Memorial Day 5K Ridge Run ...I did it!!

Today's the day I've been training for. The Ridge Run in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. Here's a picture of me at the start of the race. This was a wonderful experience. Not only did the run take me through one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Chicago but everyone was so positive and encouraging. People lined their yards cheering the runners and walkers on. Some handed out water while others had the sprinklers hooked up for a cooling mist. There were homes that had upbeat music blasting. I loved this and sometimes felt more like dancing than running! Having been a bit of a slacker the last few weeks I was concerned at how well I'd be able to run. But there is something about the race environment that I did not expect. Having strangers cheer me on, and having so many others running with me kept my mind occupied and I was able to run for greater intervals than I had ever done during training. But there was someone who wasn't a stranger cheering me on. Suzanne, my friend and mentor mom from my MOPS group was outside her home, camera in hand. It was real encouraging to see a familiar face and hear my name. This came right when I needed it most. Here I am at the end of the race. You can't see it in this picture but "Go Mommy!" is written in sidewalk chalk on the street and that's right where Jeremy and the girls were waiting for me.
After the race there was a parade. We got to catch the end of it sitting on the curb.
Grace rode in the swing and she loved it. I thought her head was gonna bobble around so much that she wouldn't like it but she kept smiling, so we kept pushing.

There you have it. My race day. It was a very good experience and I'm very glad I did it.

A Series of Firsts

We spent 9 wonderful days in Kansas. It was so great to be with my family. All three girls were able to be there for Mother's Day for our mom, plus all her grandkids too. It was very special. Sylvie had a ball playing with her cousin Adam. They played outside in Papa and Gigi's yard nearly all day, every day.

First #1: Before we left for KS we noticed Gracie eyeing my peanutbutter and jelly sandwich. So, while at my parents we started her on cereal and she loves it. She often reaches out for the spoon to feed herself.

First #2: The day after we returned home Grace rolled over for the first time and we all missed it! I laid her on a blanket on the floor then went to check on Jeremy and Sylvie who were taking their Sunday afternoon nap. When I came back there she was on her tummy. She soon rolled back to her back. Mobile baby stage is on the way!

First #3: For 5 months we've been trying to figure out how to get the girls to sleep in the same room. This didn't initially seem like it was going to be a problem because Sylvie's always been pretty good at going to bed. She'd cry a little but would soon be asleep. However, adding a new sister is a big deal for a two year old and she has had trouble going and staying asleep since then. Last night Jeremy and I teamed up. He put Sylvie to bed, I put Grace to bed. Sylvie's usual crying began and we worried she's wake up her roommate but she didn't. When she came out of her room Sergeant Mommy took her right back. A few more minutes of crying and she was asleep. The best part is they BOTH slept the WHOLE night. I didn't hear a peep out of either of them until after 7 am. Let's hope we can keep this up and not make this first a last too.

A Concert in our Living Room

Just thought I'd explain the new banner below Gracie's. That's Jon Troast We met Jon at Timber-lee Christian Center when we took the youth group to winter camp. Jon is an amazing musician with a unique sound. He has performed on "Prairie Home Companion" and is currently on a "living room tour." He is traveling around the country performing concerts in peoples homes. We had him in our home last Sunday and it was amazing. Jeremy and I just couldn't get over how cool it was to have one of our favorite musicians giving us our own concert in our living room. So, check out his website and book a concert in your living room. Check out Jeremy's blog for a picture and we're also on Jon's website. I'd post some now but they're on a different computer so I don't have them.