Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Birthday, sickness and races: PART 2 - Race in Huntsville
The day after Norah's birthday, I was competing in the Texas 10 Series race in Huntsville. I signed up last minute with the urging of my running partner and dear friend Tanna. It was a loop course...I don't like loops! Ever since my half last year that was the same loop 3x, I vowed never to do a loop again. Ironic since my 2 recent races were both loops! I digress...not to go into too much detail, but the race was a success! I completed it in 1:27 (8:38mm). I placed 4th in my age group...missed a medal by under a minute. So close!!!! But this race was such a game changer for me because it was starting to show all of my work was paying off. I was actually getting faster. So big progress for me and lots of fun doing it.
Birthday, sickness and races: PART 1 - Birthdays
I have taken a long blogging hiatus...like almost a month!
Since my last post, we have had a busy month.
Starting with the girls birthdays...
Claire' 3rd birthday was her day to have it her way. Since she is all about pampering, she went to get her nails done. I normally take her to the nail salons around the corner, but since it was her special day, we spent it at the little girls salon Sweet and Sassy. Though her dad was a little concerned about the price (a mini mani was $35!), we caved for her special day. My original plan was for she and I to have a mommy and me date, but she really wanted to share the experience with her best friend Olivia (it's starting already...being with mom is not cool). I made two little appointments and those two had the best time. It honestly was hysterical to see them together...they were like to old pros. Claire chatted away about her man aka "my daddy." The tech laughed because every sentence started with, "So my daddy..." throughout her entire service. They got blue sparkly toes and green and purple sparkly fingers (alternating fingers on both). We followed their spa day with lunch (TKY at Potbelly for the b-day girl) and lastly a shopping trip at Carter's. I am so going to have to watch this girl because all the items she picked happened to be the only non-sale items. Champagne taste!
We ended the day with a taco dinner, again Claire's choosing, and birthday cake. I don't know who was more excited for the cake, Claire or Norah!!!! I think all in all she had a great day.
(As a total aside, please note the heinous bruise on Norah's cheek. Immediately following her birthday party, she went down for a much needed nap. Sometime between the moment I closed the door to put her down and the time I went back in to get her, she got that awful bruise. Neither girl would fess up to the cause. I asked and all I got was, "A lion got Norah" (umm no but A+ for imagination). SO please also note that the bruise was nearly 4 weeks ago and is STILL on her face!!!! It will appear in the photo series in the future posts. Only noting this because it looks like dirt on her face! Though that's not out of character for Norah, I say it so people know she does get cleaned and isn't a perpetually dirty kid.)
Since my last post, we have had a busy month.
Starting with the girls birthdays...
Claire' 3rd birthday was her day to have it her way. Since she is all about pampering, she went to get her nails done. I normally take her to the nail salons around the corner, but since it was her special day, we spent it at the little girls salon Sweet and Sassy. Though her dad was a little concerned about the price (a mini mani was $35!), we caved for her special day. My original plan was for she and I to have a mommy and me date, but she really wanted to share the experience with her best friend Olivia (it's starting already...being with mom is not cool). I made two little appointments and those two had the best time. It honestly was hysterical to see them together...they were like to old pros. Claire chatted away about her man aka "my daddy." The tech laughed because every sentence started with, "So my daddy..." throughout her entire service. They got blue sparkly toes and green and purple sparkly fingers (alternating fingers on both). We followed their spa day with lunch (TKY at Potbelly for the b-day girl) and lastly a shopping trip at Carter's. I am so going to have to watch this girl because all the items she picked happened to be the only non-sale items. Champagne taste!
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| Talking about the main man in her life, her daddy |
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| "Wow!" |
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| Best friends!!! |
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| Officially 3 - blowing out the candle at 6:49 PM ... exact time of birth! |
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| LOVING the cake!!! |
On the heels of Claire's birthday came Norah's. Just like Claire, we gave Norah the options to choose her day. It's a litter trickier with her because she is still young. Though she says a lot, she really is a go with the flow kind of girl. She only demanded a few things - food, Sofia the first and cake. Can't really argue with that, right?
Mike and I really thought through and through about what to do with Norah. How could we make her day special to her? We gave her a shopping trip at the Disney store. See we can do this because she isn't like her sister in that she won't want everything in the store. She initially grabs items, but will just as quickly put it back and say, "I no want this." Easy enough. As predicted she went for her two favorite girls - Sofia and Minnie. She got a plush Sofia doll and a pair of Minnie sandals. Then she wanted "chicken nuggets" for lunch so we got the girls Chick-fil-A followed by a MUCH NEEDED bang trim (for both girls...Claire got lumped in that mix). We bought a cookie cake for Norah but since both girls were exhausted, we decided it was best to enjoy the cookie the following night.
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| Feasting on lunch...notice the bangs...EEK! |
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| Clutching her Sofia doll and sporting the new 'do...very chic birthday girl! |
(As a total aside, please note the heinous bruise on Norah's cheek. Immediately following her birthday party, she went down for a much needed nap. Sometime between the moment I closed the door to put her down and the time I went back in to get her, she got that awful bruise. Neither girl would fess up to the cause. I asked and all I got was, "A lion got Norah" (umm no but A+ for imagination). SO please also note that the bruise was nearly 4 weeks ago and is STILL on her face!!!! It will appear in the photo series in the future posts. Only noting this because it looks like dirt on her face! Though that's not out of character for Norah, I say it so people know she does get cleaned and isn't a perpetually dirty kid.)
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Happy Birthday Dear Norah
My dearest Norah,
Turning two is a sad day for mommy. You are growing up too quickly. As each day passes, I watch you blossom and grow into such the sweetest little spirit. Though you are arrival came quickly on the heels of your sister, your presence is truly unique and special, never outshone or overshadowed by your big sis. You are my baby, the littlest member of our brood. Though you are bigger than most two-year tots, I embrace and hold you as though you were still that precious little newborn placed in my arms. I still remember that thick head of hair, black as night, and your chubby little cheeks. You were perfect and the complete opposite of your sister. Still to this day, you are the ying to Claire's yang.
You amaze me. Your vocabulary alone blows me away - you can fully communicate with me1 And even scarier, I have become to used to it that I often treat you like my true equal and not my little baby. You have the brightest smile and the most perfect little giggle. You laugh with every ounce of your being and your eyes dance along too. You have the sweetest disposition. You can be crying and in a huge fit, yet in an instant turn to me and go, "Sowwy mommy."
You are my little ham and future American Idol. You always have a natural rhythm and even walk with a little swing to your step. You love to sing and "You Are My Sunshine" is your absolute favorite tune.
My heart swells with joy as you are the perfect exclamation point to our family. You have always been my snuggle bunny...but you truly are my source of joy. You always know when to give me a hug or a kiss, a word of kindness, or comfort me when I am upset. You make me laugh harder than I have ever laughed - your wit, your silly nature, your joyful voice and your cute little tone. I sound like a broken record but you have brought me so much joy and look forward to watching you grow and blossom as the years go on.
All my love,
Mommy
Turning two is a sad day for mommy. You are growing up too quickly. As each day passes, I watch you blossom and grow into such the sweetest little spirit. Though you are arrival came quickly on the heels of your sister, your presence is truly unique and special, never outshone or overshadowed by your big sis. You are my baby, the littlest member of our brood. Though you are bigger than most two-year tots, I embrace and hold you as though you were still that precious little newborn placed in my arms. I still remember that thick head of hair, black as night, and your chubby little cheeks. You were perfect and the complete opposite of your sister. Still to this day, you are the ying to Claire's yang.
You amaze me. Your vocabulary alone blows me away - you can fully communicate with me1 And even scarier, I have become to used to it that I often treat you like my true equal and not my little baby. You have the brightest smile and the most perfect little giggle. You laugh with every ounce of your being and your eyes dance along too. You have the sweetest disposition. You can be crying and in a huge fit, yet in an instant turn to me and go, "Sowwy mommy."
You are my little ham and future American Idol. You always have a natural rhythm and even walk with a little swing to your step. You love to sing and "You Are My Sunshine" is your absolute favorite tune.
My heart swells with joy as you are the perfect exclamation point to our family. You have always been my snuggle bunny...but you truly are my source of joy. You always know when to give me a hug or a kiss, a word of kindness, or comfort me when I am upset. You make me laugh harder than I have ever laughed - your wit, your silly nature, your joyful voice and your cute little tone. I sound like a broken record but you have brought me so much joy and look forward to watching you grow and blossom as the years go on.
All my love,
Mommy
Monday, April 1, 2013
A letter to my Claire as she turns 3
My dearest Claire,
It wasn't the easiest nine months preparing for your arrival and your delivery was equally stressful. As I laid there waiting for your first cry, I pleaded with God to just make you be ok. And as your screams filled the dimly lit room, I felt a wash of relief. You were here an you were safe. For that brief moment in time, it felt like time stood still and nothing could hurt you.
As you turn three, I am overwhelmed with so many emotions. My firstborn...my home you have grown. You are what your name means - bright! I take it in all forms too. You are smart beyond your years. You never miss a beat and have always been quick to figure out every baby proofing technique. You shine brightly in a crowd. Your smile lights up a room. Your laugh makes me and everyone else laugh. Your wit brings a smile to all. You tell such funny stories and tall tales (i must keep an eye on this). You're compassionate and caring. You have a sense of nature that makes me so proud. You take care of your sister. You always want to care for the little babies and look after your friends. If I am sad or you happen to see me cry, you ask why I am sad. Nurture is a fantastic trait and I am so glad you possess it. I hope that nothing causes that amazing ability to either as time goes on.
Though I had many a struggle with you during your toddler days, your DeeDee always told me that you would evolve into my greatest blessing. And within a short year, you have evolved from an unruly toddler (whom I still absolutely loved and adored beyond anything) into my best friend. I enjoy our quality time together. As Norah naps, I so cherish you helping me clean a room, share a sandwich or just sit and girl talk. You are growing so quickly before me eyes and I wish time would stop so I could keep you this size forever.
My heart sinks as I think our days of us being together nonstop are beginning to come to an end. You will begin preschool soon and then before I know it you will be in kindergarten. You have changed my life so much in such a short time and I am blessed that God prepared you for me and chose me to be your mother. You are a refreshing spirit. I love all of your little quirks and how you're wired: Your obsessed with fashion and how you need to change outfits by the hour. Your love of high heels and need to wear them everywhere. Your love of earrings and changing them out. Your myriad of baby dolls and how each gets your love and attention. Your mirroring of me with working out, watching you do lunges and squats and throw downs alongside me at boot camp. Your NEED for chocolate milk first thing in the morning. Your fixation with routine and repetition. Your odd questions (i.e. random strangers where their daddy is)...I could go on and on.
I want to shelter you from the world. You are still too young to really feel hurt or rejection. I don't want you to experience pain of that magnitude. I love seeing your smile and only want to wipe away tears from falling down and not being hurt by another's words. Even seeing girls leave you out now makes my heart break. But as your mother, I will be your beacon of strength. I will always be here to pick you up and make you see how beautiful and amazing you are. I promise to fill your bucket and never empty it. I will build you up and bring you back when you seem to have lost your way. I will make sure you always love and respect others, especially your family.
I love you more than my tongue can tell. Thank you for being you and for blessing my life beyond words.
Love,
Momma
It wasn't the easiest nine months preparing for your arrival and your delivery was equally stressful. As I laid there waiting for your first cry, I pleaded with God to just make you be ok. And as your screams filled the dimly lit room, I felt a wash of relief. You were here an you were safe. For that brief moment in time, it felt like time stood still and nothing could hurt you.
As you turn three, I am overwhelmed with so many emotions. My firstborn...my home you have grown. You are what your name means - bright! I take it in all forms too. You are smart beyond your years. You never miss a beat and have always been quick to figure out every baby proofing technique. You shine brightly in a crowd. Your smile lights up a room. Your laugh makes me and everyone else laugh. Your wit brings a smile to all. You tell such funny stories and tall tales (i must keep an eye on this). You're compassionate and caring. You have a sense of nature that makes me so proud. You take care of your sister. You always want to care for the little babies and look after your friends. If I am sad or you happen to see me cry, you ask why I am sad. Nurture is a fantastic trait and I am so glad you possess it. I hope that nothing causes that amazing ability to either as time goes on.
Though I had many a struggle with you during your toddler days, your DeeDee always told me that you would evolve into my greatest blessing. And within a short year, you have evolved from an unruly toddler (whom I still absolutely loved and adored beyond anything) into my best friend. I enjoy our quality time together. As Norah naps, I so cherish you helping me clean a room, share a sandwich or just sit and girl talk. You are growing so quickly before me eyes and I wish time would stop so I could keep you this size forever.
My heart sinks as I think our days of us being together nonstop are beginning to come to an end. You will begin preschool soon and then before I know it you will be in kindergarten. You have changed my life so much in such a short time and I am blessed that God prepared you for me and chose me to be your mother. You are a refreshing spirit. I love all of your little quirks and how you're wired: Your obsessed with fashion and how you need to change outfits by the hour. Your love of high heels and need to wear them everywhere. Your love of earrings and changing them out. Your myriad of baby dolls and how each gets your love and attention. Your mirroring of me with working out, watching you do lunges and squats and throw downs alongside me at boot camp. Your NEED for chocolate milk first thing in the morning. Your fixation with routine and repetition. Your odd questions (i.e. random strangers where their daddy is)...I could go on and on.
I want to shelter you from the world. You are still too young to really feel hurt or rejection. I don't want you to experience pain of that magnitude. I love seeing your smile and only want to wipe away tears from falling down and not being hurt by another's words. Even seeing girls leave you out now makes my heart break. But as your mother, I will be your beacon of strength. I will always be here to pick you up and make you see how beautiful and amazing you are. I promise to fill your bucket and never empty it. I will build you up and bring you back when you seem to have lost your way. I will make sure you always love and respect others, especially your family.
I love you more than my tongue can tell. Thank you for being you and for blessing my life beyond words.
Love,
Momma
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