Run a Half Marathon. CHECK.

Not surprisingly, it has been a while since I last blogged.  I don't feel guilty about it, though, because I've been way to busy enjoying life.  Last Wednesday Maren, Blake, and my two adorable nephews, Braden and Brody, arrived at our house for a fun, long weekend.  We had fun Thursday and Friday (posts to come), but the main event was Saturday: the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half.  Maren was running the marathon, which I still can't even comprehend doing.  And I was running the half marathon with my mom.

I must admit, I didn't train as well as I had planned.  I have been running regularly for the past 4 months or so, but just not on the rigid training schedule I had planned for myself.  But that's how life goes sometimes.  Needless to say I was a little nervous the night before the race.  I also had been nauseous on and off all week for some reason, and no, I am NOT pregnant.  But my adrenaline was sure pumping at the start of the race.  It was such an amazing experience to have thousands of people running all around you.  It was unifying in a way.  I kept my mom and I at a slower pace for the first few miles (Thanks to the help of my friends GPS.  Now I HAVE to get one of my own.), which I think paid off in the last few miles when I felt like I was dying.  I blame it on the stomach issues.  I literally felt like puking through most of the race.  Maren had the same problem, so maybe it was something we ate the night before.

Anyway, aside from my stomach, I felt great.  My body felt strong and I had plenty of endurance.  We even captured a few snapshots along the way.

Like I mentioned, by about mile 11 my stomach was in pretty bad shape.  It took everything I had to get through those last 2 miles.  My mom was feeling amazing, so I sent her on ahead.  She beat me by 47 seconds.  But I'm okay with that.  My mom rocks.  And I did make it to the end in one piece.  I finished at 2:40:15. Boy was I glad to see my adoring fans.  Don't mind Austin's less-than-thrilled face; he really was happy to be there and proud of his mama.

After we had a chance to recoup a little, we headed over cheer Maren on at the finish line.  The boys were great little cheerleaders for all the runners.

Maren and her running buddies finally came down the homestretch and we went wild.  I still can't imagine running a full marathon.  Maren's an inspiration.  As she approached the finish line she whispered "NEVER AGAIN" to us, but I have a feeling she'll change her mind.  I'm sure without the stomach problems she would have had an amazing experience.

Now, even with the stomach trauma, I’m addicted.  I think I probably could have shaved at least 10 minutes off my time had I been feeling great.  My mom and I are already planning on the Seafair Torchlight Run (only an 8k) in a few weeks and possibly the Tacoma Half Marathon in August.  And, of course, we’ll begin preparing to beat our time at the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll.

 

Family Trip to the Zoo

Last Saturday I woke up early for a good, long run.  When I came home I found two boys desperate for a day out in the sun.  So we headed to the zoo for the day (after I showered, of course).  We took Austin to the zoo when he was around 2 months old and he didn't even care.  This time he LOVED it.  He especially loved seeing the fish and sharks in the aquarium.  It was a beautiful day and all the animals were out and about.  I have a feeling we'll need to purchase a family zoo pass in a couple years.  It was the perfect family day.

Party, Party, Party

We celebrated Austin's birthday with my family Sunday night.  Austin's first birthday surprise was that his Nana and Uncle John arrived!!  My mom hadn't seen Austin since he was 2 months old, so it was quite a reunion.  She hasn't quite put him down since.   They're going to be in town for the next 8 weeks (well, between here, Utah and Rexburg) and it's going to be WONDERFUL!  I already had one of the best days at church since Austin's birth because I didn't have to take him out to the hall once!  We are so happy they're here.  Austin seems equally as smitten and I have a feeling it's only going to get better.

So, we had a frog theme for Austin's party.  I know he's the "little monkey," but monkey cupcakes were too hard to make. Though, even the frog ones didn't turn out quite like they did in my head.  Oh well, they were delicious.

Through the course of the night Austin enjoyed a very large BBQ dinner, a (whole) cupcake, opening presents, and playing outside wit his cousins. Austin LOVED being outside with all the big kids.  I'm sure he can't wait until he can really run and play with them.

Yummy!

Year ONE Stats

Yesterday I took Austin to the doctor's for his twelve month checkup.  He's completely healthy and on track with developmental milestones.  I must say that I absolutely love our pediatrician.  She makes me feel confident as a parent and that Austin is the most perfect (or normal, at least) baby in the world.

Austin's 12 month stats:
Weight: 21 pounds 8 ounces (25 percentile)
Height: 30 inches (75 percentile)
Head: 46.8 centimeters (50-75 percentile)

At ONE year Austin...

...is walking (usually like a cute drunken sailor or Frankenstein, but he can walk halfway across the living room before crashing).
...is completely weaned from breast- and bottle-feeding.
...loves dropping things and throwing things (especially off high places like the stairs).
...still sleeps 12 to 13 hours at night.
...is transitioning into taking only one long nap a day (mostly by  my choice...I'm ready to have more flexible mornings).
...loves being outside.
...can open the back door (I've found him outside on the deck a few times).
...attempts to climb on things (mostly the couch).
...makes himself laugh on purpose.
...says "mmmmm" when he's eating something particularly tasty.
...has 4 teeth and (at least) 2 more on the way.
...is still a really good eater (though he's starting to refuse colorful foods before even tasting them, like kiwi, mango, watermelon)
...loves to wave "hi" and "goodbye" at everyone.
...jibber jabbers all day long.
...thinks he's really funny when he turns the TV on and off.
...is especially clingy first thing in the morning.
...can't resist dancing when he hears music
...is starting to bite (and he thinks it's funny when I tell him "no!").
...calls Baxter by slapping his hand on his thigh.

Diapers, Diapers, Diapers

Can you guess who changed which diaper?

Happy Birthday Austin!

Today is the day, and I actually survived without any tears!  We were so busy all day long that I just didn't have time to really think about the fact that I've had my little baby for ONE whole year.  I'm sure the waterworks will begin late tonight when I lay down to sleep or later when I start creating a scrapbook page.  But, for now, it's been a great -- and fun -- day for both Autsin and me.

We started the morning out by picking my sister, Laura, up from the airport.  She's visiting from Rexburg through the weekend.  Austin already loves her, and Laura can't keep her hands off him.  It's been so nice having someone else entertaining/holding/snuggling/feeding him.

After a day of running errands and shopping (including a $0.81 pair of capris at Old Navy for me!), we settled down for a delicious BBQ dinner with my grandparent's.  And then, the main event...

Austin's birthday celebration!!

He first opened a couple gifts.  It was getting close to bedtime and we still had to do cake, so he just opened them and we set them aside for tomorrow.  He was sure thrilled with the opening though.

And then...cake!  True to his cautious nature, Austin didn't know quite what to do with the cake.  He kept looking at me like "now what?"  He braved up enough to sample a little frosting.  Another bite later and he was hooked.  He still ate the cake rather daintily (Toren's going to kill me for using such a word to describe our "future football star."), but eventually he dug right in. 

Note Baxter in the last picture desperately hoping for a cake of his own.  Don't worry, he got plenty that Austin threw on the ground.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Like I mentioned, we've been rather busy lately.  I'll try to bring you up to speed now before life gets real crazy (Austin's birthday, my Mom and John's arrival, my BFF's wedding, and all sorts of summer fun).

My Dad came to visit all the way from Thailand!!  He was on his way to Atlanta for some business meetings, but he was able to spend a few days with us.  We spent most of our time clearing out and organizing my parents' things that we moved out of storage.  It was a lot of work, but it gave us lots of time to talk.  Austin, as usual, was quite the charmer.  My Dad couldn't stop laughing at Austin's silliness.  Sadly, I really didn't take any pictures and I am totally regretting it.  And this is the only one I have of my Dad and Austin (sorry Dad!).

After my Dad left, Austin and I took the train down to Portland again.  Toren and my sisters-in-law (Maren and Mallory) were already there with my cute nephews.  We had tons of fun.  Once we got home, though, Austin spent a few days recovering from all the excitement and naps he refused to take.

During Toren's trip to New Zealand, Austin and I ventured over to Spokane to visit my BFF.  She's getting married next month, so it was great to just hang out and reminisce about the goold ol' days.  Sadly, we didn't really take any pictures.  I guess we were just too busy laughing about how stupid we were in college.  Austin loved being in a new place and still having a dog to pester (poor Rusty).  I will proudly mention that I made Amanda a t-shirt quilt all by myself.  See?  We have been busy.

We spent the rest of the time just bummin' around the house, running errands, going to the gym, and playing out in the sun. Austin's figured out how to turn on and off the TV, which he thinks is pretty hillarious (we, however, do not).