Five on Friday {Missed 5k Edition}

Yesterday was supposed to be the big day.  I was going to compete participate in my first 5k, an Esprit de She race in Cary, NC.  When I first started contemplating the Couch to 5k program, I really wanted to pick a race far enough away {time-wise} that I could run the whole thing.  I signed up for Esprit de She soon after I started C25K, though, and knew I would not be running the whole thing.  I was doing lots of praying that I wouldn't be the only walker and was thrilled when I found bloggers in other cities complaining of getting caught behind walkers.

Life has a way of happening, and Ned came down very abruptly with a fever Tuesday night.  He was out of bed for maybe an hour and a half Wednesday, and most of that was spent at the doctor.  The diagnosis was a virus but they did blood work.  When Wednesday night rolled around and his fever was back at 102 I knew I'd be staying home.

Of course I was bummed, but in trying hard to be positive these days, missing the race afforded me several other opportunities.

ONE - Since Ned was feeling better yesterday, I got out during the afternoon and did most of the grocery shopping for next week.  That kept me from doing it during our very busy weekend and allowed me to miss the dreaded first of the month shopping experience.

TWO - I was home to read Sam Goodnight Moon and put him to bed.  We have several nights out as a family coming up plus a couple of nights out for me, so calm bedtimes at home are always loved.

THREE - When a storm rolled through, I was able to cuddle in bed with Avery {for the 2nd night in a row}.  Luckily the storms have been before I've gone to sleep, but last night being night 2 really caused some problems.  Being nervous about thunder coupled with a long afternoon nap allowed Avery to stay away in her bed until almost 10:30 p.m.  Avery goes to bed at 7:30.  She wandered out of her bed a few times, went to the bathroom, and around 10  decided to brush her teeth.  We finally closed her door around 10:30, so really she could have been up until midnight.

FOUR - I was still able to go out after the kids went to bed and do my jogging/walking.  That allowed me to wear the new clothes I had bought for the race.  I'm loving my new shirt and much prefer my Moving Comfort bra to the Old Navy one I picked up Monday that keeps resulting in a crooked chest.

FIVE - Missing the 5k last night made me miss a really hot and really humid race that probably would not have been a good first 5k experience.  Even my friend Anna, who went and ran the 10k, said she was kind of glad it hadn't been my first race.

So, as sad as I was to miss, I completely believe everything happens for a reason.  They'll always be more races but there are never enough moments with your family.

I'm linking up with Five on Friday again today.  Welcome if you're stopping by, and please say hi!

Week in Review ~ 6/23

We had a good first week at home for summer vacation, but since I'm behind I'm just going to hit the high points.

Sunday was Father's Day.  Ned finished his last day of the Member-Guest golf tournament and played first thing in the morning.  The kids and I got groceries after Sam napped.  Once Ned got home we had a nice afternoon and dinner at home.

Monday was a much needed me day, and the kids went to Jennifer's.  Time alone in the house is my number one wish ever, and I don't think I had had any real amounts since December.  I dropped dinner off at my parents' before picking the kids up.

In the middle of the week I debated taking Sam's nap away, but he ended up acting like he really needed it.

Thursday morning I took the kids to the library.  I had Sam in the stroller and Avery was just fine, but I decided browsing the library may not be my cup of tea.  There were lots of kids books but you can't see what they are on the shelf.  I Googled a few authors and got some, but once we read through our favorites that I can find, I'm not sure what we'll do.  Avery kept asking what she could do and really wanted the "loopy loop" {hula hoop} in the summer display.  When Sam got up from his afternoon nap, he had dark circles under his eyes.  He was running fever but seemed fine, so I prayed it was just teeth.

Sam ran fever again Friday afternoon, but again had no other symptoms and seemed fine.  We kept our plans to meet the Millers at the Mexican restaurant, then we had dessert at their house.  Avery completely lost it when the Millers' dog tried to hop around and lick her.  She was used to being around Dixie but not in his puppy stage.  I was completely shocked at her meltdown.  Other than that, it was such a fun evening that we stayed until almost 8 p.m.  Sam still had a little fever and was running on very little afternoon nap but did so good.

Saturday was a usual day with groceries, errands, and some golf for Ned.  We met my parents at Cracker Barrel and celebrated my mom's first meal in a restaurant in about 6 months.  The weather was rainy and gross but they managed to get in and keep her dry.  They gave Avery a hula hoop before they left, and she only took out a few people on the porch of Cracker Barrel.

We are half way through another crazy week around here!

Five on Friday

As I'm always good for a list of randoms, I've wanted to do Five on Friday for awhile.  And now that school's OUT for summer, my brain and body are nearly working in harmony again.

ONE - I purchased a little treat for myself recently and it came this week.  The hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness took on new meaning during my bed rest adventure and has of course been hummed a lot during the last few months.  I have been searching for a way to display my favorite part of the song, and finally stumbled across something on Etsy that I thought could work.  The seller was willing to customize, and now I have a constant uplifter in my kitchen.

TWO - I'm a little behind in summer shoes for the kids, and since I discovered this week that I'm crippling their little toes in shoes that are too small, I decided to remedy the problem.  Avery and Sam both have their first pairs of Sun San Sandals arriving soon.  I'm going to be honest - open-toe dressy sandals on boys were kind of a shock to me.  I saw them on a blog a year or two ago and really thought the crazy mama {none of my blog friends} had just put her daughter's old sandals on her son.  The look has grown on me, although there are still some colors I can't take on a boy.  Avery has always worn closed-toed sandals because I thought open-toe was too grown looking.  She has outgrown my favorite Stride Rite version, so she's trying a new pair too.  My prediction?  Both pair will be the wrong size since I was playing foot measurer and we'll get to play the return game, one of my favorites.

THREE - Avery is doing a week of half-day camp at the Y to get ready for pre-school.  She's going 4th of July week since I knew she would love the holiday-themed activities, and because it's a 4-day week. I'm crying over it already.  It's not so much the camp thing; I think it's what it all leads to...pre-school, growing up {see above}, and saying good-bye to our almost 4 year ritual of traveling to Jen-Jen's together every day.  I'm praying and doing lots of pep talks so that I'll be the only one in tears.

FOUR - We are in planning mode in the Lankford house now that school has ended and I have some brain cells and energy back.  The almost pre-schooler mentioned above turns FOUR at the end of July, and we're very excited about our ice cream birthday party.  I picked this theme out awhile ago and was thrilled to sell Avery to it.  Outfits are done, invitations are ordered, cupcakes from my awesome friend Anna only need to be finalized, and I know what I need to do for everything else.  My ability to pick the theme probably runs out this year.  Luckily I still have Sam {and a theme for his March birthday}.  Today also marks the beginning of our Disney planning.  I had once wanted to plan it on my own just to say that I had, but there are people who specialize in this and why would I steal their thunder?  We are approaching our 6-month booking dates for meal reservations so I'm excited to get started.

FIVE - Crazy days at the end of school plus hot and sweaty nights trying to become a runner have caused me to learn to love a relaxing bath.  I've always loved the idea of a bath and made sure to include a nice, big tub when we built, but I think I just couldn't get over the idea of sitting in my own dirty water.  My mind has changed, and I can finally say that I've used the tub more than Avery.

Thanks for taking the time to read my crazy ramble of thoughts.  Happy Friday!

This Was the Nap

This was the morning nap that I was supposed to take away today.

But when you wake not just with the roosters, but before them at 5 a.m., you are the model morning nap taker, falling asleep promptly at 9 a.m. That hasn't happened in awhile. Nap plan thwarted.

Sam's afternoon naps on the weekend have been a little off since May, including a few days that he had no afternoon nap, only "rest" time in his bed. Most days at home he just took a long time to fall asleep. It was mainly weekends since during the week we're out of the house earlier. Shortening the morning nap helped but he doesn't like to be woken up.

Then he started taking longer to fall asleep for his morning nap, probably because we passed that particular teeth bump and he was sleeping until 6-6:30 a.m. He doesn't get out of bed until 6:30 but those early times helped the morning nap. So then we had 2 naps starting later, which lately has been causing him to still be awake in his bed at 7:30 p.m. or after. Then we have an early morning the next morning. So needless to say we're off schedule which is not my favorite, and he had some limited afternoon nap days for the sitter.

I was prepared to observe this week then make a change next week if needed, but his naps were so late starting yesterday that I thought I'd bite the bullet today. But that early wake time threw us off, and other than taking awhile to fall asleep this afternoon, today has been pretty normal. So I don't have any idea now.

Moms on Call says the morning nap goes between 12-15 months when you've had two bad weeks of naps. They say pick a new afternoon nap time and keep the baby awake until then. This worked pretty well for Avery but she was 17 months old. Other advice will tell you to gradually move the morning nap back. Although I'm much better than my early days with Avery, nothing shakes my confidence worse than changing my children's schedules. I think a nap from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or so could just really throw us all off. But that may be what happens. I know kids in daycare usually have the nap taken when they move from the infant to toddler room, so we've been lucky that both kids could do it on their time. It's definitely my time and my schedule causing the issues now. If we're dropping it, I want it done now so that we're happily re-scheduled before vacation. And if I'm being really picky I'd like it straight by the week of the 4th. So time's a tickin.'

Now that I've typed it all out, my sweet buddy will probably take a morning nap until he's 20 months old, and that will be just fine. And we won't even talk about the almost 4-year-old that just called me to her room at nearly 9 p.m. and only wanted to talk about what I'd been eating. Her good nap days and Ned on the lawnmower outside are the apparent culprits there. One day I'll wonder what I was doing for my first week of summer vacation 2013 and look back and wish my biggest issues were sleep schedules.

Week in Review ~ 6/15

It was a busy week with school ending, a well-check, and golf.

Sunday was a regular day with church, and after the kids napped we went to see my parents.  We came home for a late dinner and then it was time for bed.

Sam had his well-check on Monday.  I was completely shocked at his height and weight.  I was also shocked at his need for 3 shots.  Somehow I thought 15 months was shot-free.  Other than the tears during shots, he had good appointment.  We had an early dinner at Dairy Queen before coming home.  I had not been feeling well all day and was asleep on the couch a little after 8 p.m.

The middle of the week was full of school ending things.  The kids got out Wednesday at 1 p.m. and we had work days.  I got my paperwork done early and spent a lot of time cleaning out and throwing away.  Since I do not yet know what I may be teaching next year, the possibility of moving rooms had me wanting to get rid of as much as possible.

I finished up at school early Friday and came home for a little while.  I went back and got the kids, and after dinner Mimi came to keep them.  Ned played in the Member Guest golf tournament this weekend, and we went to dinner for that with our guests Lucas and Kristin.  We were home early which was fine since Ned and I had not felt well all week.  We definitely had some kind of bug with the only symptoms being feeling terrible and tired.

Time out feet

Ned played golf early Saturday morning and the kids and I stayed home.  We enjoyed the nice weather in the morning by playing with the water table.  After naps and Ned getting home, we went to dinner at my parents' house.  They were supposed to come here and go to Cracker Barrel, but my mom wasn't feeling well.  We had a fun time and got home after the kids' bedtimes.

After they were in bed, I started week 3 of C25K...on a Saturday night....at 8 p.m.  That was impressive in my opinion, and then I was able to jog the 3 minutes.  Three minutes doesn't sound like much but I was convinced I wouldn't do it.  I've been back at it a week, but because of being sick Monday I've had 2 days off in between every time.  I'm completely pain-free and praying that I stay that way.

If All Else Fails

Two weeks from tonight I'll be participating in the Esprit de She 5K.  I've mentioned that my Couch to 5K plan has gotten off to a slow start, but with arch taping and strengthening exercises I hope I'm back on track.  I'll obviously be doing a lot of walking, but if all else fails....


I'll Prancercise! 

Minus the pants.  Lordy.

One friend will be doing the 10K and one will zoom past me on the 5, so I'll be embarrassing no one but myself if I opt for some prancing.  I'd say it's definitely one way to ensure a sweat-free appearance at the post-race rendezvous.  I'm packing my pearls just in case!

Week in Review ~ 6/8

I have no idea what we did this week, so it must not have been much.

Avery and I went to Sunday School Sunday then Ned and Sam joined us.  After lunch and naps we went to my parents' house for dinner.  Things were much, much easier with Ned there.  We took the delicious cupcakes that the Millers had left at our house the night before, and everyone enjoyed them.

I'm sure we had many important things going on Monday, but the only thing that I can remember is that I went to eat the last yummy red velvet cupcake, and it somehow leaped off my plate and onto the floor.  It was a sad, sad event.

We got a water table for the kids this week, and I'm kicking myself that we haven't had one of these forever.  Fairly cheap and easy entertainment that kept both kids busy and happy.  That's an A+ in my book.  Sam loves the water and completely soaked himself.

This buddy has started wanting lots of cuddles and rocking time, and I'm happy to oblige.  It may mean that I'm a little later leaving in the morning or a bit behind cooking supper, but when my busy boy wants to sit I'm determined not to be busy.

Friday we had the remnants of Andrea passing through.  By 7:15 a.m. water was already across the roads in places on the way to Jennifer's.   I was sure we would go home early, but no luck.  It rained hard on our drive home, and I have never been more thankful for a garage after getting drenched that morning.  Our yard was soaked, and the ducks had several different locations to float around in.  Ned brought home dinner so that we didn't have to go back out.

Ned was home Saturday so I got to sleep in a little.  The bottom fell out again as I was getting ready to go to the store, so I watched Sam practice new tricks.  Oh boy.

I went to the store right after lunch, and both kids were in their bed when I got home.  Avery never napped and sounded like she was kicking her foot board off.  When everyone was up we headed to out for errands and dinner.  Ned has been complaining about his pillow so he scored a deal at Belk.  He let me try it when we got home and yelled because I tried it in the contorted position I put my pillow in.  He quickly took his back and said I could just keep sleeping on my cotton ball.  My pillow is a bit old, flat, and perfect.  Also at Belk we located the perfect "hipporade" outfit for Avery for 4th of July.

Dinner was Chick-Fil-A and dessert was Sweet Frog.  If you were wondering, both children are fans.

We came home and got everyone to bed, then I started up C25K again.  I was pleased that I was able to pick right back up where I left off and felt good.  My knees have been better, but I'd been having crazy hip pain for two days {not a new issue}, so we'll see how it all goes.

I'm doing that happy dance now as I prepare for my last week of school!

15 Months

Dear Sam,

Today is June 7th, and you are 15 months old!  Fifteen months does not sound babyish enough and instead sounds far too grown.  You can slow down this rapid growing at any time.

At your check-up you weighed 25 pounds 9 ounces and were 32.5 inches long!  You are in the 85th percentile for weight and the 90th for height.  That's 4.5 pounds and two inches more than your sister at that age.  I just told Daddy tonight that you looked like a two-year-old as he was holding you.  You can squeeze into a few 12 month short sets but everything else is 18 months.  You wear a size 4 diaper and a 4-4.5 shoe, but upon further inspection you may need more of a 5.5 shoe.  Oops.

Your eating habits remain basically the same with 3 meals, 1 snack, and a cup of milk first thing in the morning and just before bed.  You would drink milk all day long, so I'm getting used to buying milk by the gallon.  When you're cut off from milk you drink water.  For breakfast you still like pancakes, waffles or oatmeal.  You do not care for eggs.  Aside from carbs, fruit is your best food.  I'm a little more lenient with your food, so you have already tried and fallen in love with grapes and blueberries.  You will now eat deli meat pretty well and a chicken and star pasta Gerber meal, so we finally have a few easy items if we're eating something you can't.  You generally get what we're having, often don't eat it, and fall back on whatever fruit or yogurt we provide.  You are certainly growing so you're getting something from somewhere.  Veggies must be breaded, pureed in expensive fruit and veggie pouches, or hidden in pasta or casseroles.

Your sleep habits have been the same for months, but I'm thinking a change is coming.  Your morning nap continues to be very good and 1.5-2 hours long if we don't wake you.  Your afternoon naps can be touch and go if you sleep very long in the morning.  You'll take a long time to fall asleep, and a few times you've skipped the nap altogether.  My guess is that you'll drop it soon, or I'll take it.  You go to bed at 7 p.m. and wake between 6-6:30 a.m.  Some mornings are earlier, but you're getting better.  We don't start our day until 6:30.  You still sleep in a SleepSack and love Duckie and your sound.

You've added some steps to the mix this month and have taken about 6 at a time.  You still prefer your rapid crawling, but you're taking more steps and using the push toys a ton.  You do not mind crawling all around in the mulch in the play area, but you do not like to be in grass.  I know the walking and running are on the way, and I'm eager to see what you'll be able to do when we go to the beach.  No matter how you do it, you like to move and explore.  If you're off to explore something good, a constant noise is coming out of your mouth, and if you are on hard floors there's the steady slap of your hands.  You won't sneak up on anyone anytime soon.  You still just love to play with a variety of toys and move from one thing to another.  Some favorites are the house phone, balls, the play kitchen, my bath tub faucets, and the outside playhouse, water table, tiny slide, and swing.  Your favorite books are anything peekaboo like Karen Katz, and you love the book Tons of Trucks.  "The Hot Dog Dance" is still your best song and causes you to dance dance every time.

Talking is fun and new, but with an extremely chatty sister it's hard to get any words in.  You say {in a way that may be only understandable to me} thank you, bye-bye, uh-oh, cheese, I see you, hello, eat eat, shoe (shh), Doodie (D), Daddy, and Mama (but not quite to call me).  You talk a ton in your own language and are good expressing your desires when words can't be found.  You point, grunt, reach, fuss, and move my hand to what you want me to do.

I'm not sure if it's the boy, the 2nd child, or just your personality, but you are picking up things so quickly and getting into things just as fast.  We've already fished magnets out of the trash can and dog food out of your mouth.  You try to put the lens cap on my camera and want to write with anything pointy.  Avery just realized that she should try to opened closed doors and still has trouble with the knobs.  You are already jiggling them.  You think you are a pro and punching in the combination for the alarm and putting the garage doors up and down.  You don't mind being held, unless you want to get down, and you are wanting to rock and cuddle more and more

Sam, I could never explain the joy you bring into our lives.  From your infectious giggle to your smiley eyes, you light up our world each day.  My heart is so happy when you play and laugh with your sister, and my heart stops when you lay your head on my shoulder.  I could rub your head and kiss your cheeks all day long, and sometimes I do.  God knew we would need an extra dose of love, laughter, and magic this year, and he sent it in perfect form in you.  We thank Him for you each day and give thanks that we have been entrusted with you.

We love you to bits and pieces!
Mommy and Daddy

Week in Review ~ 6/1

I need to start blogging more during the week, because our weekends are just too fun to get anything done.

We had a great day Sunday.  Ned and Avery went to Sunday School, then Sam and I joined them so that I could keep the nursery.  We were celebrating Pentecost a week late because our preacher had been out of town, and the sanctuary was decorated with birthday balloons.  We had a birthday lunch after church, and everyone was supposed to sit at their birthday month table.  We joked about dumping the kids off at their table, but we all ended up at March because it was out of the way.  After naps we had a great time playing outside.

Sam is obviously not bothered by the mulch, and I'm happy for him to have one more thing to do outside.  Ned grilled burgers for dinner while we played.

We were all off on Monday for Memorial Day.  Ned went fishing  so the kids and I hung out at home.  Everyone seemed a little off after our great day Sunday, but it was still so nice to be home.

The rest of the week went by pretty quickly since it was a 4-day week.  I took Avery to get a hair cut on Wednesday.  She wanted the girl who cuts mine to do it, but a 30 minute drive for a 30 second trim is a little much.  We tried someone different here in town and were tear-free.  No one wanted leftovers so we went to FoSho for pizza.  The pizza chef presented the kids with LONG balloons usually used for making animals, etc., which added entertainment and excitement to the dinner.  Pizza, fries, balloons, and other kids made it a great meal out for Sam.

Friday night I was feeling pretty pooped and just wanted to stay home.  Ned brought home Cracker Barrel and we had a good meal.

Ned fished again Saturday morning with Lucas.  During Sam's nap, Kristin came and checked out my feet and knees.  She determined that I don't have completely flat feet, but what arch I do have collapses when I walk, stand, etc.  She gave me some arch-strengthening exercises, and I'm doing those along with leg/knee-strengthening exercises from Courtney and Pinterest.  New shoes may be on the horizon, and she did say that I may end up being one that needs to stick to something like the elliptical.  I'm not ready to give up yet, but now that my knees are almost pain-free, I'm also nervous to start again.

After Kristin and Emerson left, Mimi came so I could go to Walmart.  That's not a store I choose to do with 2 kids.  Ned got home at lunchtime and we started getting ready for the Millers to come to dinner.  Having people over, or at least having the Millers over, is getting so easy that we had plenty of time for play before they arrived.

We had a fun night with the Millers complete with grilled pork chops, ranch potatoes, grilled corn, and Anna's red velvet cupcakes to celebrate Caleb's birthday.  Avery started sobbing when Ned said it was too hot to go outside before dinner.  She then had several more random crying spells.  Tangled helped her get it together so that she and Camden could have fun playing.  Luckily Sam is still happy to do his own thing instead of getting in the middle of what the girls are trying to do.  I know those days are numbered, but I'm not sure if Avery knows that.  We watched the dance recital DVD then enjoyed the nice weather outside before it was time for bed.