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In Austin News..

I have been focusing on my training a lot recently but I wanted to take some time to fill everyone one in on Austin. The most exciting news (for me) is that:

WE HAVE A SWIMMER!

I feel so proud of him. All Summer, I have been teaching him how to kick his feet, paddle his arms and hold his breath to go under water. We tried out the puddle jumper (click here to see what that is in the beginning of Summer but he wasn't ready. We tried regular swimmies like these and he didn't like those either. I was content to hold him this year and thought we would try again next year.
That was until we met a friend at the pool on Monday. This friend is a year older than Austin and soo cool in Austin's eyes! K let us borrow his puddle jumper and we gave it a try. It worked! The little man jumped right into the pool to me and began kicking his feet and paddling his arms. I was amazed at what a little peer pressure can do for a little boy!
We are bringing Daddy with us to the pool today to try to get a video. I can't wait to share this cuteness with you all!


Other than that, he seems to say a new word everyday and is testing his boundaries with rules. He is definitely keeping me busy and on my toes. In fact, I need to good get out the heavy duty scrubber and get that crayon off the floor...and the cabinets...oh and the fridge...

Week 2...Through!

2 down, 14 more to go...Here is a recap of last week:

We did 2 easy runs Monday and Tuesday that were a little humid but altogether nice. I did a race paced run on Thursday that I smoked. It was very motivating but I need to reel it in to a more manageable pace in the coming weeks. Saturday was our 7 miler. I've done that before so I wasn't too worried. I woke up feeling like I was getting a cold so I took it easy and it ended up being my favorite run so far.

This week I will run 8 on Saturday. This will be my farthest distance. HERE WE GO =)

Week One....DONE!

We finished week one yesterday. Only fifteen more to go. It didn't seem like it was going to be a big deal because I was running less miles in the week than I have been running leading up to this, but I was surprised at the things I learned this week.

1. I am faster that I thought I was and can maintain that speed for longer than I thought I could.
2. Just because I've run 6-7 miles once a week for the last 9 weeks I can't assume it's going to be easy. I still need to prepare by eating (uhhh and drinking) right the day before.

I'm only going to measure once a month, but I will weigh in once a week.

Weight 8/2: 163
today: 160

In other news:
Austin is talking talking talking! New words I can think of are :
ready
pretty
butterfly
Cookie Monster
Big Bird
Zoe
Elmo

He is also doing great with swimming. He now kicks and paddles with his arms in the pool. I am hoping to get Daddy to take a video this week with his arms and legs moving.

We have officially transitioned into sleeping in a toddler bed. Austin has gone to bed without getting out for a solid week now.

He made some new friends this week that are all at least a year older than him. It was great to see him interacting with older kids. He is so used to being around younger babies.

The Before Shots

Click here to see our "before" shots. Fun stuff :)

Here Goes Nothing...

Today marks the start of the official training for the OBX Half Marathon. 16 weeks from start to recovery. 4 months. I can do that. Right?

Of course I can!!

I have a running plan and a diet plan that I hope will work together to give me to best outcome. Here are my beginning stats.

Belly at belly button: 31.5"
Waist:29.5"
Bust: 36"
Right Thigh: 24.5"
Left Thigh: 24.5"
Weight: 163 lbs

*I will add a picture soon*

The Small Moments

Today Austin and I met some friends at the beach. It was one of those perfect beach days. A little overcast with a good breeze making it not too hot. It was low tide and there wasn't a drop off so Austin could play in the water without me having to hold on to him the whole time. I had an actual conversation with another adult unlike when I am running after Austin on any other day. He was still running around but I could allow him to explore a little more today because the beach wasn't crowded and the waves weren't a danger.
After a little while, he and I walked down the beach and he found some plants growing. He plopped himself down and started looking at the leaves. I sat down in the sand and let him hand me pieces of plants to smell. We sat like that for only a few minutes, but it was just enough time.
Enough time for me realize that I couldn't ask for anything more. I have always wanted a child to share my life with and now I have him. Between diaper changes, feeding, temper tantrums, and all of the other things I have to do on a daily basis, I forget about what really matters.
These small moments are what remind me of that. I have a beautiful son who couldn't be more perfect in my eyes. I thank God for the small moments.

I Told Him It Wasn't a Banana

He had to try it out for himself and wasn't very happy when he bit into a squash...

Lots to catch you up on!!

Last week we were able to spend a lot of time at the pool and Austin has gone from being very timid to fearless. He loves jumping off the side into the pool. He can go under and hold his breath while doing it. He has even started to kick his feet. Definitely my son, he makes me proud!!
He is also growing up so fast. In the last week, it seems like a lot of things have clicked for him. Every night we ask him to tell Daddy night night and then he and I go to his room to sing a song and go to sleep. He's never done it until this week. He went right up to Phillip, planted a big kiss on him, said "Night Night", grabbed his blankie and "pa" (paci) and went to his room. I sing him his song and when it's over, he takes out his paci to give me a kiss and tell me night night. He acting like a little person who knows what he wants. I love that he is growing into such a sweet and smart boy.
He has learned several new words this week. He says "nana" for banana "sme me" is excuse me (which he says when he coughs, sneezes, or has to walk over you. It so stinkin' sweet). He can say "potty", "oopie", "pee pee", "pee ew" (thanks to the new potty we bought to get him used to the idea). He says "EEEEEW" all the time when something is yuckie. He is also learning the names of the babies I have during the day.
Not only is he learning new words, he is also trying to help with everything from feeding the little babies bottles to wiping up spilled milk. I wish I knew that that would last throughout his teenage years, but I'll take what I can get.

In other news, my half marathon training is going well. Last week, I had a pretty hard run for 6.5 miles. I was so tired after and spent most of the day on the couch. I knew that I needed to make some changes to my diet to improve how I was feeling. I focused on eating more carbs last week and drinking tons of water. To prepare for my long run this past Saturday, Phillip and I ate a great dinner (steak, potatoes, corn, salad, and bread) on Friday. Then I drank Gatorade G-series Prime before my run, Performance (watered down) during my run, and the Recovery after my run. It made such a difference in my run. We actually ran 7.25 miles even though we only planned for 6.8 and not only that, but my recovery time was next to nothing. It made a world of difference. You better believe that I will be following the same routine every week!! I am starting to believe that I can actually do this, and that's a great feeling.

Here are a few pictures because we all know that those are the most important part of any blog post!


After a long day at the pool.

With Daddy

"But I don't want to take a picture, I want to SWIM"

Phillip and I on date night :)

Me, Stressed?

A week ago Tuesday my doctor heard a "tick" when he was listening to my heartbeat. I had go in for a check because I just haven't been feeling well at all. Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, heartburn, and other weird things had been bothering me for months. When he told me he heard something weird with my heart and then ordered a chest x-ray, I have to say I got really nervous. It's never fun to think that something might be wrong, but after having a baby it makes it all a lot more real. I couldn't help but consider the "what ifs". It was not fun and made all of my symptoms even worse.

Well, I went in this past Tuesday for my follow up and got good news. My x-ray and blood work all looked perfect. My doctor thinks that all of the symptoms are stress related. Man, I can't imagine what could cause me stress. Maybe the fact that I have had a (temporary) career change from teaching to stay at home mom and now to at home child care provider. Or it could be that Phillip was laid off for 2 months in the Winter. Maybe it ways the financial hardships we have endured over the last year due to both of the previous things mentioned. I don't even have to go into the stress that comes along with being a new(ish) mom and wife. Admitting this is weird to me. I am not depressed. I don't feel overwhelmed most of the time. Sure, I have moments but mostly I feel happy. Sure I have a lot on my plate but I am home with my son and happy with where I live. I have a husband that loves me. Why would my body be so stressed? I feel like my body has failed me. It can't handle the stress that I thought I was handling.

This is where my training comes into play. This training is going to be more than training my body to run a half marathon. It is also going to help train my mind to let go of the stress on the road.

After hearing that my heartbeat was off, I took last week off and just walked. Training started back yesterday and boy was it a day to start back. I swear the wind was 30mph coming across me and I was pushing the stroller trying to keep it straight in the wind. Austin was antsy and still not feeling 100% himself. I was shooting for 4 miles, but barely made it 3.5. I thought I was going to die. I just kept thinking about something a friend once told me :
"When you think you are going to die, run for 30 more seconds. Then run another 30 and another 30"
Today I was planning to do a short run, 2-3 miles and a run up the monument. Well, after running about 2.5, I decided to keep going. I ended up running about 4 miles. I don't think it was quite that far but the dailymile.com map doesn't account for elevation of the monument or the parking lot I ran though, so I had to improvise. Tomorrow is my long run. 6 miles. I am so nervous that I want to puke. (How am I going to do 13.1?)

After my run, I am going to tell ya'll all about how great it was (ha ha) and I will also get into the eating part of this training stuff.

Here are a few pictures of the Monument where I do most of my runs. I wish I could find a better one with a better look at the elevation of that hill. Every time I run up it, I am amazed at how freaking hard it actually it.

Worst Week

I am having it.

Phillip went out of town to visit his family on Sunday. We had a great time together before he left. Not really doing anything special, but just enjoying our first day off together as a family in well over a month. It was a great way to end a weekend full of fun. Well, I of course stayed up later than normal watching whatever I wanted and chatting with friends. I finally went to bed only to be woken up soon after by the loudest thunderstorm I have ever heard. Soon after that, Austin woke up BURNING UP. After a search of the house to find the thermometer, I discovered he had a fever of 104.5. A call to the ask-a-nurse told me to go to the ER.
So, at 1:45am I packed us up and we drove to the hospital. The said his ear was red. So we were sent home with an ear infection diagnosis and a prescription for antibiotics.
Early Monday, I called all my mom's and told them that I couldn't keep their little ones and the poor guy ran a high fever all day. Phillip was nice enough to offer to come home, but I told him to stay in Kinston. I thought for sure Austin would be feeling better by Monday night, Tuesday morning that latest. Well Monday night was horrible. Austin couldn't sleep at all. I tried rocking him, putting him in my bed, laying on the couch, anything. Nothing worked. When morning finally came, I called Phillip and told him we needed him.
He came home and was a big help. Austin had missed his daddy and it cheered him up to have him home. Austin would go from seeming like he was getting better, to being a fussy mess in a matter of minutes. Bedtime was bad. He didn't want to go to sleep alone but couldn't get comfortable in my arms in the rocker. He finally went to sleep but didn't stay asleep for more than an hour. On top of all of that, Phillip woke up throwing up in the middle of the night too.
I found out that J, the 16 monther that I keep, has Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. I was just waiting for the sores to show up on Austin and sure enough I found some this morning. I am waiting for a call back from the doctor's office to see if I need to bring him in and to see how long I need to keep him away from other children. I really, really hope this passes soon and we can get back to normal.
What a week.

Austin's 18 Month Stats

He weights 31lbs and is in the 97%
His height is also in the 97%
His head is 75%

He's a big boy :) Dr. L said he looks great and seems normal in every way. His language should really blossom soon. Right now he says about 15 words:
Bye Bye
Night Night
Momma
Dadda
Nona
hi
hot
help
Pa- what he calls his paci
ball
bath
bubble
cheese stick
no
fish
truck

We are working on body parts and animal sounds. He loves being outside and playing in the water. The boy in him is really coming out. He throws everything and can get pretty rough. All-in-all, he is pretty perfect.
Here is a video and some pics for your enjoyment:

First day of training...

So, I used to be able to punch out 4-5 miles few times a week. Then last Summer, the heat came and my motivation left. Since then I have been trucking along with 3 milers. Today, I was running with the OBX Running Mamas and we all decided to try for 4 miles. YIKES. I did it though. We went on a nice run from the Wright Brothers Monument, over the the beach road (where the sun was just rising), then back across the highway and to the monument again. Tomorrow is cross training (at 5:30, again, yuck), Wednesday is a running day, and if I can still move on Thursday morning we are going for a beach run.
My goal for the week is to actually include a long run. These are super important when training for a long distance run. I can't say that I am excited about this but I can say that I am excited to start this journey.
http://www.dailymile.com/people/mallorya

I do have some cute pictures and a video of Austin that I will post tomorrow after we go to his 18 month appointment. (18 months, really? How did he get so old?)

More Half M info

I am going to run in the OBX Marathon (the half) on November 14. It is a mainly flat course except for a 35 foot tall bridge :o at mile 9.
I will be training but I don't know exactly what that will be just yet. I think I start on Monday. YIKES.

Half Marathons

I'm running one. Oh my gosh. I am so scared about this.

I can taste Summer!

I love it! Summer is so close I can taste it. Austin and I spent yesterday and today at the beach. Yesterday he got to play with his honorary aunts, Courtney and Nicole. I told Court before we came that this was her chance to earn the title and they totally did! They were AMAZING aunts.




Today, we rode to Virginia Beach with Nonna to watch Julian surf. Austin did a great job for such a long day. He played in the sand and waves all day. He is getting more brave with every trip to the beach. He still reaches for my hand (and melts my heart) each time he gets close to the water, but I am worried about when he feels like he doesn't need my hand anymore.

I am really looking forward to this Summer. I need to stock up on the SPF 50 though. Little A is already getting a tan!

Mother's Day Weekend Recap

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. Saturday, Austin went to play with Nonna while I went to the beach. I was planning on a silent 2 hours soaking up the sun but all I could think about is how much fun Austin would have playing in the pool or at the beach.

Then on Mother's Day, Austin and Phillip woke me up (at the crack of dawn!) for breakfast in bed. They surprised me with a gift certificate to a day spa. I CAN NOT wait for that massage! Later in the day, Austin and I tried out finger painting. He thought it was lotion and rubbed it all over his body. It was so funny! That evening, we had Nonna and Uncle Julian over for Thai Room takeout. All together, it was a nice day. Next year, I plan to clarify that breakfast in bed should be held AFTER 9am!

MMMMMMMM!

I was cleaning up the kitchen when I heard a little voice say "Mmmmmm!" I turned around to see that Austin had somehow reached onto the counter and snatched a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Mmmmm is right!

Popsicle Fun!

I bought a set of popsicle makers from Target the other day and gave one to Austin last night. I made it out of fruit juice so it's a healthish snack on warm days. Plus it keeps him entertained for a LOOOOONG time :)

Busy Busy Weekend!

Last weekend was a very busy weekend for us! Our first destination was to Kinston to watch and celebrate Brooke and Quinten's wedding. One the way there, Austin and I stopped in Greenville to play in a park. It was a little (20 degrees!) hotter than it was when we left the beach so we couldn't play long.



Saturday, I took pictures of the ceremony and had a blast with a borrowed camera!
Sunday, we headed to Hampton to my grandma's where we met up with my Mom, Phillip, and Julian. We stayed in Hampton until Tuesday and had a great time seeing family and playing outside. Phillip helped Grandma in the yard and found a nice little worm for Austin to play with. BOYS!

Already slacking

It's been a busy time for us. Austin is keeping me moving all day until all I want to do is drop into bed! He is working on a few new teeth and also testing out his tantrum skills. He is his normal angel-self most of the day, but when he is unhappy, the whole neighborhood knows thanks to his scream and our open windows!
I am in new territory. Just when I felt like I was getting good at being the Mom of a baby he became a real toddler. Great. Apparently this is how the rest of his life is going to bed. Just that thought makes me tired!

I am saving for an outdoor playyard that I can set up outside like a dog run! The plan is for him to RUN from just after his afternoon nap straight up to dinner time. You think that will make him too worn out to fight with me when it's time to come back inside? or take a bath? or whatever else is making him unhappy at the moment?!
Here are pictures of my new Tantrum Austin and then more of my normal Sweet Austin!

Not MY Child!

Could this baby ever do anything wrong? No way. He's too sweet. His laugh is too heartwarming to do anything wrong. There is NO way that this adorable baby has been having a biting problem this week. Nope. Not MY baby. He did NOT bite Josie THREE times in three days. I didn't have to stand over him all day today to deflect JAWS several times. Not my beautiful baby!

(Any toddler disciple book recommendations are very welcome. I have entered a new phase of parenthood that I know nothing about.)

And some more videos to remind myself that my child is perfect no matter where he chooses to place his teeth.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

 

 
 

Yesterday we went to the annual Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Parade here in Nags Head. The day started off really warm and sunny but of course, come parade time the temperature dropped about 10 degrees and the clouds rolled in. Regardless of the weather Austin seemed to enjoy his first parade. Some sirens spooked him at first but he got over that quickly. His favorite part by far was the marching bands. He was jammin' to the beat for sure!

Lil' Drummer Boy!

Today I got a wave of energy and used it to clean and reorganize my kitchen. Austin found pot and went to town with two sticks. Not only was he showing off his drum skills but he was singing too! Can you tell Daddy is a musician?

Weekend Recap

Spring IS coming!

Saturday Austin and I were feeling under the weather and had a very lazy day. It was just what we needed. Laying on the couch, playing in our PJs, and catching up on Sesame Street. Sunday was beautiful here! We all went for a walk on the beach and truly got a taste of Spring. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so no pictures to add. I promise some later in the week!

Stats!

Austin had his 15 month appointment this afternoon. It started off fine. Until the nurse walked in. As soon as he saw her, he gripped my shirt a little tighter. When I sat him on the scale he started freaking out. I mean shaking, screaming and gripping me. Just when he calmed down she took out her stethoscope. How DARE she?! Again, the shaking, crying and gripping! Being the wonderful mother that I am learning to be, I had the blankie and paci. That helped. Until Dr. L walked him. The poor man sat one one side of the while me and Austin sat on the other. Finally, he had asked all of the questions he could and it was time for the physical stuff. Again, the waterworks. Oh my gosh it was horrible. I know that he has only been hurt there. Those shots! They never end! (only they do! No more until 4...except the flu) But it was so sad to see him so SCARED. He was just a shaking mess and he is normally not like that at all.

He weights 27.6 lbs! Up 5 from his 12 month and in the 75% which is a little higher than he was before.
He was 31.5 inches and in the 90-95% (so weird since Phillip and I are not exactly tall!)
I can't remember his head, but it was in the 70%

Dr. L said he was a big boy! He also said he was smart (although, I bet he tells all moms that!)

Anyways- developmentally it was a great appointment and I know that we are on the right track. Now, we just need to figure out a way to get him over the fear of the doctor. All suggestions are welcome!

15 Months Old!

 
Austin is 15 months old today. Yikes! It seems like yesterday was his first birthday and the day before that he was born. We are going to see his doctor tomorrow to get his check up. I'll update after that with his new stats.

Like Mother, Like Son

 

I happened to see these two pictures side by side and was shocked at the resemblance! I LOVE it!!

BA OOO

Austin and I went to Harris Teeter last night to pick up some overnight diapers. It was later than I normally take him out and he was getting hungry. He was pretty well behaved despite this but getting a little fussy. He saw the balloons in the check out lane and started pointing and saying BA OO. He got really happy about these balloon. I was mentally cussing that he saw them because that meant that he would be throwing a tantrum when we had to leave. To my surprise, the cashier offered to give him one. Thank goodness for that. We have had hours of fun with the BA OO. This morning, I found him walking around the house holding on to the sting. Here's a video:

Can I just say that as tough as these new tantrums can be, this sweet boy makes it all worth it!

Red Raspberry French Toast Deliciousness!

Red Raspberry French Toast Deliciousness
4 slices of bread
red raspberry (or your favorite flavor) preserves
Pam
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tbsp brown sugar not packed
syrup
powdered sugar

1. Make jelly sandwiches and slice in half.
2. Whisk eggs, vanilla and brown sugar in a small bowl then transfer to a plate. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet coated with Pam over med-high heat.
3. Soak both sides of the sandwiches in the egg solution.
4. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown on each side.
5. Serve with syrup and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

2 serving
8 Weight Watchers points per sandwich with 1/2 tbsn preserves per serving
Great for toddlers (I just omit the syrup and extra sugar because really, who wants a baby that wound up?!)