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!

Pregnant woman in the mosh pit!

Tonight I relived my childhood and baptized my baby (in utero no less) to my most favorite Band and Artist. 

I was 14 years old when I was in my first mosh pit at a U2 concert in Florida.  It was an incredible experience!

I am happy to say - tonight topped that experience.


U2's 360 tour returned to Chicago and my good friend Melinda, and her twin boys, (who attend North Park) stood outside (okay maybe we sat) Soldier Field in the hot sun (okay maybe prego here sat in the shade) in order to gain general access and PIT location.

We - (so smart we were) - ordered Jimmy Johns while standing (sitting) in the line for general admission.  

We succeeded and my lil guy (or girl) was totally immersed in U2 goodness. 

 It was hot!

It was crowded!

The concert did not start until 2030!!

I stood 80% of that time!!!!

But it was so worth it to see this!!!

To be this close, to take these pictures (mostly with my iphone) and to immerse my pregnant self in this was just the best.

Enjoying this with my friend and her sons - Priceless!!!

We were on the side of Edge - (priceless) with a clear shot of Larry Mullins

 

 Adam - such a great performer.....

I never noted this in any of the other concerts I have attended (and I have gone to every one of U2's tours - (EVEN POP MART)

Their music has evolved and matured much as the band members have.  I have enjoyed the journey as many other fans have, and so glad I was able to attend this concert (in which I purchased tickets for two years earlier but d/t an accident by Bono - a delay of two years made us wait.  I had no idea I would be prego at the time - believe me NO IDEA).

All in all - this event is one for the baby book (pre-birth) and one for my blog.