OK, I Guess One About Running

I'm getting (slowly) back into running. I have gone on a little run/jog for three days of the last three weeks.

This week I read the perfect post for me from a fellow running momma's blog (her blog is actually titled Runner Mama). It talks about base training and how important it is to train your cardiovascular base before working too hard on speed.

I remember when I first started running (about two years ago this month), my running coach emphasized the importance of training in my correct heart rate zone. I was in excellent cardiovascular shape (from aerobics and elliptical machine) at this point and I honestly thought - I swam for 12 years without a heart rate monitor, I think I go this covered. Well, I slowly got wise to the whole zone training and heart rate monitor thingy and I fell in love with my Garmin when I got it last June.

My heart rate monitor really came in handy while I was preggo and I was glad to have it for all my marathon training last year. When I returned to running a few weeks ago, I thought - I'll just ease into it at first. I didn't wear my Garmin or my heart rate monitor because I didn't want to get discouraged. However, after reading the post from Runner Mama I started to remember that IT IS important for me to know my heart rate and to train in my proper zones.

I went out on Tuesday and discovered that while I was going the incredibly slow turtle pace of 12:45 min/mile - my heart rate was 170! While pregnant I could do 11 min/miles and keep my heart rate around 155. I'm trying to look on the bright side of this revelation - I can really only improve and I have a ways to go.

Now . . .onto a picture of Cash - here he is learning to fold laundry - kid has got to earn his keep!

See, I Told You So

As I knew would happen - I brought out the video camera during Cash's swim (sit) this afternoon.

He mostly just looked at the water while I made a fool of myself.

Dear Cash - 3 Months

Dear baby Cash,

You're father and I are so incredibly lucky to have you as our son. You are very easy to please and you love to smile (and you laugh now too).

Sometimes, when you're being a little stinker (like at 1 AM) and fussing in your bed - I go to see you and you give me the biggest grin. I like to pretend you're thinking, "Hi, Mom - Gotcha!"

This month, we took a few steps forward and a couple steps backwards regarding sleep. However, there is no amount of sleep that can compete with your big grin (even at 1 AM) - if you knew your mommy before you were born, you would understand what this statement means.

We had a couple of nights where you slept from 7 PM - 3 AM and then a few other night where you woke up every 90 minutes. Even when you wake up frequently, you don't stay awake very long and you are very easily soothed. We tried the half swaddle and then quickly return to the full swaddle (I think you wacked yourself in the head too many times with your hands - you must have my coordination skills).

This month you've really discovered your hands. You can stare at them for a good 45 minutes without interruption. It looks like you're concentrating so hard to bring them to your mouth. You also love to suck on your fists.

Your MorMor came to visit you this month. Whenever MorMor comes to visit she always discovers something new - this month she discovered that you will take a nap (on your tummy) on the Boppy pillow, that the guest bed makes for a very good bouncy seat and that you like brightly colored TV shows.

This month you also had your first shots. These killed me and I'm very grateful we have no shots this month. I never want you to hurt, cry or be upset - EVER. I know this is impossible (I have so many shots, scrapes and bumps to go), but my heart aches when you make that little scrunchy face (even if it is very rare).

You and I also had our first night without your Daddy. We missed him and sent him your screenplay, but you were the best baby and besides missing daddy, we had no issues. You had loads of other firsts this month too - first swim, first trip to Target, first tattoo and first movie to name a few.

Cash - we enjoy playing with you so much and are so thankful for your health & happiness.

Please be sweet to your dad and me and please don't grow up to quickly.

Love you so much,
your Mom

Concert Fail, But There's An Upside

Yesterday we were supposed to attend Graby's first concert - Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic. We even had a ticket with his name on it.

I blame the concert organizers - parking was over one mile away, they were forcing hundreds of people to take a shuttle (which, I kid you not - was a MINI-VAN) and there's really no shade at the new Backyard (the venue).

When we got there (around 12:30) Buttin and I soon realized this would not be a good adventure for Graby. Buttin confirmed it when he got home around 6:30 last night burned to a crisp (I had put sunscreen on Graby, but was thinking there would be shade).

I dropped off Buttin & friends and headed home.

Now, for the slight upside.

I was driving home on a pretty major road where the stupid speed limit is only 35 mph. I usually go about 45 - 50 mph on this road (as does everyone else).

Well, I got pulled over.

Graby was extremely content - even when we stopped and usually he hates it when we stop. I immediately jumped out of the car and told the police officer that I was hurrying home because my son was upset (nevermind that I hadn't heard a peep out of him). I went to Graby's carseat (where he was being abnormally quiet), pulled him out and he instinctively (like a great little actor) made the pouty face. There were no real tears - but he started to fuss a little. The police man let me go with just a little warning. As soon as I put Graby back in his seat - he was calm and happy again.

So, in the last few months both Molly and Graby have rescued me from tickets. It's good to have kids and animals in the car.

Now, I present - the anatomy of a laugh. This afternoon we went for a little swim (err . . .sit) and Cash-man was full out laughing at the water. It was adorable - wish I had my video camera, but these pictures will have to do.

Starts as a smile . . .



Slightly lean the head back . . .


Open the mouth wide and close the eyes . . .


Complete the laugh by returning to the smiling position . . .

Finish by looking at mom like she's crazy for taking so many pictures . . .

Another First

This afternoon Cash and I spent time with Aunt Liz & Uncle Jonathan. We had a great time taking naps, watching TV and playing around with the animals.

Cash man got his first tattoo - here he is showing it off with L & J.

Sometimes You Get What You Ask For

My dear Mother-in-Law (the Gigi) sends Cash a new package of clothes every week - this is not an exaggeration - and I love it! I never knew dressing a boy could be so much fun.

A new package arrived yesterday, so today I put Cash in one of his new outfits today. I wrote Gigi this morning to tell her that Cash was looking pretty cute in his new outfit and she asked for pictures. I told her that by this afternoon the new outfit should be coated in a nice layer of slobber and perfect for pictures.

Well, Cash - not wanting to disappointment me (or Gigi) - slobbered (and spit up a little too) just as I put him in his seat and took a picture.

Toys

Barbie has been bringing these Toy Story dolls to work the past couple of days and Cash really likes them. He actually like them a little more yesterday, but of course I didn't have my video camera yesterday.

As you'll also see in the video, he gets a pretty big kick out of himself and his hands too.