She's 2

To "borrow" from a friend & fellow mommy blogger... For as quiet as this blog has been, our house, not so much so - for a variety of reasons.

For one thing, Katherine turned two. I don't know what switch was engaged at the ripe age of two but surely there was one. For starters the girl chats. Non-stop. 20% of the time I have no idea what she's saying. 50% of the time she's yelling MOMMMMMMYYYYYY, DADDDDDDYYYYYYY combined with some other directive. And I do mean directive. The other 30% of the time we're singing. The same songs. Over. And over again. What's in our playlist?

1. "whoa whoa" = Row Row Row your Boat (both versus please... If you fall short of verse two she'll let you know.)
2. "pepot" = I'm a little teapot (We have two handles... no spout. We're working on this.)
3. ABCeees = Need you ask? She's very proud of herself at the end.
4. dumdops = If all the Raindrops (We have some preemptive AHHH AHHH AHHH AHHH.)
5. issybissy = Itsy Bitsy Spider (Girl ROCKS some Itsy Bitsy - I say she might be up for an award for her choreography.)

I'm sure there are others I'm missing but these are the constants. Over. And Over. And over again. Daddy instituted one rule about singing: no singing at the dinner table. Alas, that's our only reprieve time. Of course it doesn't stop her from trying - but the answer is a consistent no.

The phone is a source of fascination for our little Muppet (thanks Aunt RoRo for the nickname... It stuck!) On her second birthday she made her first series of calls. She was on the phone for *easily* 35 minutes. We called a lot of people. Most went to voice mail and she learned to "wait for the beep". One person that actually answered the phone was to her Pop. The conversation went on for about 20 minutes. I don't think Pop understood but 3 words she said, but she talked. A lot. (I attempted to translate but she kept waving me off. Seriously?! Already?!) Since then I think we've called everyone. At least twice. We rotate through. One night she called Aunt RoRo and had the phone wedged between her head and shoulder and had her cup of milk, with straw in her hand taking a drink. This is a moment that Stephen & I were in tears laughing. And during which we ask... Where did she learn that?!?! We are rarely on the phone! I guess some things are just girl-natural?

Katherine's 2nd birthday was quite fun. We had a little family celebration on her actual birthday with an Elmo theme. (I use the word "theme" loosely... that entails elmo plates and napkins) For her 2nd birthday party complete with two friends and many adoring adults, the theme was Backyardigans. Did you know they make 3.5' balloons of Ty and Uniqua? I do. =P She loved them. Balloons are amazing things in her eyes. And we don't need any fancy balloons. Dollar store balloons we've found stay for days and days and the best part - They're a dollar! Woowoo!!! Needless to say another year where the girl cleaned up in the present department. I have no idea where so many presents came from. And she didn't even get any from us!! She still hasn't gotten a birthday present from us. (Settle down people, we have one - she just hasn't received it yet with all of the other stuff she got. I'm holding out for when she is "looking" for something new to play with!)

Throw a Mother's Day & Father's Day in the last two months and it's been a busy time. =)

Katherine also started at a new school this week. We finally made it into the Primrose family. One year on the waiting list and we've arrived. Whew!!! Her teachers are all very sweet (Ms. Pitts, Ms Brittany and Ms Robbin). She had fun during our pre-enrollment visits but apparently it's a lil bit different when I'm not there playing with her. Drop off on day 1 was a little rocky. Pick up was rockier. Day 2 drop off was pretty easy and pick up was ugly. We had a complete melt down when I arrived. Oh the drama this lil one can whip out. OOHHHHH MOMMMMMMYYYY complete with facial expressions, tears and throwing herself on me clutching my neck. Really?! Another - where does she learn that?! Generally it takes her two weeks of adjustment time before she starts to settle into the new class/routine. At least that's what we've seen with her last 3 moves to new classrooms at the old school. This time that will be just enough time to settle in before she's out for 9 days on vacation. I foresee another adjustment period in early August. =)

I decided to write this update sans pictures. I'll be honest it's the pictures that have kept me from posting for the last couple of months. First I lost the camera, then I found it and took pictures, lost the blessed thing again and now I've had it consistently but it's never where I am when I *think* I'm ready to write a blog posting. The pictures take a while to post too. So, instead of making you wait for a Katherine story update - I decided to post and tell you - You'll get the pictures later. When later? dunno. I have a two year old tearin up the place. =P

xoxo

Two Towns and a Burg

Last week we took a family vacation. Our first family vacation with just the three of us. We weren’t sure what to expect. Each of the trips we’ve been on before have either been short weekend trips or we had back-up. Yeah yeah, we were a little bit chicken. I’m happy to report that not only did we have no reason to be concerned, but we had a GREAT time.

The trip itself was a bit last minute. As in up to Friday afternoon that we didn’t know if we were going or not going. We weren’t sure whether work commitments were going to keep us in town or if we were going to be able to escape. Good news: We were able to escape! And it was much needed!!

We decided to go to a timeshare in Williamsburg. The timeshare choices were new timeshare with no facilities on-site or older timeshare with a very small room with all facilities on site. We went with the new timeshare with no facilities. Turned out to be an EXCELLENT choice. We’ll be back there again, no doubt. If you’re looking for a place to go, let us know – we’ll be happy to share the info for the place!
Saturday was our travel day so we didn’t do too much other than drive and go grocery shopping.

Sunday we went to church. It’s was a mission church that was started about 6 months ago. The Priest and Pani have a son that’s a few months older than Katherine. The two had a grand time together! The service was wonderful and the people in the church were very kind and welcoming. I do so love that about the Diocese. I’d hoped to learn a little something about how the mission began – and I did – but I’m not sure we’ll have the same experience! One of the ladies in the congregation had a chat with the Bishop and a few months later a mission starts up in her town. I don’t see that happening in Raleigh! Alas, I’ll have to figure out something else to get us started here in Raleigh…

Between church and the walk around Portsmith that took the day. We did have a rockstar lunch at McDonalds. Church didn’t start till 1pm so we had to fast before then… we left church at around 3:15 and by then Katherine and I were wild. No kidding. Seriously, we were wild. I might have been wilder than Katherine – but it was hard to tell. There’s no question where she gets her food frenzy from.

Monday we started the grass tours. Ya see, I’m not a huge fan of touring grassy fields where you listen to an audio tape or guide that says 200 years ago something happened here , “imagine it…” I can’t. And it’s just grass now. Pretty grass… probably made pretty by all of the bloodshed… but grass nevertheless. Stephen LOVES these tours. So we go. It’s part of the partnership. I knew all about this before we went to the alter so I can’t claim ignorance. *sigh*

On Monday we went to Jamestown. This is one place I would happily go back to. Very cool place, funny, smart and engaging Park Ranger and the highlight of my week – a smart *insert cute* archeologist. The Park Ranger told a story that was modern and yet told the story of ole at the same time. She had me laughing multiple times. The Archeologist was part of an active dig site. He was sharing some of the things they’ve been able to learn through their dig(s) as well as let us not only see but touch things they’d found just that morning. We were able to hold a canon ball that had been underground for 400+ years. Imagine – we were one of the first people to touch something that hadn’t been held by another human for more than 400 years. How cool is THAT?! Katherine was also able to hold the canon ball. Stephen was terrified that she was going to toss it though so he “held” it with her. =) He kept whispering, “don’t get this nice archeologist fired because you want to toss the ball, honey!!!”

Tuesday was Yorktown. There was a lot of grass during this tour but we were able to combat the grass factor with a stop at “Ye Old Ice Cream Shoppe” as I fondly refer to it as. (Others may refer to it as Ben & Jerry’s… tomato, tomato.) There was also a very nice walk through the town. All in all another good day!

Wednesday was a chilly, rainy day… What to do when it’s chilly and rainy?! SHOP!!! We were just down the street from Ye Old Outlet Mall. Yaaaay!!! My favorite experience of the day was taking Katherine into the Coach store. You all know my theory on if she licks something – I have to buy it… I’ve coached her on this routine before and alas, she’s never done it. No no no, she didn’t lick anything that day either but she does totally understand Coach. Stephen took a walk to go to another store (haha SUCKA!!) while K and I went to do a lil shopping. She walked in and gasped (yes, gasped) OH MOMMYYYYY. Then she took off running… grabbing and saying “pretty pretty” to everything she saw. I saw a wrislet I liked and went to look at it. She grabbed it plus two more. Pushed them up her arm and went to the next shelf. Stephen walked in at this point… She saw him and went right over to him saying “buy buy buy Daddy!!!!” aaahhhh: mommy’s girl!!!!

Thursday and Friday we spent the day at Williamsburg. We had a wonderful time there too. Katherine loved running up and down the streets and we (fortunately) kept her out of the horse poop. She was kind of intrigued by it though. Most interesting to her were the horses. She wouldn’t go near them, but she did love to stop and watch them – from her own determined distance. Heaven forbid we try to get her closer.
On both days we had lunch at the Cheese Shop. A wine & cheese plate was the family hit! Daddy drank the wine… K and I had juice and tea respectively.

Saturday we made the trip home. Stephen and I were attending the JDRF Hope Gala so we needed to get back and get jazzed up for the event! A wonderful evening!!

Tomorrow we all head back to the real world. I’m not sure how I’m going to do, let alone Katherine… My girl has slept in every day till at least 9. Some days she slept till 11. 7am is going to come early for her. So, we’ll head back and think about our next family trip together… I can’t wait!!!

Photos

This free digital photo album made with Smilebox

One Year & 562 miles later

This blog update isn’t about Katherine. Or at least not directly. Sorry to disappoint! =) This blog is about something that started for me one year ago. One year ago today I started running. I started with the help and encouragement of some dear friends: T & M and cousins R & K. =)

T’s been a runner for years. T is a working mom of two wonderful little girls and the sweetheart of A. T gets up in the wee hours of the morning before her family wakes and takes to the streets to get some miles in before she starts her day.

M’s an all around get fit kinda girl. She loves running and has taken up Pilates in the last year too. She’s a lady who travels ‘round the country for her career and manages to still get in some runs, regardless of where she is.

Then there’s my cousins: R & K. I think it was about 4 months ago I started seeing their posts about training for a half marathon. Both are career women. Both not only stayed on plan for their half marathon training but both finished their first half marathon about two weeks ago.

Four amazing women, that motivated me more than I can tell you. Four amazing women, that continue to motivate me.

I often think of the words of encouragement from T that she gave during a 5K we ran last fall… It was a run at North Hills. And the name is appropriate. Hills. Burning hills. T was encouraging me by saying things like “you got it girl!!!” “Keep going!!” “Almost there!!” “The mailbox is the summit!! Downhill from there!” When I’m having a particularly rough run I hear T saying those things to me.

M encouraged me to look like a runner. At first I thought it was kinda silly but thought hey – any excuse for some shopping and new clothes… bring it on! It’s made a difference. I really can say that when I dress like a runner – I feel like a runner.

Today as I started my run I thought about me a year ago, and what motivated me. I had an almost one year old little girl. Still had 10 pounds of baby weight hanging around me. I wasn’t exercising and couldn’t figure out how one could go to the gym after work (‘cause ya’ll know me – before work wasn’t happening), work full time and have a husband and daughter that you want to spend every minute you can with. I felt sluggish.

Along came running. It was a way for Katherine and I to have some Mommy/Katherine time and Daddy to have some of what we called “oyster time” (as in the world was his oyster… he could do whatever he wanted with those few hours!) We worked it out.

Today, I’m 18 pounds lighter and about 3 sizes smaller. It's the lowest weight/size I've ever been in my life! My first run on April 25, 2009 was 2.34 miles at a pace of 12:34 per mile. I can tell you this was not a sustainable run. After that I averaged between 1.5 and 2 miles.

Today I ran my longest distance to date: 4.5 miles at a 9:01 pace. In one year’s time I’ve run 562 miles in approximately 92 hours and 12 minutes during 249 runs. I burned 53k calories.

Today, I’m an athlete. Today, I’m proud of myself. Today I say… If I can do it, you can too!!!