Weekend Catch Up

 Hey! I'm back and it hasn't been a whole month. I take the small victories these days. Two weekends ago we had a great weekend. Then the stomach bug hit our house. This weekend was also fabulous. I'm covering two of the three. Guess which ones?

Running post baby. I could do a whole post on this subject but the main takeway has been flexibility - in pace, schedule and distance. I've switched things up and have run at days and hours my pre baby self would find ungodly. Heck, my post baby self finds them ungodly too, but mind over matter.

All that being said, we are in the short and sweet time of year that Saturday morning runs can be enjoyable after 8 a.m., which means we can go on some family runs (yay!) outside our neighborhood (double yay!). Don't be fooled by the picture: he enjoyed it. Don't be fooled by the picture: I didn't push him.

I did push him around the grocery store after to get the fixings for sausage cream cheese crescents. This was before I broke the news he wasn't getting any just yet.

We went to a friend's to watch the game - they have a baby girl about Wright's age - his first football date. Roar.

He always asks to wear this shirt. Give the baby what he wants.

Saturday mornings are just about my favorite time of the week. We put on a pot of coffee, the Food Network, and watch Wright play. He is so happy jumping in his exersaucer or playing on the floor. It's so nice to have that one day a week we aren't rushing to get somewhere and can enjoy the morning.

That face!

Another favorite time: patio date nights. We try to do these once a week or so just to get out from in front of the television and enjoy catching up. As you can see from the picture, they are very fancy.

Blonde baby. Velour track suit. Big pumpkin.

I love this little man. I think the feeling is mutual.

We made Plain Chicken's Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls for the game this past weekend. We decided we also needed chips and rotel. Wright claimed the chips.

Saturday I headed out to a local consignment sale to pick up some fall and winter clothes for little man. I did not know what I was getting myself into. I wasn't prepared for the line, nor did I bring a Radio Flyer.

Meanwhile, back at the home front, the boys were snacking and football watching.

Saturday night we got to leave the house for a date night. (Grandparents are the best).
After an Alabama loss, a fried Oreo seemed fitting to end the meal.

Sunday morning we took this cutie to brunch. The last time we came to this restaurant was the morning we found out we were expecting Wright, so it was fun to bring him along. Spoon fed, baby led weaning, he does it all. He ate enough for a 3 year old.

Toast, eggs and pancakes that stole the show. What better way to end this post?

Weekends are a little different know, but they sure are a lot of fun.

Baby's First Race

The Vulcan Run is one of my favorite races in Birmingham. The distance doesn't require a whole lot of training, and the weather early November is always perfect for running. This year presented a few more challenges, but I knew I wanted to run this one, if all went well with the pregnancy, and then I could cruise with shorter runs and more indoor workouts for the rest of my pregnancy when it's cold and dark.

I did a little dress rehearsal the night before. I love some polka dots.

 Hard to believe this baby bump! Aren't you glad you aren't the friend I texted, "Can you see my belly button? Is that inappropriate?"

Per his usual routine, MS laid out all the breakfast supplies the night before. I simply picked the Christmas mug for size - Sunburst didn't need too much caffeine - although I treated myself to half a cup of real coffee.

The pre-race bathroom debacle. Ugh. I literally went 4 times from the time we parked at 7 and the start of the race at 8, and probably could have gone a 5th time about a mile in.

The race day adrenaline didn't fail me. It's so much more fun to run in a race, and my pace was a little quicker than what I've been posting on my solo runs. I didnt get out of breath until the last home stretch, and as soon as I crossed the finish I recovered almost immediately, so I felt like I pushed, but not too hard. That being said, my recovery has been much slower in the muscle department, so this will probably be my last longer run until I'm pushing the jogging stroller.

It felt really great to be able to check this off my list. Here's hoping all this running comes in handy around February.

It's a shame MS has no personality. But, I would be pretty pumped too if I had finished in 48 MINUTES. That's clocking out 7:40 miles. I was SUPER impressed and proud of him - it was a huge PR. I don't know if he'll want to run with me again!

Coach Grizz was pretty proud too. He loves being held like a caught fish. Can't you tell?
 

All I wanted to celebrate a good race and 3 years was to order by number at our favorite local Mexican restaurant. MS indulged me...I think I'll keep him around.

Five on Friday

The last Friday before Daylight Savings Time. I will just be excited about light in the mornings again rather than dreading the darkness when I leave work every day.

That being said, a few things that brightened my week.

1. Trick or Treat
We celebrated the last Halloween without a little one at our house. Everyone got in the spirit.

2. Leather and Crystal
It's our third anniversary weekend. I prefer to celebrate on the weekends - is that weird? It just seems more festive. We did neither the modern gift - leather - or the traditional gift - crystal. Instead, I requested a prenatal massage and Mexican food for dinner. Tis the season of life we are in.

3, Cover Up
Totally shifting gears to drugstore makeup. I've never been much of a concealer fan, but when I saw the ad for one that covers and helps get rid of dark spots, I immediately was sold on giving it a try. After first having to twist the top about a million times to initially get the product out, it's worked wonderfully. The sponge applicator is mess free and I think it provides just the right amount of coverage. I use my MAC foundation brush to blend.

4. In the Closet
Matt is so kindly (with help from my Dad) installing the nursery closet organization system this weekend. Hoping by Sunday we'll have a better place to hang/fold his little clothes, that looks a little something like this.

5. Cold Date

I've got a date with these come Saturday morning. Cannot wait!

Running in the First Trimester

Now that I'm well out of the first trimester, I feel like I can speak with the tiniest of authority on running in the first trimester - and thus far. I'm not a doctor, I don't even play one on TV, so of course listen to the advice of your doctor about what's best for you and your pregnancy.

One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was call the doctor to a)schedule an appointment b) ask if running was still ok. They recommended more of a walk/jog until the first visit to ensure everything was going well. Thus, the wog was born. It was a big slow down from what I was used to, but honestly, it was a welcome break and good reason to take it easy - especially factoring in the June Alabama heat. I was doing .25 walk/.25 run.

 I wogged my way to my first appointment, where they found a bleed (nothing to do with running, happened when the baby implanted), so I was put on rest until they could check again at 8 weeks.

I was cleared at 8 weeks to start back running. My doctor is conservative and is very hesitant to tell me to sign up for a half, but told me to listen to my body, and since I was running before, it should be totally fine. I had to work my way back up to running, with a lot of walk breaks. I've slowly worked back up to where I run more than walk, but the speed is much slower, yet the effort feels the same. After a lot of research, and asking around, I really think keeping up my running, when done smart, has great benefits for me and Sunburst.

First run with Baby S.

A few things I've learned along the wog:

1. Listen to your body
Ugh. That phrase is so cliche I almost hate to put it on there, but it's true. If you are used to pushing the pace, racing up hills and battling the heat, it's a huge change of mindset that ALL those things are not ok. I've never followed the heart rate rule of thumb, as I understand it's outdated, but I do follow the talk test. You may feel like a crazy person talking to yourself out on your run, but it was a good indicator that if I struggled to speak, I was pushing too hard, (ignore that 11 minute pace on the Garmin, baby steals a lot of blood and energy) and it's time for a walk break. Hills usually always make me fail the test, and there are some steep ones in my hood, so I walk all of them and still feel I'm getting a great workout. The goal is to be active - not to set any records.You're lapping everyone on the couch, and hopefully preparing yourself for an easier delivery. Cheers to that.

2. Water is Your Friend....
I've never taken water on a run except when training for the full, but in the heat of summer, the danger of overheating and/or dehydrating scared me enough to make me bring along a bottle. Also be sure to drink another bottle when you get home. Baby is taking a lot out of you, if I haven't mentioned that.

3. Sort of
Make sure you have some bathroom breaks along the way. Even if it's just 3 miles. Even if you went before you left the house. The pounding makes the slightest fullness in the bladder will make it scream. Also scream worthy: when you just have to go, swear a car isn't coming, and one zooms by mid-stream. I pretended I was tying my shoe. With my tail out. I'm sure it was all very graceful. Don't let this happen to you. 

4. Enjoy
After years of training for races and changing distance up and down, it's been nice to run just for the sheer health benefits (for me and baby). Growing a life places a large demand on your body, so there is no shame in a slower pace, walk breaks, and just doing the best you can that day. I sound like Andy Griffith.

Happy running!

The Weekend...and All God's People said Roll Tide

I've been lucky and haven't suffered from the exhaustion I hear about this whole pregnancy. But this weekend, she did me in. We had a blast, but I'm in desperate need of a pajama day to recover.

Shamefully, I took few pictures, so I hope my narration is up to par. Friday night, we had Matt's parents over for dinner. Not only did she bring enough cake to feed 20 people (that had enough icing to feed 30 - my favorite kind of cake), she brought over some sweet baby things of Matt's.

Saturday, Fall briefly struck Alabama. We took advantage and went on a long(er) run. The weather made such a huge difference. There are few things I love more than a good Fall morning run before football. I dressed like a highlighter for the occasion.

We made it up to do the tiniest bit of yard work, wash our sweat off and get the house ready for friends. Oh, and of course time to make a cream cheese-sour cream-cheddar-sausage-rotel dip. Tis the season.

Matt went through great lengths to get me a festive drink so I wouldn't feel left out. I had no idea this stuff existed, but it wasn't too bad. It did lack the all important property of calming by blood pressure when I thought we were surely going to lose to Texas A&M AGAIN. Or when we got the 9384th penalty of the game. But in the end - the Tide Rolled. I need a bye week to recover.

Sunday we celebrated my mom and niece's birthdays. The highlight for me was the Ashley Mac's strawberry cake. Probably not the highlight for Kate. She was a fan of the colorful clothes.

Super fun weekend of food, family, football and friends (three stars for alliteration). I'll be at home washing my pajamas.

Five on Friday

Today I'm linking up my normal Friday Favorites to Hello Happiness' "Five on Friday". I love hearing about things other people love, and love to share my own as well - especially when it comes to food.

(1) Palmetto Cheese Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Spread - This came recommended by two different people, so I knew it would be good. Continuing yesterday's theme of snacks that are good by the lake or pool (or maybe not, since you're in a bathing suit...) this tasted like homemade. The Jalapeno version had a nice kick. I found it at Costco, but I believe it's also sold at Publix, Wal-Mart and other fine retailers.

 (2) Summer Reading - I did so well reading when I was off over Christmas, but I've kind of dropped the ball and spent more time with Parenthood and the Real Housewives. Shameful. It's not like I'm making a jump to the classics, but I think reading always wins over TV. I was so excited when I saw this sequel promoted on the Today show this week. Perfect to download for a pool read...while I eat my pimento cheese.

 (3) Date Night - I. Love. Date. Night. It's such a good chance to eat some good food, and talk with no distractions. I requested Surin this week, and the Thai Noodle and coconut soup are already calling my name. Don't worry...I'll be there shortly!

(4) Summer Nails - I've let me Thursday night manicure habit go the past couple of months, and it shows. I bought one of my favorites, OPI Cajun Shrimp, to motivate me to paint my toes. The fingernails might need some professional treatment this weekend.

And if you have a huge sapphire and diamond ring, and drive a tractor, this is what Cajun Shrimp would look like on you. Thanks, Google Images.

(5) National Running Day - Apparently Wednesday was National Running Day. By some stroke of luck, I actually ran on Wednesday - albeit a 3 miler around the neighborhood. In recognition, one of my favorite running pictures, post marathon. In related news, today is National Donut Day.

Anything else that should be on my reading list, or in my pantry? Hope you have a weekend of sunny skies!

Cheers to Mental Health

Last week we decided a day off would do the soul good. I was hoping for a day reading by the pool, but
1.  The forecast was rainy
2.  Appparently our pool doesn't open until Memorial Day weekend.

I'm still nursing my hurt about both of these. We made the best of it.

MS was tasked with bringing home a treat Thursday night to kick off the long weekend. He did good.

 Naturally, since I could sleep as late as I wanted Friday, I woke up at 6:30 and couldnt go back to sleep. Sigh.

I always wonder who the people are drinking at lunch on a weekday.

Friday it was us! It was a nice lunch in the sun with my boo. Who is looking super skinny these days.

Pizza was much deserved after this 5 miler from the day before. Who is this person?

After being dragged to buy makeup and maxi dresses, we went to one of his favorite places. Also much deserved.

It's amazing what some good beer and retail therapy will do for the spirit. I almost don't mind it's Monday.

Patriotic, Part IV

Back at the Museum of American History, we learned some more about victory gardens and canning, then headed into the modern era.

 Two steel beams from the World Trade Center.

 

 I loved the American Presidency exhibit.

"The presidency has made every man who occupied it, no matter how small, bigger than he was, and no matter how big, not big enough for its demands"

 Lincoln's top hat. It's incredible to me that we have this. On a related note, Ford's theater was one of my favorite stops. If you get a chance....go.

 

 They even had a shout out to one of my favorite movies. "I'm Andrew Shephard and I AM the president."

 Among the fun facts we learned - Lifetime actually contributed to something worthwhile, other than then turning my mind to total mush on Sunday afternoons. Good job, Lifetime.

 From there we headed to the newest monument, WWII.

 Freedom wall has 4,048 gold stars. Each one represents 100 American soldiers who died or remain MIA.

 Like I said, the views of the Washington monument from just about everywhere were so pretty.  

 

  In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.

 We strolled by the White House on the way home. I wish we had signed up in advance to do a tour. Maybe in another four years.

 The next morning we got up and ran around the other side of the mall so we could see the Capitol building.

 Also so we could drink some beverages here during the game.

   And eat some of the BEST CUPCAKES I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE at Baked and Wired in Georgetown.

 It was a more active vacation than some of our others. We are normally pretty low key vacationers -but we had such a great time learning some history and eating some refined sugar. If you get a chance, I recommend both.