it's the little things...

When I was a senior in high school I had a memory book. It contained all sorts of information I added about that year, and it had the obligatory “where do you see yourself in the future?” page. I was SUPER optimistic apparently. By 35 I was going to be married with not one, not two but FOUR kids. And I was going to run a marathon. Ah, youth. So, yeah, about that marathon… As I rolled along through my twenties I realized that that was never going to happen. I have bad knees. In fact, I stopped running altogether for about 10 years. First, out of instructions from a physical therapist, then out of fear, then laziness/busyness, then some more fear… Earlier this year I realized that the Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon had a relay portion. What!? There was a 2-person half-marathon and a 4-person full. Either way each person would do ¼ of a marathon or 6.55 miles. I knew I wouldn’t suddenly be able to go from my running a 5k to running basically twice that but I did think I could drag mys...

Another month has gone by, Buns.  And Mama hasn't blogged at all.  Oops.  Things, as usual, have been busy.  And we have all, as usual, been sick off and on.   Your 6 month doctor's visit ended up with a trip to the ER.  I think you had RSV, no pneumonia.  But you were having a little bit of trouble breathing and you weren't eating as much (and throwing up a lot of what you did eat) so you dropped a little weight.  Luckily, you weren't hospitalized and Mama got you to eat small amounts every two hours so you were able to keep it down.   We had just started solids right before you got sick.  We stopped them for awhile and then restarted.  You've had rice cereal, oatmeal, bananas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, apples, green beans, cauliflower, and squash.  You've liked them all, and I think you're starting to pack on the pounds.  Like your sister, it took you awhile to get the hang of eating but you do it ...

Buns!  Six!  You are, by far, my favorite baby.  (It's ok.  Your sister knows she's my favorite big girl.)  You are just so full of smiles.  Even if you're misbehaving, those smiles just make me melt.  Love that you give them to me frequently. Things are still good with you and your sister.  She buries you in things when given the opportunity.  I'm glad we never put you directly on the sand while on vacation. Speaking of, you went on your first vacation this month.  I'll have to write more about that later but you were a pretty good boy.  You had your first flights (did great!) and used your passport for the first time. I know I've mentioned it before, but I'm so sorry about your passport photo.  Here, this one is cuter. You didn't mind getting wet or getting sand on your toes.  The same could not be said about your sister during her first vacation last year.  The water was too wet to really spend much time i...

I have a list of posts I want to write.  Even though that could make me feel behind, I'm actually kind of glad since it means that there are exciting things happening AND I feel compelled to write.  Two topics should come before this one but it's a lot of fun. For Chicken's birthday proper, we continued the tradition of getting together for dinner with her grandparents (and auntie this year).  Her grandmother made a great dinner and got mini bundt cakes (think old school cupcake-size) from a new bakery here.  Then presents!  Since she heard she was 2, she was grumpy pants that night.  She did enjoy her presents, though.  And the cake.  She even blew out her candles. I have no idea why she decided to just bite right in instead of using utensils or even her hands.  What can I say?  She's 2.  Miles enjoyed himself as well.  I love that baby. We celebrated with a bigger party on Saturday.  Since she loves ...

Happy birthday, Chicken!  This second year has just flown by.  I think it's because of all the huge changes we've made.  They tend to keep a person busy.  It has been a great year for you, though.  I've told people that the first year is all about physical changes and the second is about cognitive ones.  It's been amazing to watch. So what are you like at 731 days old?  You can walk, run, jump, walk backwards, climb stairs, dance, and march.  You have sadly weak abs (like Mommy) and are sometimes like a turtle when on your back.  You have gotten much taller and thinned out but we won't have official stats on this until next week when we have your doctor's appointment (but you're around 27 pounds).  Your hair is still blonde and is so long and you still have those great eye lashes.  You wear size 6 shoes or 7s with socks.  You have all but one of your teeth.  *Update: You are 34.5" tall (67th percentile) and 26 lb 14....

So I just added this to the list a few days ago.  Then, unexpectedly, the first opportunity of 2013 arose.  Weather wasn't the best (low 40s, rainy, windy, did I mention cold?) but it was nearby, on trails, and The Brother was doing it.  We abandoned our spouses and children and ran our first 5k of the year.  He's been running the entire thing for over a year now but it was my first time.  When I ran the one in December, I felt like I was getting close to accomplishing this goal but didn't expect it to be the very next run.  Woohoo!  My time was about 39:35.  Under 40!  We'll have several runs coming up as it gets a little warmer.  I guess my new goal should be to beat that time.

I should totally be working.  I haven't been motivated at the job for many days since I came back from maternity leave this time.  It's sad.  I'll get stuff done, though.  I promise.  Anyway, last year I wrote this post that including what Life List items I wanted to work on for the year.  It included: Have that second child. Find the perfect mac and cheese recipe. Make a baby quilt for that second child. And keep the beginnings of a good baby book for that same kid. To work on my posture. Well, I accomplished numbers 1, 3, and 4.  I don't think I made mac and cheese once, and my posture is still poor.  But, come on.  Number 1 is kind of a biggie so I'm still considering it a successful year.  I also mentioned in that post that we were going to try to sell our house, buy a new one, and for me to change positions within my company.  Cross all 3 of those off the list.  So I'm a schlumpy, non-mac-and-cheese-makin' person...