My Easter Sweetie

I have to brag. My daughter is gorgeous! Love love love her big brown eyes.

And the fact that she wore a dress without argument.

And let me put her hair in pig tails!

Photo by my sister in law, edited by me in Photoshop.

Photo and edits by me. 

Here are the before's:

Where I've Been, What I've Been Doing

Well I can sum this post up in a few short sentences.

I've been here, in Charleston and doing the same old, same old.

Working.

Being a Mom.

Running.

Projects around the house.

It never ends, all the above. Actually I've not been bored one bit. I've been extremely busy the last month or so with husband out of town, nephews birthday, husband's birthday (he turned 34 over the weekend - old man!!), projects at work, raising a sassy pants of a little girl. She's cute though, I love her. I think I'll keep her:)

Now on top of everything I'm planning a baby shower for my good friend! There's a co host so I don't have to carry the burden of doing it all myself but the crazy person that I am I seem to be having a hard time delegating duties.

I designed the invitation myself. Bought the graphics for like $5 at an Etsy store called Coca Mint and put it all together in Photo Shop Elements. I LOVE doing stuff like that. I might have to look into doing something like that if and when I get to become a stay at home mom. 

5x7 invitations will print 2 to a sheet of standard 8.5x11 card stock

Reason I did this is because I could not find what I was looking for until I stumbled across the clip art store and realized I had to ability to create my own. I'm happy with the final product. So is Pam and that's all that matters.

I'm also doing a whole printable party package including door signs, food labels, a banner and other decorative items to help keep costs down so we can splurge on food and I am going to do a diaper cake for the centerpiece. 

Random: This is what happens when your daughter won't take a nap:

We get a little goofy! Actually Sophie was making a funny face in the picture above. Good times when it's Mommy and Daughter day. Daddy was skeet shooting (Redneck! Just kidding!).

Random #2: From Sophie's daycare:

I'm glad I made it into the suitcase along with the lizard

Not sure where the lizard came from but at least Mommy is included. May is her stuffed turtle that sleeps with her every night so that's a given.

In other news I'm not knocked up yet. We officially started "trying" this month but I don't think it took. I'm not that person who does ovulation kits and tracks it, takes her temperature and all that stuff. Yes I might have done an online calendar once or twice but ultimately it'll happen when it happens. And without getting down to the nitty gritty but it's hard to "try" when you work, have a kid, and are completely exhausted at the end of the day. So I'll just leave it at that. It'll happen when it happens. 

In the meantime if next week's test comes back negative or the "time of the month" comes we won't "try" in March because we do not want a December baby. So we'll resume in April and see what happens.

If that ends up being the case then I'm thinking about running this race:

I ran it last year. it was the second half that I ran and loved the course. Lots of hills but that's Charlotte. Still up in the air, I have until March 16th to register so that's plenty of time to decide. Free place to stay, grandparents see Sophie and everyone wins!

On the running front things are going well. I have been enjoying not doing long runs and keeping them short and sweet. I'm working to improve my speed for the 10k I have in a few weeks. I really want to either break 50 minutes or just beat my fastest time which is like 51 minutes. 

I feel very strong, hardly any foot pain and I just feel good overall. Sunday I ran 8 miles and I felt good the whole time. I haven't done double digits since the half marathon I ran early this month but I'm currently OK with it. I have dropped two pounds since my marathon training so I'm happy and content with what I'm doing. I've been doing more weight training and speed work but am going to get back into the long runs (keep it 10 - 15 miles) once my life starts to calm down. My husband had a big business trip this month, his annual skeet shoot and then a "man weekend" coming up so I've been full time Mommy on the weekends. It's fine though, I get my runs in during the week and take the weekends to enjoy time with my daughter. I feel very balanced lately. That's good right?

Saturday's Long Run

It's been 2 weeks since my marathon and my legs STILL aren't quite right. I know I'm no spring chicken anymore but really? Maybe I didn't rest and recover long enough but I didn't want to take a whole week off of running because I have another half marathon this weekend.

I'll be alright, it's really not that bad, just some tight, REALLY tight calves and my darn plantar fasciitis flaring up.

I ran 10 miles on Saturday while my husband rode his bike. I'm generally a lone runner but I have been missing running with people lately. My good friend and former running buddy is 21 weeks pregnant and just found out she's having a girl!! So obviously she's not lacing up the shoes for the next 6 months at least.

The run started out pretty well. It was windy, yet again. I swear the wind is my nemesis. When I try to pick up the pace it starts blowing and I can't seem to get going. So it was sort of a slower run that I was hoping for but that's OK. I did 10 miles in 1:35 avg pace about 9:28. Not too shabby.

I was going to do 12 miles but decided that I was sick of getting my butt kicked by the wind so at 5 miles we turned around and headed back to the car.

Then we grabbed some lunch since our daughter was at her Grandma's house and we went to the gym for a weight session. After the gym we hit the grocery store and had the rest of the day to relax.

Sophie dressed up as a princess and did some twirling for our entertainment:

Yes that's chocolate on her mouth. And yes, I didn't clean it off seeing as 5 minutes later it was bath time.

We all had a case of the Monday's this morning. I think all 3 of us were less than thrilled to be up and at it. I'm not sure what kind of stay at home Mom I'll be but I cannot wait to not have to sit in traffic everyday.

We were going to "start trying" for another baby right after the marathon but that came and went and I started having second thoughts. Only because I still have many items on my to-do list and I was starting to get very overwhelmed.

So we decided to putt it off a month. I have a feeling by the time middle of Feb. rolls around I'll be ready. I just wasn't a few weeks ago. Now the opportunity is kind of passed so we have to wait until after Feb. 11th.

This weekend I'm running a half marathon. I signed up for it before I ran the marathon thinking "how hard could it be?" Well after the way I've been feeling the last week it's going to be interesting to say the least.

I have two friends that are going to be running the 5k so we decided to get a hotel room on Folly Beach since they were having a race special. Friday night we're going to grab a bite to eat and hang out and then roll out of bed on Saturday for the race. The hotel is the starting line. Can't beat that.

The only difficult part will be reminding the ladies that we do not booze it up the night before a race. See we all three have 2 year old girls, with in a few months of each other so we have a lot in common. Like husbands who were less than thrilled with the plan of us getting a hotel room. Sorry guys, mom's need a break too.

I think it'll be a fun night and will be nice to not have to get up super early and drive all the way down to the beach. I am honestly not running for a PR this weekend, although a PR would always be welcome. I'm just going to take it easy, enjoy what will be my last long distance race for a while. When I'm pregnant I'll probably only do the occasional 5k or 10k.

It all depends on how I feel come Saturday. Hopefully we'll make it to sleep at a decent time.

5 Days To Go

I'm getting together my "race plan" this week. There's a lot to think about. Friday I'm taking the day off of work to relax but that's really what I'm not going to be doing. I have to take Sophie to school, go to the grocery store. Then I'm going to head over to the race expo and pick up my stuff. Then I'm going to head home and get my house in order for company. My parents, sister and her two boys will be here Friday night and then my brother and sister in law are driving down for the day on Saturday. I love my family. I even told them if they want to make signs that would be OK :)

Saturday the race doesn't start till 8:00 so I don't have to be up too super early. I'll probably wake up about 5 am just to eat and let it settle. I'll probably spend about 30 minutes in the bathroom (hey - just keeping it real. I get a stomach ache when I get nervous). I shower to help wake myself up. Then I'll get dressed and we'll head down to the starting line. Ricky is going to drop me off and it'll take about 45 minutes to get down there. I want to be at the start about 7:30 or so. I hate being rushed. Just have to make sure I have an outfit laid out for Sophie and directions on how to get her ready.

I have a large spectator group so I'm happy and now the pressure is on! Not really but mentally it is, I want to do well.

This week I'm PMS-ing. Isn't that a swell thing to look forward to right before you run a marathon? Gotta love  mother nature.

I've planned out my meals for the week and am feeling pretty confident about it all. I'm not going crazy over pasta but I'm trying to incorporate good carbs where I can. And I decided I want pizza Friday night. Not nasty Pappa Johns but Trader Joe's pizza dough and my own yummy toppings. Either way I'm going to be nervous so I don't think it matters what I eat.

We got our kitchen painted on Saturday. I love the color, will post a picture soon.

For Christmas my mom made Sophie a pair of ruffle pants. Yesterday she finally wore them for the first time. She looks so stinkin cute!

I did a 2 mile run yesterday, then some elliptical and light weights. I'm not doing any weights this week except for abs. Tomorrow I'm going to do 5 miles, then 3 on Wed. and debating whether I should do 2 miles on Friday. To be decided.

Someone at work asked me today if I'm ready. I said that I am physically ready but not quite mentally. Getting there though. I know I can do this!

Christmas, Training, and Happy New Year

Some pictures from Christmas:

Christmas Eve before dinner

Santa came!

 On Wednesday Sophie woke up with a horrible cough, some wheezing and labored breathing. It seemed like, at times, she was struggling to catch her breath. Scared the crap out of me so I called in sick to work and made a doctor appointment. They didn't have one till 12:30!! Lots of sick kids out there right now. So by mid morning she seemed to be doing a little better and was running around and playing, so I cancelled the doctor appointment.

Because I'm not a doctor, I self diagnosed her with Croup. Actually I read about it, my sister's kids have had it and when she heard her cough and breathing we were both pretty sure it was croup. Of course if she seemed to not be doing well I was going to call the doctor back, but croup is a virus and just like with all viruses you have to let it run it's course.

Luckily that night she slept very well and sounded so much better the next morning. Poor kid, I hate it when she's sick.

Running has been going well this week, I've mostly forgotten about that horrible run and am moving forward. I am scheduled to do 12 miles tomorrow but will possibly do a couple extra. Just to make sure my base is strong and to make way for the crap ton of calories I will be eating and drinking for New Years. We are having some friends at our house and I am going all out.

In typical Jennifer fashion I have a lot going on in the next few weeks. Charleston Marathon is only 2 weeks away!! I can't believe it!! I'm super excited (because I'm no longer going to think negatively).

Aside from wrapping up training I will be painting Sophie's new room (she'll be "moving in" sometime in Feb.). I will also be re-painting our kitchen because we are getting granite counter tops installed today!! Now I just have to find the time to do it all!!

Happy New Year! 2012 is going to be an awesome year, I can feel it.

Santa Hangover

It's been a busy busy weekend. And it will be like this till the end of the year. We have something planned every weekend between now and New Year's Day. I'm going to be exhausted by the time this race comes around. I'm almost looking forward to being pregnant again so I can take it easy. However relax is not in my vocabulary, even when pregnant. 

Friday I finished all my painting. Well, not all. I still have other items I need to get done but the bulk of Sophie's furniture is DONE! Headboard, bookcase and a mirror. Whew! All I need to do is the clear coat but it's been a little humid with this rain that moved in, and I didn't want it to dry funky so the furniture is still sitting in the garage till I can do this last step. Pictures to come.

Saturday I ran 12 miles, 1:46, avg pace 8:54. Getting better with this distance. Would love to run just one more before I get pregnant so I can PR again. There is a 15k (Charlie Post Classic) at the end of January and a no frills half marathon (Save The Light Half Marathon) first weekend of Feb. that I'm thinking about doing. We'll see, I don't want to jump hard core into running after my marathon. Body would probably like to recover and we'll pretty much go from marathon to "trying" to get pregnant.

Sunday we woke up and got ready for a Brunch with Santa with a friend of mine at her neighborhood country club. It was a nice spread of food, they had a mini pancake station for the kids and I topped Sophie's pancakes with yummy strawberries, chocolate chips, whipped cream. She only ate the chocolate chips. And some bacon. Mom of the year, right here! 

We even got her to sit on Santa's lap for a few minutes. The look she gave him the whole time was priceless.

Not so sure about this guy. 

There's a high 5, she's warming up....slightly

After brunch we walked down to a little area near the clubhouse that was on a marsh to take some pictures. They actually turned out really nice and I have to credit my good hair day to my friend who spend 2 hours highlighting my mass of hair on Saturday. Actually my hair is not very thick, just long.

A rare moment - I'm usually behind the camera

My favorite! Love this little girl!! This is a keeper.

Another keeper!! Even if we all aren't looking at the camera we are all smiling.

My loves!

On the way home, little bit feel asleep so we sat through the Starbucks drive through for about 20 minutes. Apparently everyone in our town decided to go to Starbucks at exactly 12:20 Sunday afternoon. We got home and rested/relaxed for a few hours until it was time to head back out for the James Island County Park Festival of Lights. 

All the 6 years I've lived here and we've never been. Mainly because it gets packed, there's traffic, a ton of people and I hate all of that. I'm probably the world's most impatient person. But since Sophie is getting older I want to start doing traditions so I decided to suck it up and deal with the mass of people. And we went on a Sunday which was less crowded than Saturday. And we got there right when it opened so we didn't sit in too much traffic.

So basically you drive around the county park and look at all the light displays. The have a Santa's Village you can park and walk to. Includes fire pits for marshmallow roasting, a carousel, Santa of course, food and beverages and a climbing wall (??) Not sure about that last one but people looked to be having a good time.

Getting ready for the lights

Sophie got to ride on the carousel, almost caught my hair on fire roasting marshmallows. Again, letting my child play near fire = mom of the year. Actually she's becoming quite the Miss Independent so I let her try it out. Teach em young, that's what I say!

Fun with Daddy!

Waving at us every time she passed by. It was too cute and I'm so happy she loved it.

All good things must come to and end and she started getting upset and fussy and we knew it was time to go. Sleepy Sophie is not a fun thing to deal with. Luckily we made it back to the car, saw the rest of the lights, and got home before a full meltdown occurred. So I call it a success.

However this morning she was NOT a happy camper to be woken up. Thus I call it a Santa hangover. Poor girl could barely keep her eyes open and fell back asleep in the car. These are the days I feel guilty to be a working mom. Clearly she needs to sleep longer and I felt so bad having to get her out of bed. One day, one day I won't have to do this to her. Hopefully. That's the plan anyway. In the meantime there's money to be made and bills we gotta pay.

Because I didn't get to workout and do my cross training I dragged myself out of bed and went to the gym. Ran 4 miles, 33:49, avg pace 8:27 or something like that. Did some legs, chest and back.

It's a very rainy, cold and dreary day today so I'm anxious to get this Monday over with.

My Little Black Cat

Trick or Treating was a success! I'm so proud of the fact that she wore her costume with out a fuss, let me draw her whiskers on her face, and actually walked up to the doors and said "trick or treat" and "thank you" every time she got candy.

Happy kitty ready to get some candy. 

 If you look closely at my car you'll see the nice dented tailgate and bumper from my accident - that's finally getting fixed next week.

She carried that pouch of candy the entire time.

Went to maybe 10 houses and then headed home so we could get Sophie ready for bed. I'm happy she had a great time and look forward to next year. Now she realizes she got a bunch of candy, it was the first thing she asked for this morning so we hid it.

This morning I ran 4 miles, 33:08, avg pace 8:15. As I was doing weights I realized that I was supposed to do 5 miles. Oops.

I was going to do an extra mile after weights but then I ran out of time.

I also realized that this weekend daylight savings ends. Bummer!! I hate getting home from work when it's dark out. Makes me feel like I missed the day. However I do like it getting lighter earlier. I've been having such a hard time getting out of bed on the weekends because the sun doesn't rise till about 7:15 or so.

Gaining an hour of sleep is always nice though.

6 Miles Done

As soon as my head hit the pillow last night I was out and slept all night till my alarm went off.

It was wonderful!

I did my 6 mile this morning on the treadmill. I has intended to do some abs after my run but since I was a little late getting to the gym I only had time to run. Will attempt to do abs tonight when I get home.

So 6.26 miles, 50:35, avg pace 8:05

Splits

1	8:03	8'03"/mi
2	16:11	8'08"/mi
3	24:19	8'08"/mi
4	32:24	8'05"/mi
5	40:29	8'05"/mi
6	48:34	8'05"/mi

I felt good this morning. Tired sure and my left shin has been giving me some trouble. It hurts a little when I first start running but once I get moving it doesn't hurt. So just keeping my feelers out for it.

Not sure if I'll do my 3 mile easy run tomorrow morning or just miss it all together. I have 12 to do on Saturday and I'd like to see how I do the day after a rest day but I also want to make sure I'm hitting all my runs. 3 miles is no biggie but I'm sure it's there for a reason.

Lastly I just found out that next month I'm going to be traveling to Southern California for 2 days for work. The plan is to do some sales calls with my rep for that area. I'm both excited and nervous because I don't travel on planes often and it's from coast to coast which is a little daunting. 

Plus I've got several things to consider:

- Hotel will have to have a gym so I can keep up with my runs

- I've got 15 miles to do that weekend so I know I'm going to be exhausted from the time change and traveling

- Not catching any germs from that long flight! Must keep well.

I've never been to California so this will be neat. Of course I'll miss my daughter because it's rare for me to miss a bedtime. I'm always there so makes me sad but this is a good work experience and I'm grateful my company is fitting the bill. 

However I wish we could wait till January, ha ha.

Sophie is going through a "no" phase again. This time she's saying no in a complete sentence. Like I say "Sophie it's time to eat dinner" and she says "no it's not dinner!" Or there's "Sophie it's time to go to school" and she says "no it's not school." That's pretty much how our conversations go lately. However I will say that she's learning more and more words and speaking very well. 

We are going to tackle the potty this weekend. I just bought a package of underwear and we'll see how this goes. I feel the time has come and other kids in her class are starting this at home so I'm following suit. She's doing so well with everything at school and it's so fun watching her become a little girl.

I've been thinking more and more of having another baby next year after my marathon. She'll make a fantastic big sister.

Edisto Island 2011

It's been a little busy here the last week or so. After my last post we were getting packed up and ready for a 3 day weekend at Edisto Island. My in-laws rented a house for a week but due to time off from work and such we opted to just do a three day weekend. I typically use up most of my vacation during the summer. I took a week back in June and wanted to save the rest of my days for the Holidays and in case Sophie or I get sick. That's bound to happen and we aren't in the heart of sick season yet. Fingers crossed that we make it through at least until after my marathon.

When I arrived Thursday evening after work it was sunny and warm out.

When I woke up Friday morning it was cloudy, windy and cool.

Still I managed to get my 3 mile run that I missed on Thursday. I was a little bummed that the weather was so crappy but still determined to make the best of it. I did not want to be trapped in a house all day. We bundled up and went for a stroll on the beach and collected shells. Sophie manages to find the tiniest broken shells and she's so proud of them.

Sophie and Addison looking for sea shells.

Ready for a walk on this fine and cloudy day.

The sun was trying desperately to shine later in the afternoon so we sat outside in the sand for a bit till it was time to get my little heathen child to take a nap and then get ready for dinner.

Saturday morning was not much better but I was fine with this since I had an 11 mile long run to do. My in-laws watched Sophie while Ricky and I set out on the Island (Ricky with his bike). It was cool and windy, perfect running conditions if you ask me.

I felt pretty good overall, I started out a little rough because I had not slept well the night before but once I got to mile 4 and 5 I started to feel better and I guess got my 2nd wind. I ate some Sharkies and really have no idea if they work or not. At one point my stomach started to hurt and I just don't feel like I can eat stuff like that when I'm running. I wonder if good old candy will do the trick. I'm just not sure.

So 11.04 miles later and almost getting hit by a car I was done!

Finally after lunch the sun started to peak out ever so slightly. It was warmer too so I grabbed my bathing suit and we were out on the sand.

Sophie went down for a long nap (girl was tired!) and I got a good 3 hours in the sun to read a book. Bliss! Still a little cool but comfortable and relaxing.

Right before dinner we set up the camera and did some family pictures.

Then Sunday it was time to pack up, clean and head home. Weather still wasn't 100%, sun came out for a little while here and there but by the time we were ready to go it was cloudy, cool, and windy again.

Morning sunrise

Wish the weather would have been better but we had a good time overall. Looking forward to next year!

Marathon Training Day 3

I did NOT want to get out of bed for the 2nd day in a row at 4 am. It was tough, I desperately wanted to turn off my alarm and go back to sleep. But I got up and dragged myself downstairs to get ready. And I went.

Honestly I would have gone back to sleep but my husband has to leave the house really early tomorrow so I knew I wouldn't be able to push it off.

This morning was a scheduled 5 miles. My legs were still a little sore from weights yesterday but I felt pretty good once I got going. I did a modified, shorter version of Ab Ripper X and then headed home to get ready for work.

I'm seriously sick of the treadmill and need a break. I'm desperate to run outside! So Saturday Irene is going to sweep by us and dump a crap load of rain. Sunday looks like I'm going to do my 8 miles. I was thinking about 8 on the treadmill Friday but I really don't want to do the treadmill again. Plus my Garmin arrived yesterday and I really want to try it out.

Today's run: 5.4 miles, 43:25, avg pace 8:02
Splits:

MILE	TIME	AVG.PACE
1	7:56	7'56"/mi
2	15:55	7'59"/mi
3	24:01	8'06"/mi
4	32:06	8'05"/mi
5	40:08	8'02"/mi

Tomorrow is supposed to be 3 miles (with hills and strength training) but I'll probably end up just doing some weights at home. I'm cool with that since Sunday I did 4 miles that were not on the schedule so it kind of makes up for what I'll miss tomorrow.

All is well with Sophie. She continues to sit on the potty but hasn't actually gone in the potty for us. I think we're going to take a weekend next month and just put her in underwear and do the potty like every 30 minutes or something. Need to get this kick started. Plus Labor Day weekend is going to be paci takeaway. She currently only gets it at night but we need to throw this thing away and just bite the bullet. She sleeps so well with it I'm terrified on what the nights might be like. But I know it's for the best and we will have to suck it up.

I'm looking to purchase another running shoe. I like my Saucony Pro Grid Ride 3's but I'm not sure if they are something I will be able to do my long runs in. I think these are a great short distance shoe but as I get tired I know my running form wavers and I want to avoid an injury.

I'm thinking of trying the Brooks Ravenna that's on sales at Running Warehouse. From what I read they have moderate support and just the right amount of cushion for mild pronaters. I feel good in my Saucony's but again, I feel I need a little something extra for my long runs.

Time to break out the row boat because it's going to be a wet one this weekend!

Today's Workout: 3.51 Miles with Hills

This morning's run consisted of a 3.5 mile hill run (on the treadmill) with a short arm and leg workout.

Time 28:12, avg pace 8:01

Splits:

SPLITS

MILE	TIME	AVG.PACE
1	7:55	7'55"/mi
2	16:00	8'05"/mi
3	24:02	8'02"/mi

I wonder what the .5 was, Nike+ does not tell me that.

It's all good, tomorrow I will be purchasing my Garmin! I'm torn between the Forerunner 205 and 305. Really the only difference is the 305 has a hear rate monitor, which I don't really care one way or the other. I will probably only use the Nike+ for the treadmill runs and Garmin for when I run outside and obviously on my long runs.

Ricky has purchased a bike so we are all set to start next week. I will be registering for the race next Wednesday after I get paid. And then it's for real!!

I had about 30 minutes after my run so I decided to do a short arm and leg circuit which consisted of:

Walking lunges (3 sets)
Bicep curls with dumbbells (2 sets of 15)
Triceps extensions (1 set)
Squats (1 set)
More bicep curls with Troy Bar (18 lbs)
Triceps dips (1 set)
Elevated lunges (1 set)
Shoulder sequence (8 exercises, 8-10 reps with no rest - killer burn!)

I was going to do abs but honestly I drank so much water that it started to slosh around, so I did the elliptical for my remaining 10 minutes.

Then it was home to hurry and get ready for work.

On the home front, Sophie sat on the potty last night, the big potty! She didn't do anything but the fact that she asked to and was interested in it is a big step!