Princess Half Marathon 2013

As many of you other Momma's know, trying to get anything done with a baby/toddler is not easy. I learned this to be especially true if you are trying to make a training schedule to run a half marathon.

The last time I ran this race (three years ago, pre-baby) I was able to make a strict running schedule and stick to it. I ran every single day, ate right, and felt great during and after each run. This time around, I had to work around Sadie's schedule and was certainly not able to run every single day like I planned. I also had to make my long runs on days that she was in the mood for a long stroller ride instead of the days that fit nicely into my schedule. And then there was that week (only a couple of weeks before the race) that Sadie got her first real sickness and didn't sleep (day or night) or eat and couldn't go for a run in the stroller.

Even with it's challenges, training with Sadie was so much fun. We would listen to music and she would sing to me or point out the squirrels and the trees. She would reach up for me to hold her hand or give her a high five (which I was never able to resist, no matter how exhausted I was). So although I wasn't quite as confident going in as I would have liked to be, I wouldn't have changed the process one bit. Now let's get on to the good stuff, race weekend! Be prepared for photo overload!

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Since my husband is awesome, he wanted to make things easier on all of us and make the weekend special so he booked us a hotel room at Disney's All-Star Resort. My in-laws came up for the weekend and stayed at the same hotel. I know I have said it before, but I love my in-laws! It was so sweet of them to come up for the race and clearly Sadie was thrilled to have them there :)

After checking into the hotel, we went to the Expo to pick up our race packets. We ended up getting there later than expected, which meant no lines, no waiting, and the chance to meet a princess!

Sadie was mesmerized by Ariel. She told me she was going to hug her but she decided to just stare instead ;)

She wouldn't take her eyes off of her and Ariel was very sweet with Sadie.

After the expo we had dinner at the hotel and Kev couldn't resist buying Sadie a bathing suit (which he got a little too small) so she could play in the kiddie pool. It was well worth the overpriced tag because she absolutely loved it! The pool was just the right depth for her and it wore her out so much that she slept through the night for the very first time that night! I told Kev we could move in there if he wanted to.

The next morning (very early next morning) my running buddy, Jamie, met me at the hotel so we could take the bus over to Epcot at 3:30am. When we got there we had time for one more princess encounter before our race began. The sparkly tutu and big red bow was my attempt to look like Miss Snow White while still being able to run all 13.1 miles. We're totally twins right?

And here we go!

I finished my 13.1 miles after running for 2 hours and 38 minutes, just barely beating my 2 hour 45 minute time from three years ago. It was certainly hotter than the last time I ran it which was horrible but could have been worse. And I didn't feel nearly as good afterward. Don't let the smile fool you, I was fighting back some serious nausea and ignoring many cramped limbs for this photo.

I was so happy to see my Prince and little Princess after the race. My sweet father-in-law had a mickey rose for me and they all had such supportive words and hugs. 

Even though, two days later, I still feel a bit like death it was totally worth it. I see more races in my future. Perhaps I am even crazy enough for a full marathon? We will see ;)

Our week in photos

Sadie and I drove out to see my brothers track meet at the beginning of the week. Even looking at this picture it is hard to believe how grown up my little brother is. I am so proud of the person he is and is becoming.

Wednesday night Kev and I had a spontaneous date night to see Wicked!

I had been wanting to see it for years so when Kev saw a good deal on tickets he immediately asked if I could find someone to watch Sadie. Luckily my mom was willing to make it a late night and hang out with Sadie while we went. I absolutely loved it!

Sadie discovered her love of stickers. I was a little obsessed with them as a kid too so I totally get it! 

Saturday we started the events for the Princess Half Marathon and very early Sunday morning I ran 13.1 miles! But more on that later.

After the half marathon I went to celebrate my best friend and her baby girl Bailey. Her baby shower was beautiful and I cannot wait to meet baby Bailey.

I made Bailey a couple of dresses as part of my shower gift. Jessica is a huge Gator fan (hence the orange and blue dress). 

After the extremely exhausting weekend I had, I am ready for a nice quiet week! Hopefully Sadie wants the same :)

Our Week in Photos

Sadie and I started the week off with a park playdate with friends.  

And of course there was Valentines Day! I set up a little "party" for Sadie and I (sorry about the grainy cell phone picture). This was by far my most favorite Valentines Day ever. We started with our weekly trip to the library to check out some books and join in on story time, followed by lunch at Chickfila and then a trip to Publix. Such a simple day but it was filled with so much love and excitement from my little Valentine.

At Publix eating her special free valentine cookie. They also gave her a red balloon. I'm pretty sure Publix is her most favorite place. (Also, I made her dress! Can't wait to share more of the dresses I have made soon!)

Speaking of crafts, this week I finished up a sweet little birthday crown for Sadie's BFF who turns one next month.

Saturday I had some Mommy time with my bestie which included Starbucks, Target, and the mall. It was lovely. The picture above is from our family trip to Costco later that day.  

Sunday afternoon I went for my last long run before my half marathon. TEN MILES! I thought it was going to kill me but it was awesome! I felt so great during and even better afterward. There is something so rewarding about reaching a goal (especially when you weren't entirely sure you would be able to). The weather could not have been more perfect and I ran up to my old college campus and back, which is still my favorite place to run.

 Since I am running the Princess Half Marathon, I have to dress like a princess too right? I finished up my costume for the race this weekend and I will be cleaning glitter out of my sewing room for months! 

I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend :)

Sadie's Winter ONEderland

Last week I shared how we started the celebrations for Sadie's first birthday with a trip to Disney World, here.

I was kind of a nut case the morning of Sadie's party. There was so much to do and time just seemed to be flying by. Luckily my in-laws were there to help! I don't know what I would have done without them. My mother-in-law went to work right away hanging tissue paper snow flakes, cleaning things, setting up the food, and pretty much everything else because she is awesome. Meanwhile my father-in-law was blowing up inflatable penguins (all two dozen of them) and picking up the balloons. (see I told you I would have been lost without them). Kev and I were cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the birthday girl. I am still surprised everything got done in time but it did and it was wonderful.

The party started at 1pm so we served lunch food. Kev made his delicious white chicken chili and yellow rice, there was hummus & pita chips, veggies & dip, hot chocolate & marshmallows, a variety of homemade cookies (made by my mother-in-law), and adorable cupcakes & cake (made by my very talented friend Antonia).

We sent the adults home with tiny penguin mugs filled with peppermints and the tiny friends took home penguin sippy cups and inflatable penguins. None of which I got pictures of. I was so caught up in everything that I forgot to get pictures of the details. There was a really fun arch way of snowflakes that my mother-in-law set up, a hot chocolate/coffee/drink area that was pretty darn cute, and glittery branches decorated the gift table but those details will have to live on in my mind because I didn't take pictures of any of it!

Here is what I did get though :)

How talented is my friend? As soon as she comes to her senses and does this for a living I will let you all know!

Sadie & her buds. She stole those mini coke bottles from guests and played with them the entire party.

 Opening presents, checking out her new vanity set (looking at herself in the mirror).

Sadie with her Uncle Jordan, Great Oma & Pappaw, and Grammy.

 She was not very cooperative for picture time, she just wanted to party.

She was so gentle and sweet with her cake! She would just slowly scoop up little bites like she had giant birthday cakes every day. (I swear she doesn't....)

Mommy & Daddy had to get in on the fun

The wiggle worm with her Sissy & Grandpa (my wonderful in-laws)

 After the party Sadie had a blast sharing her toys with her bestie and playing with her family in her playroom.

 Best buds all around. 

(that's Antonia, she's the talent behind the cupcakes/cake)

 I think it is safe to say that Sadie had a blast at her party. She was such a good little hostess, going from room to room visiting with everyone, never getting fussy. Although I know she was exhausted, she ended up staying up past her bedtime soaking in more time with her grandparents.

We all had such a fun weekend celebrating such an amazing little girl. Sadie is very lucky to be surrounded by so much love :)

Happy Valentines Day!

We hope your day is filled with lots of love!

and chocolate ;)

Our Weekend in Photos

Friday we stole Kev for a little Chickfila lunch date :)

Then we went home and had a little Valentine photo session for Sadie's Valentines. Showing off the few teeth she has and the dress Momma made her. 

Saturday morning we went to the Farmers Market and indulged in some of my favorite things. Freshly popped kettle corn and the most delicious strawberry lemonade ever.

 I am obviously awesome at taking pictures. We were snacking a little before running all over the place. Sadie was loving it and kept wanting to join other peoples picnics, my little social butterfly. She was worn out from all of the socializing and fell asleep in the stroller so Kev and I were able to have a quiet lunch at the cutest little bistro.

Sunday was for chores. Yard work, laundry, cleaning, installing a doggie door, unclogging the dryer. You know, fun things.

But once the work was over, it was time to enjoy this beautiful weather us Floridians have been blessed with (sorry northerners...).

Sadie was obviously stoked it was Sunday.

Side note: You will most likely see this photo again when Sadie makes her debut on SNL. 

Our weekend was pretty low-key and filled with family time, just the way we like it :)

How was your weekend? Do anything fun?

Sadie Turns ONE!

You are all lucky that I was not blogging at the time of Sadie's first birthday. Otherwise you would have been subjected to the emotional ramblings from a proud Momma who cannot believe how fast time is flying by. But let's not let me get started down that path again. Instead let us focus on what a blast Sadie's very first birthday was. It is a good thing Sadie won't remember it because I honestly don't know how we could possibly top it.

We won't go into detail about how I think birthdays should be, at the very least, a week long celebration or how I made up and sang Sadie the "birthday week" song every day leading up to the big day. Because that is just crazy. So let's skip the part that really matters.

Our celebration started on her actual birthday with her very first trip to Disney World.

We got off to an early start that morning and after a quick pancake breakfast we headed to the park to arrive right around opening. I had a small list of things I wanted to make sure we got to do and I kept my expectations low (not an easy task for me) because with a little one you just never know what the day will bring. But the day was better than I could have imagined. 

It's a Small World was first on our list and we were able to walk right onto the ride. Sadie stared with her month wide open the entire time and her face held that expression for most of the rest of the day. Watching her big blue eyes soak in all of these incredible and mysterious things took my breath away on more than one occasion.

After her first ride we walked right into her first parade. It was a small parade with lots of characters and involved dancing so Sadie was extremely excited. She shook her little tooshy on Main Street with Chip and Dale while the hubs as I scraped our hearts off the sidewalk. Seriously, who is that big kid?

Once Sadie was satisfied that she had successfully collected all of the confetti from the parade off the ground we went to meet Minnie and Daisy. She was not a fan of Daisy... She wasn't scared but if Daisy tried to touch her, she shot her a dirty look and proceeded to remove her wing(?) from herself. Minnie on the other was allowed to kiss her and hold her hand although she didn't really give much love back other than that wide-eyed, open mouth look I told you about.

All of that excitement was enough to knock Sadie out in the stroller (much to our surprise) so the hubs and I snagged some fast passes to Dumbo and then found a nice quiet spot to sit and relax for the next couple of hours. 

When she woke up it was on to Dumbo and the Carrousel, her two favorite rides. We had lunch and walked around Tomorrowland for a little while and then set out to find Mickey. Much to our amazement the popular mouse was not hard to track down and when we did, there was absolutely no one in line to see him. After walking through the ghost line we were escorted into his "dressing room" where he was waiting for us. Sadie got to spend some time chatting with Mickey and getting lots of pictures before anyone else showed up to steal him away. 

Since the day was coming to an end we took Sadie to the gift shop to pick out her birthday present. We thought for sure she wasn't going to even look at anyone other than Mickey but she ended up picking out a stuffed Minnie instead (who is her absolute favorite toy now). 

We walked around a little more, caught another street parade and then found a nice spot to watch the lighting of Cinderella's Castle, which is just so beautiful. If you have never been to Disney World around the holidays, you really should try to go. Once the show was over we were herded out of the park for a very long and crowded journey back to the car. 

I am still amazed that Sadie made it the entire day and not once did she fuss or complain. It was such a magical day and the perfect way to spend your first birthday. 

Next week I will share with you all of the fun details from the rest of Sadie's birthday weekend, including her Winter ONEderland Party!

Confessions of a Co-Sleeper...

One of our biggest struggles as first time parents has been dealing with sleep issues. When Sadie was a newborn the girl could sleep anywhere, anytime. It was glorious. We developed a nice little schedule loosely following the Baby Wise routine of Eat Awake Sleep. She was sleeping in her crib, nursing on cue like a champ! And then she hit four months.

do not let this image of a peaceful sleeping baby fool you

It all started when I attempted to cut one of her night nursing sessions (at the time she was waking up twice a night). That attempt backfired and spiraled into hourly night wakings so quickly that I don't even know how it happened. I try looking back to pinpoint something I did or didn't do but even at the time it was a blur (probably due to sleep depravation, am I right?).

For the next four months I awoke every hour to two hours to nurse and put her back in her crib. It was a terrible habit that I was allowing but at the time I was tired, not willing to allow her to "cry it out" and determined to keep her in her own bed and that was the quickest way to get her back to sleep. Meanwhile everyone I talked to who had children close to Sadie's age had babies that slept through the night without any trouble and had been doing so for months. That is where a very important parenting lesson comes into play: Do NOT compare your child to other children or your parenting to that of other parents. Every one parents differently, every child is different. Period. Sounds like common sense right? Then why is it such a hard concept to grasp?

At eight months we went on a lovely beach vacation with my in-laws and I knew sleep was going to be an even bigger issue there. After many failed attempts to get Sadie back to sleep the first night I did what I swore I would never do... I brought her in bed with me. And guess what? She slept. After sleeping in bed with me for a week on vacation my body had gotten used to actually sleeping when it was supposed to so when we got home I simply could not physically go back to waking up every hour to go into her room, nurse her, and put her back to bed.

on vacation, super happy to get her down for a nap!

Thus began the co-sleeping. She sleeps in her crib for naps and starts bedtime there every night (waking every couple of hours while there) until I am ready for bed and then she joins us and sleeps until 7:30/8am. For a long time I was embarrassed to admit this for it is something I have always sworn I would not do (you notice as a parent that is a reoccurring theme). But it is what works for our family. We all get sleep this way. It is certainly not something I want to last for much longer (more on the plan for that later) although I will certainly miss waking up to Sadie snuggles and giggles every morning.

how can you not like seeing that first thing in the morning

The underlying moral of the story (other than the simple fact that we all really do need sleep) is to own your decisions. As moms we are often criticized and judged for the way we do things, especially by other moms. But the truth of the matter is that your way is the right way. It may not be the right way for your co-worker or your best friend but it is right for your family so be confident in that because at the end of the day you are caring for your family and doing the best you can and that's all there is to it.