Congratulations to my man!!!

 It started about nine months ago (hmmmmm) and today came to fruition - my hubby running the Chicago Marathon!!!!!!

Let me start at the beginning - we (as in my hubby and I) pledged to run the marathon TOGETHER as a part of our Church's pledge to support World Vision. 

When it came time to sign up - I was feeling "under the weather" and maybe just maybe thought (hoped) I might be (was) pregnant.  Needless to say - my hubby signed up and I did not (unbeknownst to him - the real reason why I did not).

Norm trained, was encouraged by us and our prayers for an injury free running season, and raised money (many of you supported him - and thank you!)

Today - we as a family - were there to see him through to the finish line!  And when I mean "we" I mean Rowan, Natalie and Kiwi (less than two weeks old mind you - meaning I was less than two weeks post partum.  A miracle in and of itself). 

We waited at various pit stops on the 26.2 mile course - with his favorite at Clark street - to cheer him on with signs, high fives and a hug from me/kiss from Kiwi.




Watching our man progress through the race was so much fun (and tiring)!  We were not alone (crowded it was with other family and friends rooting others along)!

The smile on our face had us pushing on to the next pit stop and eventually to the finish line!

Girls Solo Trip - out and about

The girls have been bugging me to take their lil brother out for a walk.  We got the stroller out (here is my caveat - I do not believe in strollers.  I actually hate them.  The baby is so much happier near you, being held by you, hearing your heart beat and smelling you.  Flame away) that was generously given to us by a dear friend. 

It's an Uppa stroller - the cadillac of strollers as I understand.  To me it looks like a Pram - and somehow a Pram is much better than a stroller. 

I had nursed him asleep and he was bundled up and set.  The girls wanted to walk around the block, as if they were "Babysitting" with mama out of the picture. 

I took a deep breath, instructed them to stay on the sidewalk, no crossing streets, no crazy speeds and avoidance of bumps.

I also made the swear they would get along AND carry their cell phones. 

I wish I could say my girls got along, apparently there was a power struggle on who would push and who would wave.....

But in the end - they had a blast wheeling Kiwi around in the Pram and gave mom a few minutes of silence.

Oddly - I felt out of place without my lil man.  Upon their return, despite the fact he was still snoozing, I scooped him up to snuggle with till he woke for his next feeding.

Life does not get better than this........