Nesting: normal and not so normal

I'm getting to that point.
The point where I figure I should probably do something to get ready for a baby.

I don't nest like a normal person.
Usually there are big projects involved that don't make much sense.
With a couple of my kids I've repainted most of the house.  I guess that's not totally out there, but I do recall Aaron insisting I wait till he could hold the extension ladder steady before I did the entry way that gets a little tall.  Makes sense since I was 36wks that time, but it HAD to be done.
Last time around I built a patio.  Ok, well, not so much built, it's laid in pavers.  But again, HAD to be done!

This time I haven't had any big projects.  I did some repainting last year and don't feel the itch to change any colors this year so that's out.  There was the big storage room clean out and moving of some of the shelving, but that has needed to be done for months so that doesn't really count either.  If I had stayed true to my previous habits, I probably would have started hanging sheet rock and finishing the bathroom in the basement, but lifting make my body very unhappy lately so I haven't done that.  And since that's a project that needs to be started when it can actually be finished and not just sit halfway done, it's on the back burner.  Waaaaay back burner.

So I've ended up doing slightly different things to prep for post-baby.  Kind of.  Making sure I keep up with running things during the last month of pregnancy counts, right?

I scoured online for running shoe deals, since mine were well past needing to be replaced.
That paid off though, resulting in 3 pair for less than the cost of one!

The trail kicks and my two elixirs

Those turquoise and lime ones have been calling my name since they were released.  (same model as the middle shoes)  I almost paid full price for those more than once last year...the wait was worth it.  I can get over my obsessive need to keep my running shoes in the original box and forgo a box completely if I can get the shoes at less than 1/3 the cost!  I big fat puffy heart those shoes.

Seriously scored there.
Every woman needs new running shoes at 35wks pregnant, right?

I also finally broke down and bought The Stick.  Totally worth it.

The foam roller just isn't cutting it for the ITBand anymore.  Not to mention it's ridiculously awkward to foam roll with the added girth.
No, I'm not going to share a picture of the awkwardness.

I also happened upon what would be the best birthday gift ever!

Maybe???

We'll see.

I have started doing a few normal things too.  Like this past weekend I cleaned out the fridge.  Like really cleaned out.  Like 2 hours of completely emptying, soaking, sanitizing, scouring, I don't think it's been cleaner since the day we bought it (and maybe not even then) kind of cleaned out.  It's beautiful.

I did actually jot down a list of things I need to throw in a bag for the hospital.
I cut fabric for a blessing dress.  Haven't started sewing it, but it's prepped.
I'm planning to go get fabric for the other side of her blanket this week.
I have a couple of choices for baby to wear home, just haven't decided which one yet.  But I have them!
I do know where the tub of baby girl clothes is.  I haven't gotten it out or washed anything, but I know where it is.
And I've actually started trying to figure out just where we are going to put one more little person.  Well, we know where she'll go, I'm just working on where the baby stuff will go.  And the plan is to get the changing table out of the garage today (or tomorrow.  or maybe the next day) and get it cleaned up.
See?  I'm making progress!
And I'm making lists.  Lists are progress.

I can't decide if it's having done this so many times, if it's leftover from last time when I was way too scared to have anything out and ready for a baby, or if I've finally just converted to Aaron's thinking of 'if you have a place for it to sleep, a way to feed it and diapers, you'll get to the rest'.

Or maybe I'm just afraid of the fact that though I haven't made it to a due date since child #1, and it really would be convenient if she waited until pretty close to her due date to actually arrive, that she actually will stay tucked away until her due date, leaving me with nothing baby-related to do for the next 4 weeks except stew on the fact that she hasn't arrived.

Time to let go

Am I the only one who has a hard time letting running shoes go?

Yes, I am brand loyal, why do you ask?

Some of these need a new home.
What do you do with old running shoes?

Conquering Zig Zag

I got a steal on some trail shoes.  A steal!  I've been debating them since last year, but knowing I'd need new road shoes before the end of my training cycle and paranoia about rolling an ankle or otherwise injuring myself by running on something other than a flat paved surface while training for St George kept me from pursuing it.  I did run trails a couple of times last Summer though, and loved it!  Especially the relay.
So when I stumbled on my favorite brand's trail shoe for less than 1/3 the regular cost, I had to jump on it.

Yesterday was the perfect opportunity to try them out.

Afternoons are starting to get pretty warm, which elicits a big huge "WooHoo!!" from me, but it doesn't make for optimal running conditions in my current state.  An overcast day yesterday brought the perfect temperature and an invitation to get out and soak it up.

Usually when I hit the trails by my house it is up the hill from me and looks like this:

Still slightly on edge from seeing a coyote up in there last time, and figuring it would be smartest for me to stay where I can easily be seen just in case my body flips out, I headed a different direction.

(yes I took my phone, told someone where I was going, how long to expect me to be gone...covering all my bases I promise)

I had my sights set somewhere else anyway.
The hill that has evaded me for over a year.
The hill that I brushed off last year with my excuses.
What was I thinking?
I assume part of it last year was that I would have been disappointed in myself if I couldn't actually run the whole thing, and currently I'm fine if walking is involved a little bit.

Not to mention that I needed some fresh air and some time to think, and then I needed to get out of my own head.
I needed a view.

So off I went.

It was slow.  And that was fine.  I would have hated to have rushed it because it was exactly what I needed.

Trail shoes: two thumbs up.  After I got over the fact they are a lot heavier than my normal road shoes.

Being ridiculous about never wanting to get new shoes dirty, it was fun to feel satisfied coming home with things things covered in dirt, and strip them off to see dirty socks as well.  

(Aaron-it was very dusty dirt)

Running on softer terrain: an adjustment I think the body appreciated.

This hill:

LOVE!

This doesn't give you a great view of the trail, but you can see it a little as it starts to cut up that front side along the rocky ridge in the middle.

And then as the road turns up....

These ones give a better idea of what you get once you are up off that base road:
Turn left....

Turn right...

....back and forth up the hill.

The view from the top over my little valley:

Even half way up the view was great:

I love where I live.

Body still cooperating for almost 6 miles of trails: Hallelujah.

Fake eyelashes

Fake eyelashes make Thursdays more fun.

Really.

I actually had them on for a reason today, but I think I've decided that every Thursday should be fake eyelash day.  Totally worth it.  Much more fun than regular Thursdays.

When being "shiny, happy, hip" is a bad thing

I'm feeling a little put off today.   I usually keep my mouth shut, but today I'm going to speak. Because the irony is far too great.

If you use blogger you've seen the changes.  I'm still adjusting.

But I did find a nifty little section about where blog traffic comes from and where your audience is, without having to log into Google Analytics.
As I was perusing, I happened upon the little section that told me where people had linked to my blog from in the past week.  A handful came from one site that I'd never seen before, so of course I had to check it out.
This led me to a post from a little over a year ago  entitled "On being shiny, happy, hip".
"How flattering!" I thought...till I read the post. :/
Yes, I just used punctuation to create a face.
It was about NOT reading blogs that make you think destructive thoughts and feel not good enough.  Specifically about mine she said "I stumbled on the blog of this lovely lady, who has had 8 kids and looks better than I ever have. Cue me realizing that this was not a good blog for me to read."

Ouch!
I'm confused...would she have read my blog if I was overweight?  or if I had fewer kids?  or no kids?

The blog goes on to talk about how inferior all of these "perfect" blogs are making women feel.  That they aren't real.  Huh?  Specifically that "blogs are a carefully curated compendium of a person’s life, and things can be made to look as picture perfect...as the author wishes them to be."
Well, yeah.  (after looking up the definition of compendium...)  Anyone knows that, don't they?  But judging on a 30 second snippet?  Yep, that's fair for sure.

(if you visit that blog, be nice.  This is not a call to stir up hard feelings or defense in my behalf.  AND you're not allowed to visit it until you've read this whole post-especially the things at the very end.)

Can't shake the feeling that maybe if she would have actually read more than whatever post she landed on and seen the nitty gritty that gets posted, maybe she would have felt differently.

Ironically as I looked around her more recent posts...all I found was the shiny, happy, perfect.  Photography, new dresses, hip neighborhood.  Year in review info included style pieces featured on the front page and progess in (wait for it...) running.  Europe trip, photog tips, mom's retreats... What the?  And a cheese tasting board (from whole foods of course).
Really?

Not to mention the weight loss challenge, the fashion boards, and the travel section.

Wow.
You're right.  My life is totally glamorous.
You know, while I'm cleaning up poop from down the legs of my toddler's spica cast (1/2 a box of wipes today and another hour if you were interested.  And a big prayer that I got enough that he won't have skin problems down that leg where I can't reach).

While I'm mopping up 200 oz of laundry detergent.

While I'm digging suction discs out of my 5yr old's nose.

While I'm digging through a hamper trying to help my kid find clean underwear at 6am.

I know, I know-it was our exotic celebrations of our anniversaries in the past.
(that one is written by my husband.  You really should read that if you never have.)


Yeah...'cause that should definitely make you feel inferior after you've just returned from your road trip through Italy.  And your cooking club.  While you're planning your Thailand trip for this fall.

I'm baffled.

Also ironic-this subject actually came up recently in a conversation with Aaron.
Why do people not like me?   This isn't a "poor me!" pity party, I'm genuinely curious!  In high school people thought I was a snob because I was shy.  I was too afraid to step out of my comfort zone and people interpreted that as me snubbing them, when it was my insecurities holding me hostage.  I've made an effort to change that but still find myself fighting it some days.
Is it because I'm an optimist?  I thought looking on the bright side was a good thing?  Is it because I work my freaking hiney off to get back in shape after having babies?  (which wasn't always the case by the way-I learned the hard way.  And it takes sacrificing sleep, free time, and my favorite indulgences, it doesn't just happen.)  Does everyone need to see what I used to look like after 4 kids in 4yrs when I weighed only a few pounds less than I currently do at nearly 9mo pregnant?  I shared the one year of work with very plain post partum belly pictures from last time around.  Guess that wasn't good enough.
Is it because I have a happy marriage?  That takes work too folks-good marriages don't just happen.  Is it because I don't share every time one of my kids tells me they hate me?  Is it because I haven't shared a picture of my stretch marks?  Is it because we are genuinely happy with a date night that consists of Digiorno and Friends reruns?  (or is it just sad that that's actually one of our preferred date nights?)
What is it?  Here I felt like I was being real...

Here's the thing people.  We all have our priorities.  We have control over how we choose to spend our time and what's important to us.
I'm no fashionista, except the few times I've lucked out and worn other people's clothes for a photo shoot.  I don't travel, unless you count a road trip with 8 children to stay in a motel where the decor featured magazine cutouts in dollar store frames and a broken frog statue, or the generosity of parents in blessing my family with a couple of days at Disney.  I don't take fabulous pictures.  Well, except all those finger pics from my phone two weeks ago-I am pretty proud of those and the fact that they drove my husband crazy.
My priorities are being healthy and fit and setting that example for my kids.  Hanging out in the yard with them even though my floor is so dirty that a neighbor stopped by and actually said to me "if you ever need help with anything...anything at all....let me know.  Like, um, if you even want me to come over and sweep your floor..." (yes, she really did, and I still love her.  And I may take her up on that.)  Some days it's on getting a workout in even though I should be doing the ironing that piles up for weeks on end.  Some days it's spending time with my husband, and JUST my husband, even if it means putting my kids to bed an hour earlier.  And sometimes it's blogging even though I should be switching the laundry that's beeping at me.
Our priorities shift throughout our lives depending on so many things.  Some of them will never make sense to anyone but ourselves.

I know I shouldn't let one blog post bug me.  But you know what, it did.  Chalk it up to the pregnancy hormones if you want because I'm sure that's part of it.  When it really all comes down to the nitty gritty, I genuinely don't care what someone who knows nothing of me and has never met me thinks of me and my personal (non-professional, non-money making, few followers) blog that is more of a personal journal for me than anything.  Even if this whole rant makes it sound like I do.  There is too much on my to-do list today to spend anymore time dwelling on someone's thoughts from a year ago.  Although that to-do list does include finishing sewing the drapes for the family room and starting on my baby's blessing gown, which probably puts me right back into making people feel inferior again because I'm sewing.

I'll leave you with two things.
Two things that are worth your time, I promise.  And that I obviously need to hear again today as well.
(and if you have a few minutes, it's worth linking over and reading or watching to the whole thing on both of them, I promise.  In fact if you have time to watch, listening to them speak is the best!)

First,

"There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,”² as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.               -Jeffrey R Holland, found HERE

 and second, 

"This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”"                                          -Dieter F Uchtdorf, found HERE

Amen.

*ETA: I guess I wasn't completely done with this, or I'm a glutton for punishment.  I had to go and read all the comments on the post.  Interesting.  A lot of "if it's an issue, quit reading it" comments, and a number of "why do you care?" kind of comments too.  I did find a pleasant surprise that while a few others bemoaned me for being "so lucky" to look "like that" after 8 kids, and that my blog was unreadable, there were two that came to my defense and actually read a bit of my blog and pointed out that I posted plenty of not so shiny, happy things.  Much appreciated.

Salt Lake (not) Marathon

I didn't run anything remotely close to a marathon.  But technically that's the name of the event.
As I mentioned last week, I would have loved to do the half, but that was nixed.
Which was made ok by the fact that I ended up winning an entry into the 5k!
Thanks to Salt Lake Running Company I got to race, which thrilled me!

You know that question, "what would you do if you won the lottery?"
Everyone always answers with big house, nice new car(s), luxurious vacations....all those typical answers.

If I somehow ended up with some huge sum of money, I would race every weekend.
Unlimited race budget would be awesome!  (Some of which would be in exotic places while on luxurious vacations of course)

It's just so much fun.  The people, the energy, the music, the excitement....love it.
And this one had an awesome finish line party going on for hours because of the half and full and the number of people not only running but family and friends waiting for runners.  Good times.

I promised I'd break out the Totally Poppable shirt.

 If I didn't need a little support on the belly, I would have run this way.

I had looked at the course for the 5k, it winds around through downtown Salt Lake.  Great!  Looking at the elevation chart confused me a little...I lived just outside of SLC my whole life until a couple of years ago when we moved here-what's with the hills?

I knew going up the first stretch would be slightly uphill, but it's pretty flat through most of the city.  Except somehow I've never really paid attention to the fact that State Street has a nice little incline there to the south of South Temple.  Awesome.

Yep.

Aaron found it hilarious that I was using body glide before a 5k.

Chafing is not fun.  You can see above how seriously I take this.  Deep concentration there.
Chub rub is no joke.  Especially when you are sporting 30+ extra pounds.
I couldn't find my 2Toms so I relied on a tiny body glide that I had from a previous swag bag.  I still got rubbed raw under one arm.  Totally sold on Sports Shield over body glide.
Also-note to self: sticking earbuds inside the top of the tank...not such a good idea appearance-wise.  Awkward.

Of course it wouldn't be a Catey moment without the pose.

(also seen here, here....yep, definitely my default)

I was hoping that the announcer would mention something about walkers moving toward the back of the start so that those of us who were planning on running could get out without trying to navigate, but no such luck.  I'm not dumb enough to think I should be at the real front of the start on a 5k with this many people, so I tried to pick a decent spot toward the front of the middle and hoped for the best.  I should have stepped up a little further.  It was tough to get out in that first little bit which was frustrating.  I can only imagine how the real fast runners that were squeezing through people and darting past me must have felt as I was trying to navigate without crashing into or tripping over anyone.  Nature of the beast I guess.  I was afraid to pick it up much though as I didn't want to sprint out and wear myself out in the first few tenths of a mile, so I did the best I could at working my way through the crowd.
I maintained a nice pace going up South Temple to the first turn, and then as we hit State Street I flew downhill.  It was awesome!  I love passing people while sporting a belly.  (sorry, it's true.)  And then I realized that I was going to have to run back up that hill I had just flown down.  Nice.  Keeping that in mind I eased off a little, knowing I'd rather run a consistent pace than end up walking at all on the uphill.

(This is actually a pic from the half marathon runners, borrowed from here-but the courses all finished along this same route.  This is just past the 5k turnaround.    Look up over these runners' heads.  nice hill.)

I accomplished that, running the whole thing fairly consistently, just a minor slowdown on that incline.
I was able to make up for that on the down as I turned back onto So Temple toward the finish.  I was very happy to find that I had a little kick left in me at the end this time and was able to pass a few people, and stay in front of the lady who was right on my tail down that last stretch.   Somewhere in that finish sprint I clocked a sub 8 pace, which is killer, even if it was only for a matter of seconds.
It was enough to pull me in one second under my finish goal.  ONE second.
New slowest 5k, but still sub 30!

(official chip time had me at 30:00 even, but I'm taking my one second dangit!)

And considering the course, I'm happy with that.
Good enough for 9th in age group too.  9/83 AG, 171/716 overall.
(trying not to think about the fact that 3 seconds faster would have bumped me up a spot in AG)

I was reminded of how excited I am to run my next marathon when I ran past the mile 26 marker on my way to the finish.  I got that little buzz inside.  Not sure when that next one will be, but I'm looking forward to it.

Such an awesome morning, made even more fun by the double takes and the smirks from the cops patrolling streets as I ran past.  By the lady who I walked past that said "wow-she's awesome!", and the fact that one guy grabbed me after the finish and said "I was trying to keep up with you...I was able to for the first little bit but then I just couldn't catch up."  I've always been one of those people who likes to fly under the radar-never wanted to raise my hand in class as a kid, would rather just blend in than stand out, and would definitely not want to call attention to myself in public.  But I have to admit that I've gone to the dark side for now.  I'm so happy to be running still that I'm all about running in the bright green tank so you can't possibly miss the big belly sticking out.  I love it.

But I have to say that my favorite part of 5k's has nothing to do with me.  Aaron and I were killing some time after my finish so I could meet up with someone, so we went walking around the new City Creek development.

(It's amazing by the way)

As we were heading up the couple of blocks to get there, it had been just over  an hour from the start of the 5k.  There were still people coming in.  The winner of the half marathon was flying down the street, and there were still 5k participants working to finish.  These are the most inspiring people to me.  Yes, I sit in awe at the athleticism, talent and natural ability of those who are lightening fast and win these races.  But I am more blown away by those who do it because it is the hardest thing for them to do.  The people who are fighting for a healthier life.  Those who have worked for weeks or in some cases even months to be able to walk 3 miles.  There was a couple holding hands trying to pick up their walk into a jog as they headed toward the finish line.  There was a woman struggling to breathe, bright red in the face, trying her best to do more than walk as she came in those last few yards.  None of those coming in an hour after the clock started are the picture of a healthy lifestyle.  But the fact that they are out there out of their comfort zone working towards that amazes me.  It literally brought me to tears to watch them coming in.  I'm sure Aaron was amused at me trying to choke out the words to explain to him why I was walking along crying.  But seeing the excitement in their faces as they headed toward that finish line, some of them in tears themselves....that's what really gets me.  Those are the ones that motivate me to better myself.  So to you people who worry about being at the back of the pack or not looking like an athlete, who are afraid to sign up for a 5k because you worry about taking too long, or even being last, know that you inspire.  Know that you motivate.  Know that you can do it.

Halfway

Seriously debating renaming the blog Random Thoughts from a Week Ago.  It may be more appropriate.

As for halfway, Sam-not me.  I'm looooong past that point (thank goodness).

We get the cast off 3wks from Tuesday!
And boy, that's a good thing for so many reasons.  He is still doing amazingly well.  Happiest kid ever.  Totally dealing with it and just moving on with life.

Not only is he rolling and scooting in the thing, but he pulls himself around everywhere now.

My kids got lazy about locking the gate at the top of the stairs for a little bit.  No more!  Sam is everywhere again.  Not quite to his normal extent obviously, but he's everywhere he can be.  It's a little awkward to be back in that stage of making sure that every little thing is picked up off the floor like when a baby first starts crawling.  He has ignored little random things on the floor for a long time, since he's been much more interested in getting to the things behind doors and up high.  Considering they are back in his immediate sight again, we have to pay attention.
And he's pulling up now, which is crazy to see while he's all strapped up with his legs stuck out in a straddle.  Still needs a little help, but man, he is determined!  He has tried to cruise a little bit when I am holding him, but can't quite get anywhere yet which of course frustrates him.

And he still loves his chair, which is obvious as he tries to climb into it multiple times a day.

It's so awesome to see him still going at everything with all his might.  It's amazing how kids just adjust and do what they need to do to make life work.  I can't believe how quickly he has made things work and how excited he is to try and find a way to do whatever it is he wants to do.  So different from most adults!  We get set in our ways and tend to use things for excuses instead.

On the flip side, I am so anxious for this thing to be gone!  I really miss being able to hold him and snuggle him.  We make it work, but I miss being able to really hold him close.  I miss squeezing his chubby little thighs and the way he giggles when I do.  I miss giving him a normal bath.  I'm pretty sure he misses real baths too.  It is very possible that he will have a dozen baths the day the cast comes off.
And geesh....this thing stinks!  We were warned that it would, but we were doing so well.  Even the ortho that we checked in last week commended us on the fact that he didn't stink.  To me he already didn't smell great, but the dr said that if he can walk in the room without catching his breath, we're doing good.  Apparently spica casts can get really bad.  Reeeeally bad.
So of course I got all confident in my abilities to keep my child clean and needed to be smacked back down to reality.  Within a couple of days not only had his diaper leaked (pee) more than once, there was a blowout.
I'll leave it with no further description-use your imagination.
It took over an hour to clean him up.
Cleaning out the cast (which went shockingly well!), changing all of the edging on the cast, cleaning up Sam, washing things as best we could, drying them out....wow.  I have never appreciated just how fabulous a normal diaper change is!
And now, despite our best efforts, he stinks.  Well, the cast stinks.  Have you ever been around a kid that just didn't smell very good and you wondered if the parents noticed?  If the kid needed clean clothes or a bath?  Were the parents just not paying attention to their kid?  Well....now I'm the parent with the kid who doesn't smell very good.  Despite my best efforts, and trust me, we're going to great lengths to work on it!  Big fat slice of humble pie for me.  So yeah...we are counting down the days till a bath.    

Until May 15th rolls around we stay focused on the fact that he is healing as well as we could hope, and managing fabulously.  And I'll be grateful that I'm not in my first trimester when every smell was a million times stronger than normal.

Perfect TEN!

Ten.
TEN!
T.E.N!!!
Beautiful blissful miles.  On my 33 1/2 weeks pregnant feet.

Spurred on by a need to mentally reset and some good runs during the week, and a dose of inspiration from my pregnant running hero Laurie, I took advantage of the fact that Aaron was home on a Saturday morning  and headed out for a run with him agreeing to come pick me up when I was done.  I told him I was hoping for at least an hour, maybe longer, but there was the possibility that I could be calling for a pickup in 30 minutes.  Or less.
I was hopeful, but also realistic.

It was a great relief not to worry about picking a turn around point and just being able to run.  I was smart enough to pack a little fuel and some water in case my body cooperated and I was able to put in some real time and distance.  I clung to time and distance because I knew speed wasn't happening.

Yay cycling tanks for having a nice big back pocket!

That's water spill, not sweat.  I promise.
It's tricky to take a picture of your back.  I'm impressed that I got one this good.

I love my shadow right now, but it was hard to take a decent picture with my phone while running.

It's better when it's straight from the side-then you see the belly poking out.  dang.

It was bright enough that between the glare on the phone and my sunglasses, I couldn't quite tell if the picture was taking or nor.  I got a lot of finger pictures.

Like this one:

And this one:

And this one.  

Awesome, huh?  But hey-there's some belly!

I was pleasantly surprised at how well my body was holding up as I approached mile 5, and now I was headed downhill for a while.

Mile six put a fabulous hill in view, one that I haven't run for many months.  I needed to run the hill.

That's an awful picture.  And involves my finger again.  But I love that hill.

I saw a handful of ladies from the neighborhood out running, it's always so fun to get to see others I know.  I'm so grateful that I live in a community that is so active!  I love seeing dozens of other runners out in the morning, and love how running friendly the trails and paved paths are here. 

I was so thrilled that I held up beyond the 5 or 6 I had hoped for.  I was euphoric by mile 8, knowing that I would hit double digits.  I was starting to get a little tired, and it was warming up, but I needed to see double digits.  Aaron called to check in with me right after I hit mile 9, so I slowed to a walk to talk to him for a bit.  Baby must have shifted at that point because going back to a run shortly thereafter was awkward and slow.  I had maintained a decent pace (for the pregnant me) throughout the rest of the run so I was shocked that I was slogging along at 2min+/mile slower after that little walk break.  But being the stubborn girl that I am, I slogged on till I hit 10 miles.  Which ended perfectly at a brand new park with nice shiny clean bathrooms.

Still not sure which is more awesome, the fact that I logged 10 miles, or the fact that I logged 10 miles WITHOUT a bathroom break.  <----That my friends is pretty darn amazing!  I can't go an hour and a half without a bathroom break in a normal day now, to go longer than that while running without one was fabulous.  And no, it wasn't due to dehydration-I was very careful and smart about keeping the liquids coming.

Beyond thrilled with this run.
It was something I desperately needed mentally (which I didn't realize till afterward), and something I needed to know I was physically capable of (which I also didn't realize until afterward).  My last double digit run had me walking funny for two days after, this time things were great!  My last double digit run left me with angry ITBand.  This time-great!  What a blessing!
I tried to talk Aaron into being ok with me running a half this coming weekend after this run went so great, but he wasn't the least bit excited about that idea.  Even though my midwife is also running it.  Dang, I thought that might do it for him!  (kidding.  kind of.)  I know I could do it, and would even be ok with walking part of it, but knowing that will have to be enough for me for now...and I think it is.  I'm glad he's there to look out for me and make sure I don't overdo things.   Not that I ever get carried away or anything.
There are a handful of local smaller races that I'm hoping to be able to do before baby arrives as long as the body is up for it.  I'd love to get in another long run as well, but honestly, if this is the last long run before baby, I'm totally ok with that.  To have logged only 2 miles in week 33 of pregnancy last time and have logged 20 in week 33 this time is awesome.  To have logged a run this long at this point will keep me floating high for days!

How grateful I am for a strong, cooperative body!  And how grateful I am for what running does for me.
(and I would be remiss if I didn't mention how grateful I am for my amazingly supportive husband, even if he does think I'm a little bit crazy!)

A Pirate losing teeth

"Am I the new family world record?!"

My kids are late tooth losers.  Our first child didn't loser her first tooth till she was 6 1/2, and another saw her 7th birthday before she finally had one fall out.   So anyone still in the 5yr old range losing a tooth around here is kind of a big deal.  

He did miss the "family world record" by about two and a half weeks...but he doesn't need to know that.  Since he is 5 1/2 and Dallin was 5 1/2, we just went with "you tied it".

Since pirates are tough guys, Lincoln decided he was going to just take out the tooth that was loose.  

He then spent the rest of the day walking around like this.

You know, in case anyone missed what happened.  Which was impossible because everyone was home for Spring Break.  And he mentioned it every 10 seconds.  And went outside to tell the neighbors.

He was just a little bit excited.

And very excited that he pulled it without any help.

Eventually he did also put his shirt back on.  About the time he let go of the tooth and picked his sword back up.

Fabulous Five

Yes, FIVE!  5.3 to be exact.

I didn't get to slip out as early as I had hoped this morning.  This cold is trying to wallop me so I opted for a little bit of sleep instead of an earlier run.  That meant waiting till nearly 10am when Sam was down for his nap before stepping out.

The timing worked out well, as I crossed paths with a friend not quite a mile in.  I haven't run with anyone for a long time, and for the most part I love being a solo runner, but it was sure fun to have a runner partner for a bit today!  I know I slowed her down, but I picked it up enough to maintain a faster pace for about two miles and still chat with her throughout that time.  She picked my brain for a minute about taking the leap and signing up for a marathon (YES!!!), she's totally ready so I hope she does!  We talked specifically about running a marathon in the first trimester of pregnancy since that's what she's hoping to do...something that worked well for me and has for many others, but is such a tough call.
She did get me all anxious to sign up for my next marathon.  I wish it could be later this year, but logistically that just doesn't work with life right now.  Next year for sure, along with plenty of other fun running related things.  (I hope)

Before I realized it I was 2.5+ out from home.  It was a day when I SO very much wish I could have just kept running.  But not having taken water and knowing my kids were planning on me being back well before an hour ticked by I figured I'd better turn around.

It was a treat to feel strong for a run that is a little longer than what my normal run has dwindled to.  And to do so without a bathroom break?  Woo-hoo!!  Thank you bladder!  I was looking back over my journal from my last pregnancy-last time I ran with Sam was 33wks and 1 day and it was only 2 miles.  To have logged 5 on the day I hit 33wks this time makes me very happy.  Hoping for at least a month more of good running.  Especially if I can continue to do so without wetting my pants.

Morning Therapy

Between school mornings, being tired, and the sun not coming up very early for the past few months, my morning runs have been few and far between.  I have gotten to the point of squeezing in miles wherever I can, which is usually in the afternoon right as kids are getting home from school but before Sam wakes from his afternoon nap.

Enter Spring Break.
Hallelujah!

Now that we have hit that wonderful time of year when it gets lighter earlier, mornings are an option again.

This morning I headed out for a quick run while kids were still sleeping.  Well, I did wake the oldest to give her undivided attention to Sam since he was already up.  And then I slipped away.

I told her I would be quick-my kids are getting old enough to have plans of their own now (when did this happen?!) and she wanted to head out on an early bike ride with a friend.  So I had to keep it short and sweet.  But the sweet part made up for the short part.

I have forgotten how much I love to run in the morning.  How much I love that little bit of a chill in the air and the fresh smell of the fields.  How much I love the stillness, broken only by the birds chirping or the occasional crow of a rooster.  (ok, and a couple of cars too-I choose to ignore that noise)
I love starting the day with the clear mind that running brings, with the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that lends to conquering the day ahead as a little bit better person.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a week full of early running.  And hopefully enough energy for a few more weeks after this one...

Sam's new normal

There should only be about a dozen more Sam posts in the next week.  You think that's bad, you should see all of his pictures I'm putting up on facebook!

Of any of the kids that this could have happened to, he was the right one.  I'm sure that sounds mean, but this kid is a trooper!  And happy as can be.  As I was getting kids off to school on Friday morning Aaron sent me this picture:

What a kid!  Granted he was a little loopy, but hey, considering that pain meds make me fall asleep and make Aaron extremely irritable and nauseous, I'm thrilled at how he reacts to them!

By the time I made it to the hospital he wasn't quite as happy as he'd been earlier, but was still doing remarkably well considering his situation.

Going from a very mobile little toddler to severely restricted is definitely an adjustment.

This is his car seat for the next little while:

Doesn't that look comfy?  Poor kid. This is a hospital loaner-a special needs seat that has no sides on the seat part so that there is nothing for his cast to hit and his legs can just poke off the sides.  He's actually well supported everywhere he needs to be, it just doesn't look like the most comfortable configuration.  Thank goodness for a car seat department at the hospital to help us get him all situated and in safely!

After talking last week about moving his crib mattress down to the lowest level because he was trying to climb out, it's now back to the highest level so I can get him in and out of the crib.
His first day back home was spent chilling in the crib, propped up and being doted on as the kids took turns  sitting with him.  Malia may have been the favorite as she brought the ipad along with her.

In order to get him out of the crib and get him back into the regular fray, Aaron spent Friday night and Saturday morning configuring a seat for him.

This also allows for me to move him around the house much more easily and do less lifting and lugging, as he's pretty much dead weight right now and that cast is heavy.  While my body is still doing fine with running, it's not such a big fan of a lot of lifting at this point and this would be a really awkward time for a baby to come early.  She needs to stay in there till this cast is off!

And of course-Sam loves the seat!

The orthopedist that did the cast told us that we'd be surprised at how quickly he just got used to it and what he would figure out before the six weeks in stuck in this sucker were up.
I don't think we quite expected him to figure things out so quickly!
He got home from the hospital on Friday afternoon, and on Saturday afternoon after leaving him laying on the floor so I could take a quick bathroom break, I saw this:

I knew he wasn't really going anywhere, but seeing him rolled over was a surprise!
He wasn't quite sure what to think about it and was bothered that he was stuck there, but he's remedying that situation as well.
I am trying to make sure he spends plenty of time on his tummy because laying against the back of the cast so much is making him really sweaty in the back.  (sweaty back=damp cast=stink, not to mention the potential issues with trapped moisture against his skin for a long time)  Today he figured out how to scoot himself around in a circle, and made a little bit of progress in moving forward while on his stomach.  It definitely wore him out, but he did it!

(those are bags of things from the hospital-I don't usually leave plastic bags hanging out on my child's floor)
He has also figured out how to dig his right heel into the ground enough to push himself backward.

He is a stomach sleeper so I wasn't sure how how he would be with sleeping on his back...no problem there!

5 1/2 more weeks in the cast.  Baby is due in 7 weeks.  I couldn't be more grateful that I've worked to stay active through this pregnancy and that my body has cooperated!  And hey, though I slacked on strength training for the past little while, I'm making up for it now!