what I meant to say which was that I had a great run today.

Running ramblings

2010-07-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

You are welcome to check out now if you aren't interested in my confused babbling about training...

The thing about vacation is that I come home deflated and bummed that the week I've looked forward to since the last vacation has come to an end. Our week at the beach was pure relaxation, as I captioned earlier in the week. Amazingly enough, I dragged myself out of bed before everyone was awake to get my runs in or got out there during naptime (yep, 96 degree interval runs on the beach - yeeech). I didn't want to miss any time with my boy out on the beach and needed to make sure that Jason got his time out on his bike. One thing in our marriage, of many, that I'm really proud of is our selflessness in helping the other get out there for a workout.

Anyway, it's fair to say that my workouts were sub-par. It was either really early, before I had time to eat breakfast (I don't run well without fuel) or brutally hot as previously mentioned. I kept things on pace most of the week but then got to Saturday...the long run. Maybe others are more motivated than I am, but running 15 miles on vacation just wasn't appealing - especially on the last day of vacation. I would have had to get up at 5 AM to get it done before everyone woke up or figure out a way to get it in during the day. I did 10 miles and called it good enough. See where I am going with this? My motivation is out the window.

Yesterday I met two friends (FAST friends) who wanted to join me for my workout. Within 5 minutes of the warm-up, I felt shaky and just bad. It was humid beyond belief and it's very likely that I was dehydrated. We started in on the first interval and I knew I was going to bag the workout. I told the others to finish up without me and I walked, yes WALKED, back to the Y. I couldn't even run. I started crying for some bizarre reason - I mean, it was just ONE run. Why was I crying? I've had plenty of bad runs in almost 20 years of running and know it doesn't indicate anything except that it was just an off day.

As I was walking and sniffling, I realized that I had gotten to that awful point where it wasn't fun anymore. That's what running and racing is supposed to be for me. It's not like I am elite/pro/even that talented. I am a decent small-town runner but that's it. Put me in a field with elites and I am mid-pack at best. That's always been good enough for me - just pushing myself to reach my own PRs and milestones. But yesterday I wanted to stop. I wanted to walk. I wanted to be at the park with Baker. I wanted to be pushing a stroller with a newborn. I wanted to be in a plyometrics class at the Y doing something different with my body. I wanted to be reading on the beach. Washing dishes...wait. I just took that a little bit too far, but you know what I mean. Anything but running.

So, impulsive me fired off an email to Michelle when I got home full of wah, wah, wah, I don't like this. Level-headed as always (and 99% of the reason she's my coach in the first place), Michelle reminded me that first, it's okay to feel like this. Then she suggested I slow down a bit...that it didn't have to be a black-and-white decision of running full speed ahead or no running at all. Why not just ease up a bit, stick to the plan of racing the 5k on the 24th to see how it feels out there and as not to waste all of the training I've been putting in? Okay, I can do that. I think I just needed to be let off the hook for the rest of the week and the rest of the racing season. I have a 5k planned in August and a 30k planned in September and I am going to leave those floating out there for now. I can decide as I go. The interesting thing is that now I feel like attacking my training plan for the week again. Something about being told I didn't have to do it made me WANT to do it. I'll have to analyze that one.

So as I read all of the race reports from my blogging friends, I start feeling lame that I burn out with just a few months of running races - it's not like I am racing triathlon anymore, much less anything like half and full ironman races. I think it's just at this point in my life, with hundreds of races under my belt, I just don't have the kind of fire I used to have. I love it in small doses, but it's easy for me to get bored and unmotivated. I am not sure what to do with that information at this point but it's food for thought, for sure.

I know my utmost issue is that I am ready for another baby. But I'll leave that floating out there for another post on another day...

Future triathlete?

2010-07-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

Beach 2010

2010-07-12T11:20:00.001-07:00

100% relaxing. I want to go back. NOW.

Baker and Eliza

2010-06-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

Baker still isn't quite sure about sharing the spotlight with his 6-month-old cousin Eliza. Doesn't he look huge and very little-boyish all of the sudden? Someone make time stop!

Dog days of summer

2010-06-28T04:10:00.000-07:00

There's not much to write about around here except the HEAT. We've had a stretch of 90+ degree days almost the whole month of June. We wake up to 70s at 6 AM, which means when I am running at 8:30 or so, it's over 80. Brutal. I think we all stay in a state of dehydration (minus Baker who tends towards a liquid diet anyhow, being Mr. Picky Toddler).

We've stayed busy with family visits, a cookout with friends, afternoons at the pool, and lots of playtime inside with Baker's new set of cars from his grandmother Nettie. He calls them "dedas," which I guess is "race car" in Bakerese.

I guess while we're on the topic of Baker cuteness, he's been super adorable as of late (except for some stubborn moments when he blatantly tests me). His favorite game is to say "ready, set go!" which is actually "De (for ready)....DOOOOOOOOOO (go)!" Then he takes off. He's really into books right now - bookworm after my own heart - but he's very specific about the ones he wants to look at. Heaven forbid you offer to read one that's not on his approved list. We've been going to Jason's crits on Tuesday nights and it's hilarious to observe him running around yelling about the bikes ("Dig-lays!") and for daddy ("Doooo Daddy!"). I make him sound like he is just speaking baby-talk but really he's mostly very clear in his vocabulary. He's good at letting us know what he wants and it's fun to almost have a real conversation with him.

Ok, enough Baker boasting. It's going to be another busy week. My work schedule has been crammed lately which is a great thing. In private practice, you never know when you're going to have a slump so I am trying to work as much as I can while it lasts. In the meantime, we're counting down the days until vacation...

And I wonder where the SHOE love came from?

2010-06-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hint hint...it's the parent who owns about 25 pairs of flipflops. It's an obsession.

I wonder where the bike love comes from?

2010-06-16T17:07:00.001-07:00

We braved the heat at Rail Days - NC Transportation Museum

2010-06-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Boys

2010-06-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

Prior to having Baker, I had little experience with little boys. I babysat a few boys when I was a teenager and remember them being pretty wild but I guess it didn't really register at the time. I am one of two girls and my sister has two girls, so I am much more familiar with coloring, playing with dolls or stuffed animals, having tea parties, and doing quieter activities with kids. I have always been pretty outdoorsy and adventurous, but also loved to read quietly in my room and play independently as a child.

I've been saying for the last 19+ months that Baker isn't the typical mischievous boy. He doesn't seem to get into things like a lot of boys and certainly hasn't been a dare devil. I can take a shower, leaving him in the living room alone, and know that he'll just play with his trucks or look at books.

Well times, they are a-changin'. I've been getting little glimpses of the boy-ness of Baker in the last few weeks. Like running right into the ocean, not understanding the power of the waves. Like standing on the sofa, unafraid that he might fall off. Like running for 90 minutes straight at Jason's bike race last night. Like pulling off his diaper and peeing on the floor. Like barreling down our driveway (steep hill). The good news is that he still reaches for my hand a lot asking for help and looks at me as if wanting permission when he is about to do something.

All that to say, I was really tired last night. I think it hit me just how easy we've had it with Baker up to this point and that raising a toddler really IS exhausting. As we're preparing to (hopefully) do this all again in the near future, I wonder how parents keep up with more than one of these wild little people??

Yadkinville 5k

2010-06-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

So, racing in the heat is not really my forte but pretty inevitable in North Carolina in June. Embrace it, right? I do wish that race directors would consider the heat and make the start time more like 7 or 7:30 rather than 8:30. That would make some difference.

My goal was 20:30. I did the usual glance around to see who looked fast but didn't see any of the usual competition. I knew there was always the potential for a fast high school kid to be out there and turns out that I was right. I took off, too fast as always, but felt pretty darn good. Second mile felt good as well despite the heat and the utter lack of shade on the course. My rabbit was a local newscaster who is 52 and a great runner. I kept him in my sight the whole race since I knew he usually runs ~20 minutes for a 5k. The third mile was painfully slow and uphill but I had banked enough time to finish in 20:40 as the second female. The first female was indeed a high school kid who ran sub-19. #3 finished right behind me, also a high school runner who I played leap-frog with the whole second mile. So the old mama here got a podium spot!

My analysis of this race is that I definitely am fit enough to run a 20:30 on a cooler day and probably more like 20 flat or sub-20. The downside is that there are no cooler races for months and months unless I want to travel thousands of miles away, so looks like my next three races are going to be hot as well. Might as well keep my "embrace the heat" mantra.

Happy 5th Anniversary to us!

2010-06-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

It's our wooden anniversary, so I thought about building him something. But since I am utterly un-handy I decided not too. You can thank me later, Jason, for the mess I did not make in the basement.

I love you!

What's going on in our world

2010-06-02T04:10:00.001-07:00

We just got back from an utterly slothful weekend away in Wilmington. By slothful, I mean relaxing, lazy, awesome. Jason and I took advantage of having his parents (Nettie and Papa Pete) babysit Baker so we could go out both Saturday and Sunday for dates. We played on the beach, took long naps, shopped, ate piles of good food, I read two books. Ahhhh...that's the life, for sure. It was great to see Jason's parents and his brother Jeffrey and his girlfriend Beth.

The downside of the trip was my terrible week of running. Starting on Wednesday after a hard workout the day before, my legs just wouldn't turn over. Thursday was about the same, Friday was worse. I bailed midway through a workout on Friday and came home to send Michelle a "talk me off the ledge" email. Rational as always, she reasoned that I was due this slump since I had been nailing each and every run for so long. There had to be a limit in there somewhere and I found it. I backed off both Saturday and Sunday's runs, feeling pretty toasted and really unmotivated since I was on vacation. I rested Monday and got back out there yesterday, feeling pretty decent. I'll just jog the next few days and hopefully then I'll be ready to race on Saturday morning. The heat definitely takes it's toll on me and it's going to be a really hot week. Not much I can do about that but to slowly acclimate! You'd think after living my entire life in the South that I'd be ready for the heat and humidity each year. NOPE! I need to use Jason as my role model more often. He's so diligent about taking rest days/rest weeks and really listening to his body. If he's not feeling it, he doesn't do it. Therefore he rarely feels flat or unmotivated. And therefore his passion for cycling only increases and he races consistently well.

So now we're counting down the days until we go back to the beach. 33 to be exact.

Pictures from Memorial Weekend

2010-06-02T03:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday with the Winston-Salem Dash

2010-05-23T17:15:00.001-07:00

What to say, what to say...

2010-05-18T14:22:00.001-07:00

Things are status quo around here so there's not been a lot to report! I had another birthday last week, the big 33. Baker and Jason took me out for dinner on Wednesday and then Jason and I got to go on a real date on Friday night. I definitely had enough to eat last week but that's what birthday weeks are for, right? At least I'm running 50+ mpw to make up for that.

Running continues to sail along. I am nailing my workouts and just feeling strong. I had this crazy thought today that maybe I should add a fall marathon to my plans since I have a feeling I could see a huge PR, but then I remembered that that doesn't really fit into our little family plan. I will have to be satisfied with the 30k in September (and really, who wants to bump up the long runs to 20+ miles anyway?).

Baker is, well, he's being quite a toddler some days. Each day is chock-full of new discoveries, words, ways to make him laugh, and physical milestones but each day is also complete with stubbornness, the word NO repeated ad nauseum, and demands. Back around Easter, Baker had a virus and started wanting his little blanket ("Bubbee") and his pacifier all of the time. Each day increases the need for it and now he pretty much has his paci in his mouth at all hours except when he's eating. We tried to fight the battle at first, trying to just leave both in his crib for naptime and bedtime, but that just resulted in fits and Baker constantly going up the stairs to retrieve them. I confess that I've been really lax on the issue and decided that we could work on that when he really understands better what the limitations of Bubbee-usage are. Pick your battles, right? Really he's a joy and a hilarious little creature to spend each day with.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T15:47:00.001-07:00

Romping in the creek is apparently the Best Thing Ever. Even when your shoes and socks get soaked.

MIA

2010-05-01T04:26:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting. Nothing exciting is going on here and it's been a week of toddleritis (aka Tantrum Town). Baker had his 18 month check-up on Thursday, complete with shots. He continues to stay on the tall side (surprise!) at 33.5 inches (75th percentile) and was 26 pounds, 5 ounces (57th percentile). I know no one cares about those stats except for me but seeing as I keep this blog in lieu of a baby book, I figured I'd record them before they fly out of my brain like every other thing I try to remember.

I continue to feel really good about my training. I am hitting times on the track and road that I've never seen. Like paces that start with a 5 (okay, those are very brief intervals of 2 minutes or less but still - lots of fast stuff that I never thought I'd be capable of). I credit myself for getting out there and doing the hard work, but I also am so appreciative of Michelle for writing my training plans each week. She does a super job of pushing me without totally breaking me down. And, of course, a shout out to my friend Becky who is game for working out with me every week. She keeps me humble with her powerful surges and unending energy reserves.

Jason won his criterium bike race in Sanford last Sunday. We're still looking for pictures online that capture that victory. He races again this morning in Dilworth. Jason's also been using a more structured training plan and has also observed himself getting faster and stronger by the week. He's inspiring, for sure.

18 months old!

2010-04-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Baker,

You are 18 months old today! I can't believe what a big boy you are all of the sudden. I was watching you at the park yesterday tagging along with the other boys and you didn't even look back at me! You are independent and like to do things your way. You talk constantly and know so many words now. You are graceful and swift and I can't believe I ever worried that you wouldn't walk! Baker, you have inherited my tender heart. You are sensitive and little things make you cry but that means you also have a compassionate heart and love to show affection to others. I love to watch you play, for you are so determined to make things work just so...you are so good at manipulating tiny things and seem to crave seeing how things work. Your curiosity is one of my favorite traits of yours. The world is so fresh and new through your eyes and it's caused me to slow down and take it all in too. You still love trucks and buses and planes. You grow silent and point at the sky when you hear an airplace pass with your mouth in a perfect O. Baker, we love you so much!!! Happy Half Birthday!

Mom

42:59

2010-04-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't run a 10k outside of a triathlon in EIGHT years (in fact, the last one was the same race I did today) so it was hard to know exactly what to expect. My 10k PR is 42:44 and I ran 43:44 on this course in 2002. This is a hilly one, not surprising since most races here are, and I remembered that the course was either up or down. No flat. Michelle and I talked about 43:00 being a good goal, or 6:55 pace. I've been hitting my key runs well and felt pretty confident that I could hit that. If anything, I thought I could hang on to a 7:00 pace. Worst case scenario, 7:10.

I thought about Michelle's rational fear post from a few days ago and was thinking about that at the start line - that it was rational to be afraid of this race. I was about to hurt. It was warmer than I'd like it to be on race day. Looking around, I saw that some of the faster local ladies were absent so I knew I could, at minimum, win my age group. My strategy, knowing this course, was to haul from the start. I wanted to bank a little time to make up for mile 4 - long, long uphill mile and mile 5 when I would potentially be really hurting. So this is what happened:

Started hard but felt really good. The first mile is a slight downhill with a turn and then uphill. I was chugging along and when I looked at my Garmin I was in disbelief at how easy it felt running uphill at that pace. Hit mile 1 in 6:29!! Mile 2 heads downhill for a half mile and then up a sharp hill to turn into a neighborhood. 6:55. Right on pace. Mile three turns sharply twice through a little neighboorhood, downhill, sharp right and then downhill. 6:52. I am feeling great. The first and second woman are way ahead but there aren't any other women in sight of me. I could get third overall! Whoa. So mile 4 is the butt-kicker in this race. I was prepared for a dip in pace. Sure enough, 7:10, but this was ok since I was ahead of pace. Just tried to keep my breathing even. Mile 5 is another one of those zipzag uphill-turn-uphill-turn-downhill-turn kind of miles. I was feeling it now. This hurts. 7:23. Ok, get it together, Allison. One more mile. Last mile is a sharp uphill and then turns to go towards the finish line. 7:09. Hauled it the .2 at 6:50 pace to cross the line at 42:59. One SECOND to spare.

So, I was third overall which is pretty thrilling (I am choosing to ignore that those two fast people who I thought would be there were not). I feel like I ran a smart race. My training is paying off and that old voice in my head that tells me I'm slow and why bother is fading with each successful race. I love this sport.

Motor Mania!

2010-04-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Easter pics!

2010-04-07T04:12:00.000-07:00

One of these days we'll get a GOOD picture of the three of us. (And I can't figure out why those top two pics are sideways no matter how many times I fix them).