Mile 6 and snow

I expected challenges with this whole running outside in winter idea.  I expected cold and some snow.
But I didn't expect dangerously cold and ridiculous snow and ice - the past few winters haven't been bad in terms of temperature and accumulation.

It is only natural that the first time I decide to do anything outside in the winter voluntarily the weather would be horrendous.

I had to put off my 6 mile run by almost a week and I still haven't gotten in the 7 miles from this past weekend yet because of the weather and you know, a certain ONE YEAR OLD CELEBRATION!

I digress -

Six miles last week was actually very enjoyable and pretty. I had taken off work so that we could do some party prep, so I ran during A's nap (I love running in the morning the most).  I actually had on one too many layers and had to gladly ditch my ear warmers after just two miles - it was a nice day for a run.  There was some snow and slush along the way but I just slowed down a little and didn't fall!

I ran fast (for me) on purpose because I need to be pushing myself.  I already knew that I could run the distance so that was nice - I ended up beating my last 6 mile time by more than 40 seconds/mile and to me, that is awesome.  I am hoovering around an 11:30 min/mile right now.  If I can that closer to 11 min/mile by race day, I will be THRILLED and if not I really don't care.

The only issue I had was some jerk trying to literally run me off the road when I was almost home.  I was seriously SO ANGRY.  And now I am a little more motivated to find somewhere to do long distances that doesn't involve oncoming traffic.

We had another huge snow storm this week so I hope that doesn't screw up my plans for the weekend.   I have been doing my shorter runs at the gym and each time I dislike the treadmill more and more - I don't ever feel like I can find my stride and it is just torture getting in those 3 or 4 miles.  Necessary torture though, I guess.

Now that I am running longer though I need some advice.  I never have water while I run - I drink some before and chug a ton after - is this something I should get used to carrying with me as my distance increases?  What about all of those energy things I hear about (Gu or something?) - how necessary is that? So far I am still feeling good during and after my runs but I realize I have only run about 1/2 the distance so far.  If you have any tips, I'll gladly take them.  And your favorite running songs - I'll take those too as I revamp my playlist.

More snow, more imagination

We had a(nother) big snow/ice storm last night. So I am lucky enough to spend my day working for these beauties.

We were serenaded by Queen Elsa. 

Then everyone was styled by Gianna. 

 (She's always moving these days!) 

Who turned into Periwinkle the snow fairy. 

Who then watched a Snow White movie and turned into Queen Fabric. 

All while the wee one (who the Queen insisted was her servant) read books and played with toys. 

It's never a dull moment. 

And somehow I managed to actually get work completed today while I lived out several Disney movies!

A letter to my {second} daughter: The First Year

Miss Aleesia  -

My little peanut, you have been here for 365 days.  A year ago I was happily in labor (no, really) and so excited to meet you.  I think about that experience with such fond memories, it was an amazing day.

[photo credit: bella rose photography]

Since 8:28pm on February 1, 2013, you have been filling our house with your smiles, snuggles and funny personality.  You love snuggles, and I can’t complain about that one bit – it’s a little bit of calm in an otherwise crazy life!

There were so many days that felt long and hard – you continue keep us on our toes always.  We worked through your reflux, your kidney reflux, breastfeeding struggles, all of it together.  It wasn’t easy and sometimes scary, but we have worked through each challenge as it came our way.  You’re a strong girl – probably even stronger than either of us can imagine.

Sometimes the days feel so long, but time flies.  I was nervous about how life would change with you here – but for no reason.  You fit right in as if you have been here for so much longer than a year.  I never knew just how much I could love another child until I saw you for the first time – it was just instant love. 

But more than that, I never could have imagined the love that your sister would show you.  Watching the two of you grow together is what gets me through each day.  Your face lights up each time you hear each Gianna’s voice and it amazes me each time.

You are an amazing ONE YEAR OLD!

It’s been a busy busy first year for you – you celebrated Gianna’s birthday, had your first (hopefully only, fingers crossed) hospital visit, celebrated Aunt Krissy & Uncle Jimmy’s wedding, celebrated lots of important people’s birthdays, went to the beach, slept through Washington DC, celebrated every holiday and learned so many new things.

You love to push things around the house – anything that moves, you will push it.  Your favorite thing to play with is Gianna’s anywhere chair and to climb on and off of her bed! Although you enjoy dancing (so hilarious!), clapping, waving, playing with your little people, and doing anything Gianna is doing. You walk when you feel like it but crawling is still faster.  You love to eat and to be outside.  You don’t always love to sleep at night, but you do always love to snuggle.

You can say a a lot of words when you feel like it, but you regularly say hi, dadda, bye, this, more, sissy, mama, dog, cat.  But the most hilarious thing you do right now is say “tickle tickle tickle” and try to tickle daddy.  I’ll never tire of your giggles – they are pretty awesome.  You have at least 8 teeth (and aren’t great at teething, but that’s okay) with a few more on the way in.

Aleesia, you may be the second little girl in our family but you hold such a special place in our hearts with those big blue eyes and your huge smile.  I couldn’t have imagined loving you anymore than I do right now and I can’t imagine what life has in store for you.  My wish for you is that you always feel special, empowered, and that you always have that sparkle in those blue eyes and smile on your face.

I was laying with you and Gianna after your nap and a song I had never heard before came on – the lyrics of that song brought tears to my eyes.  Something  you have taught me is to always have faith, to always let that light shine bright, and to trust in Him.  I hope that I can teach you to walk in that same path – to make the  most of every chance and to look at each day with the same sense of wonder that you do today.

I can’t wait to see what joy the next year brings!

I love you, my little peanut. 

Mommy