Summer Daze

Apparently, I was REALLY tired from the Mini since I haven't posted for about three weeks! Haha! We've been busy enjoying the summer-like weather and soaking up every precious minute we have as a family. Sometimes, sitting down at my computer is the last thing on my mind and a little low on the priority list!

In other news, Andra has spoken her first PHRASE...as in more than one, stand-alone word. And it's a little amusing what that phrase was: "Hi Pudge!" She said it clear as a bell, and totally casual, as if she's been saying it her whole life--but I about fell out of my chair! I'm so proud of her! Although I wish it was maybe a "Hi Mommy" instead! It's still the only phrase in her repetoire, but I'm sure there will be more very soon!

Not much else is new, other than enjoying some summer rituals--planting flowers, blowing bubbles, slathering sunscreen. Andra has her first sprinkler, which she's a little uncertain about (see below). We had a family ice cream outing tonight, and I kicked myself for not having my camera with me. Andra gleefully smeared chocolate ice cream all over her face, and I was happy to let her do it. She devoured her entire cone and looked like such a big girl holding it and eating it on her own. It was one of those moments where I wanted to stop time and just admire our beautifully messy little girl!

Here she is on an evening stroll with her grandma and grandpa.

Mini Mara-thank God it's over

Well, another Mini's in the history books. It was long and hard...like usual! We lucked out on the weather. There was a chance of showers, but it actually ended up being nice and cool, with no rain! shew! Dave and I both had a good run. I actually felt great until Mile 11.

So here are some pictures from the day...it's basically a whole photo album. :)

My little bro, Jonathan, and his girlfriend who couldn't run because of a bum foot. I think Jonathan injured her intentionally because she always beats him.

Post-race and pooped.

My little bro (Uncle "J") benchpressing Andra.

Andra snuggling with my mom.

My father-in-law congratulating my dad on finishing his first Mini.

Two tired girls. I just ran 13.1 miles. What's Andra's excuse? :)

My dad, me, Dave and Jonathan. (Note Andra trying to climb Grandpa's leg)

Andra's so proud of her Grandpa!

Me and my "running coach."

On your mark. Get set. Wait 20 minutes to cross the start line.

After months of training and weekends of coordinating our long runs, the Mini is here! Hard to believe! Dave and I will both be running 13.1 tomorrow! I'm especially excited (and a little nervous) because this is my first year back after having Andra. I ran it twice pre-baby, but I feel even more accomplished now that I managed to train AND be a mommy. Being the understanding husband that he is, Dave let me use Andra's nap time as my training time. I hate leaving her to go spend time on a treadmill, so I insisted I would only train if he let me do it during her nap time. And he did. :)

So we'll be off at 7:33am tomorrow morning. My goal is to simply run it. I really don't care about my finish time. Dave's more serious, and will finish WAAAYYYY before me. This year's Mini is also special to me because my dad is doing the Mini for the first time ever at the ripe young age of 62. Having been a Hoosier and an athlete his entire life, I'm glad he finally found the time to walk his first Mini. And it's a little frightening how close his walking pace is to my running pace! Yikes! So I guess that's my second goal for tomorrow...to beat my 62 year old dad.

My little bro is also running the Mini for the second time this year. His girlfriend and "trainer," Rachel, recently sprained her foot, so she won't be able to run with him and force him to keep going. He could be in trouble. :)