Happy Feet

We were planning to run a 10k on Saturday at Piotique but downgraded aka chickened out and ran a 2 mile. But it was a great race, fun time, good route. Still, we need to set another goal. Or two.

New shoes. New goals.

So, we know we will do the fun 5K Color Run planned in Clay Center in early November. 

There is also a donut run in Manhappiness that is calling my name!

But maybe the K-State Homecoming Race? It was fun last time I ran it: http://www.k-state.com/s/1173/mobile/tablet.aspx?sid=1173&gid=1&pgid=574

Rock Springs Turkey Trot? But that's a 5K and I'm looking for a 10K.

Or maybe the Turkey Trot in Wichita. It's a 10K and it'd be some family time, too.

Scheduling the races to fit in our busy schedule is hard enough. Finding adequate time to train before the races is nearly impossible. But I feel better, have more energy, and am happier when I can hit the road.

And as we all know, if mama is happier, everyone is happier. 

Routine

This is our current med list for our kids. I had to write it out; it's getting too complicated.

John, Katie, And Maggie are fighting the residual effects of pertussis including chronic cough, asthma flare ups, and colds that turn into respiratory schtuff.

Lainie's med is just for her epilepsy, so wonderfully controlled by our favorite med, Trileptal. Already starting the prayers for next summer, when they are going to once again try to wean her off the med and see how long she can go seizure-free.

Even our tough girl Natalie got knocked down with this latest virus, with a nasty headache for four days and cough to match. But today the fire is back in her eyes and she is being Tigger-like all over the county.

No wonder I feel like I am giving report when I talk to Jay.

No wonder I decided to become a nurse.

But I do prefer my patients NOT be my family.

p.s. and I do realize how very lucky we are. All these are just gnats compared to what others deal with on a daily basis. I'm just saying, like gnats, they are annoying and I wish they would go away.

P.p.s. you are looking at $290 a month in meds. Last year at this time, we were spending $500 a month on just two meds. It's all about perspective. And my perspective says generics rock.

Big day

Big day for our little guy.

He said mama again and again and again. And his mama smiled again and again and again.

He also tried out a soppy cup, successfully, and drank juice for the first time.

Emotional night, Great town

The girls and I went to the high school football game tonight, thinking it would be fun...and it was. But I had no idea it would be so emotional.

The game festivities started with a  tribute to a would-have-been sophomore who died this past summer. His sister is in Katie's class. The entire football stadium gave them a standing ovation. Just watching his parents walk across that field, knowing what they must still be going through, oh, how I hurt for them.

Also before the game, a bunch of parents and fans came in on their motorcycles to make an impressive entrance for the football team. Among them, a parent fighting a quiet, determined fight against cancer...whose son was one of them running past. 

Behind the stadium was a little table set up, selling "Luke is Tiger Tough" bracelets. Luke is in Lainie's grade and was recently diagnosed with leukemia. And the little guy made it to the game, was there to watch the football team come out at halftime. Again, the town is supporting them, the only way we know how.

And, in a more joyous turn, watching our dear friend get recognized for a cross country victory last week, knowing she's a senior, knowing time is flying way to fast, knowing she'll be not so close next year this time.

Add to that learning this week that a friend of ours passed away a month ago. Twelve years ago, we spent at least one night a week with him, playing cards, philosophizing like only ignorant twenty-somethings can, but had completely lost contact. The time apart doesn't make the grieving any easier.

It was just many reminders to hug your family and friends, love them, hold them while you can, and each day to pray in thanks for the the day given and to pray for another one to enjoy with them.

Mother of the year

Please take note of these events when filling out my mother of the year application for 2013.

Yes, I did in fact tell Maggie to suck it up and stop being lazy at the style revue and county fair, only to later realize she had whooping cough.

And I did tell Katie to suck it up and push a little harder at her cross country meet, only to find out she has bronchitis and asthma flare-up.

And I did get annoyed at John's extra fussing last night, only to realize he probably has thrush this morning.

And I almost told Jay "is it really THAT bad?" when he stepped on something last night...but I learned my lesson and silently pulled the 1/3 inch shard of glass out of his foot.

Yep. Miss Compassionate here. Or maybe that is missed Compassion.

Back to school

Katie's first day, the day after sister's day

Lainie and Maggie on their first day

My girls on "the" bench

The girls on Katie's first day

The last of the firsts this year, Natalie's first day of preschool

All ready to go.

It's okay, mom. I've got this. You can go.

Six months

Our little man is 6 months old tomorrow. And look at that big grin!

 

John is fulfilling all the stereotypes about baby boys. He is a mover, constantly rolling or kicking or scooting or trying to crawl. He can sit up by himself for a few seconds, more if I position him into a tripold, but he hardly ever has to sit by himself with sister hands constantly beside him. He stands strong, likes to take steps. And he grabs at everything in his reach. He can even grab his pacifier and get it in his mouth.

He is usually pretty happy and content these days. Even the past two days, when he had a little cold, he'd flash us the soft grin. But today, he is feeling much better, as you can tell by that full face, triple-chin, crinkled nose smile.

And in those moments when he does get upset, he usually wants one of three things: to be turned out to face the world, to eat, or to go outside. 

His sisters have almost forgiven him for the colicky weeks and now think he is a perfect baby. They still fight over who can hold him and play with him and stuff toys in his face. He truly has 5 mamas most days, and one pretty awesome daddy.

He is still petite; we'll see how much at his check up tomorrow. He is eating baby food but not cereal. He spits out any bite with rice or oatmeal cereal, even if it's mixed in with his fruit or veggie. We'll keep trying, though.

We love our little guy to the moon and back, and cannot imagine our world without him. It's been just over a year since we thought we were miscarrying, and it takes my breath away with gratitude that God let us have this little person in our lives.