First Austin Marathon 2014

Wowsers! What a race. Ok, I don't call it a race. It's a marathon. So glad I can finally say that I ran a marathon. How was it? Well...this is how it went down.

I trained with my good friend Nancy who ran several long runs with me in the wee hours of the morning. I also ran long runs when Hudson was napping. Short runs with Hudson in his stroller or when pawpaw or daddy were hanging on to bubba. And also a few runs when Hudson was with nana and pops. I ran when I could and knew Hudson was in good hands. 

How did the race itself go? I made Ashley nervous in the car but continuously screaming on the way to the race. Random screaming. Like, "WHAT DID I SIGN MYSELF UP FOR?" and "OMG AHHHH!" We lined up with the 5 hour group because I believe that was the last marker (haha). I had high (really high) hopes of finishing at 4:45. Boy was I off. LOL! It's ok though. I'm cool with it. 

Cause every race should start with a duck face and a scared to death look.

We started off the run strong. Doing great running up Congress. I really enjoyed my sissy running with me. She's my partner in crime and anything fun. We split between mile 6-7 and it was a sad departing but I was lucky to have ran the beginning with her. She started me off strong. After Shelly pointed out to me that Congress was a faster incline than the 8 mile stretch from 11-19 I was quickly convinced that I was in good shape after mile 8. Eh hem...after passing the split I was thinking how lucky I was to not have to run up the hill that the half marathoners had to...and then...I ran up a hill I was not expecting to be there. What?!?! I thought I was getting off lucky. Boy was I wrong. I ran hills during training runs in preparations but what I should have done was run all my runs in my hills (our neighborhood is super hilly - more hilly than the Austin Marathon). That would have prepared me for the killer hike between mile 11-17. Once I got to 17 it seems to taper off and felt like I was running on flat ground even though there was a slight incline. At mile 20 I took some ibuprofen (good call sissy) and hit the gas. I sprinted (well what felt like sprinting) I then reminded myself that I had 6 more miles which could be well over an hour. So I slowed myself down. When I had 3 miles left I hit the gas again and was flying past people. I wanted to do this because I knew for sure I would walk up the last hill at the race. BUT I didn't. I put Sail on by AWOLNATION and while listening to it 3 times in a row I ran up the hill to be greeted by my mother-in-law who saw me at mile 2, 8, 15 and finish (as was Shelly and Pops). They helped me so much by seeing them. In fact, they kept me going strong. A driving force to keep on running. Or as Shelly told me, "put one foot in front of the other." And of course my sissy reminding me to "do it for Hudson." Once I got to the hill and started to run down I saw my wonderful family. Kissed my baby and sprinted to the finish line. I was so unbelievably happy to finish. I finished in 5 hours and 24 minutes. I'm most definitely happy with that. 

Best part after finishing was taking a nap with my angel!

Thoughts on my experience? Was it fun? Yes. The beginning was haha. By mile 20 I was most definitely ready for it to be over. I joked by saying I'll never do another one again but there's more to that then just feeling super tired by the end or having a hard time during the race. And here's my reason why. That night and the day after (today) I could give Hudson my undivided attention. No stress of having to figure out when my next long run was going to be. How I was going to run a marathon and give all of the attention to Hudson that I want to give. That's what makes it hard. Every long run I was on I thought about Hudson the whole time. I wondered what he was doing even though he was sleeping. So...would I do it again? Maybe. Ask me in 10 years :). Do I think Hudson will be proud of his mommy one day? Yes. Overall it was an amazing experience to have done it by age 30 (another goal of mine - I have a lot of those haha). I can cross that off my list and fulfill another item. Check. 

Valentines Day 2014

A day most definitely worth mentioning :). I took Hudson to HEB to pick out a rose for mawmaw and sheeee (aunt Ashley). Bubba was excited to pick roses and he did NOT want to let them go. I had to tell him that once we got to the shop he could bring them in. I had to remind him several times he would get to hold them again (so he wouldn't break them on the way there). They were surprised and we also brought pawpaw some candy and a card. 

Then bubba and I headed back home for nap. We didn't tell dada what I had planned for the evening. I texted him the address to go to when he got off of work and asked him to meet bubba and me there. It was the Aquarium. It took Hudson and I awhile to get there. Traffic was bad but it was fun. 

Dada and bubba bought me flowers and a card and we went into the Aquarium. Bubba loved it. He LOVED the stingray tank. He grabbed our hands and told us to touch the stingrays. He was so cute. He loved splashing in the water. 

Bubba really loved the snake. Hope he doesn't think they are all cute. LOL. He actually looked into the snakes habitat and put his nose up against the window. The snake got close the glass and it didn't even phase him. 

Also "NEMO" was a huge hit :)

A wonderful Valentine's Day we had bubba. Daddy and I love you with our entire hearts!

Most Beautiful Day + Weekend Festivities

We had such a wonderful weekend. I'm going to start backwards by saying I had the most beautiful Sunday ever. Bubba and I woke up and snuggled on the couch. Then we made dada breakfast after letting him sleep in. I thought today was going to be beautiful and I needed to run one last long run. So I packed up bubba and took him to town lake close to his nap time. Started the run and bubba wanted to hold my hand. He's done that before. Sweetest thing ever. He reaches up through the back of the stroller and says' "hold Mommy's hand." And of course I hold It for as long as he wants me to. Love my angel! He fell asleep at mile 6 wearing no shoes. Letting the warm sun soak into his feet and the nice breeze push him over into dreamland. My plan was to run 13 miles but he woke up at mile 11 and drank the rest of my Gatorade :). I love this sweet face!!!!

Then I ran him back to the park. We put the stroller up and walked to the park. I'm glad I found a spot by the park because there's was no chance I was getting a spot to park where I normally do. There were sooooooo many people out enjoying the beautiful day. We walked past the playground. Hudson kept telling me he wanted to play. I told him we'll play but we have to get tickets for the train first. He then tells me I ride choo choo. Then bubba was sooooo good. We had to wait in line for tickets for at least 15 minutes which seems like forever in parenthood with a toddler. Standing in one place for 15 minutes is unheard of for Hudson. He stayed right by me and didn't try to run off or fuss. We got our tickets. Played for a little bit because the next train ride was in 40 minutes. We got ice cream and cheetos.

Once Hudson heard the train whistle he got ready to get on. Then as soon as the other passengers got off the train Hudson got on and sat down on the seat. He's never done that. He usually tries to run around the train or stand up. He was soooo good. He was ready to ride the choo choo. The train started to take off and bubba waived and said "bye kids." That was the CUTEST thing ever. Then any people he would see he would say, "bye people" and then turn to tell me that there were "people everywhere." He amazes me.

We played after the train and I didn't want to take him from the park on this beautiful day. It was soooooooooo wonderful. We headed home, picked up dada and headed to "nana pops house." I then took Karl on a date to our old date spot Garcias. It was a wonderful day.

Friday night we drove up to Dallas and stayed the night so we could squeeze in a visit with the sweet Clem family and then go to Ashley & Thomas' Dallas wedding shower put on by his awesome mom and aunt. Hudson also got to see snow for the first time. Well, real snow. Not like the ice that we get in Austin. He looked puzzled and was quickly over it because of how cold it was haha. Guess you could say he's an Austin boy :)

Saturday morning we headed to Chick Fil A to meet the Clem family. I'm not really sure the boys remember each other but it didn't take long for them to start playing. We also got to meet the ever so chill baby Deacon. He was such a good baby! Just calmly chilling on either mommy or daddy's lap. A few hours of chasing Hudson around we said our good byes and headed towards the airport to pick up mawmaw. I can't wait for the Clem family to move back to Austin. I loved getting to catch up but I'm ready to see Natalie more :) hehe.

Saturday night was the shower. Thomas' mom, Eyde, and aunt, Angela, threw an amazing shower. It was so much fun. Games for everyone. Great food and just a really great time. I'm so happy for Thomas and Ashley. Got to meet Thomas' family and friends. Can't wait for the awesome party of a wedding to come. It's going to be great.

We had a brief trip. Not even 24 hours. we drove home after the shower and got home late but not too late. It was perfect. Especially since we got to enjoy the one day this week of pretty weather in Austin.

This was a wonderful weekend. Definitely one for the books. I can't wait for more awesome weather in our future.

2 Year Photo Shoot

Right before Hudson's birthday my very talented friend Kristen asked if I'd like to have Hudson's 2 year photos taken since she would be in town. She's actually going to shoot my sister's wedding. She's sooooo good. Some people have the "eye" and she most definitely does. I absolutely LOVED the pictures she took of Hudson. I can't pick my favorite one. They are so cute! She asked me to bring some props and so of course I brought Hudson's 2 best pals, Woody and Buzz. We had a great time and I'm so happy the way they turned out. :) Every parent probably thinks this way but boy...that's one beautiful boy Karl and I made. He takes my breath away and leaves me forever stunned. 

My 2 Year Old Preschooler

I'm a little behind. Sorry! Baby Center sent me an email about my preschooler and it shocked me to see the word. Boy I can't believe my baby is a "preschooler." Just sounds so old haha.

What did we do for my angels wonderful day? First we had a check up at 8:30. Then we met up with Aunt Ashee and mawmaw at the shop to show off the birthday boy. Then mommy took the birthday boy to camp mabry to see airplanes! It was so cool.  We just checked in at the front. Pulled up to the airplanes and got to touch them. Bubba thought it was so awesome. He really wanted to get in them. Especially the helicopter.  They also had an outdoor gym so we were able to get our morning workout in. Check. 

After bubbas nap cousin Cameron stopped by to visit :). Hudson loves Cameron. We all call Cameron the baby whisperer. He's so cute. Quickly Hudson wanted Cameron to do everything with him. Even told Cameron to change his butt lol. We played with Cameron, watched Tarzan (a Hudson favorite - I mean watch 3 times a day kind of favorite) and then Cameron had to go home. 

That night we took bubba to Ghatti Town. He's only been there once so far. It's got his favorite things: pizza, cartoons, games and lots of kids. I wonder how long the pretend play will work on bubba but he think he's playing them all without us actually putting coins in or swiping a pre-loaded money card for any of them. It's so awesome to see his face light up with the most simple things. Daddy however played some games and won bubba a big green ball out a huge crane game. Bubba loved watching everyone play that game. He would say "oh man" or "oh no" when they had the ball and it dropped. He could have sat there all day I think.

Saturday our whole family came over to celebrate my two year old angel. We had gumbo, alien cupcakes, Toy Story cake (of course) and Toy Story everywhere. Perfect for my angel baby boy. Oh and balloons. Bubba looooooved his balloons. I knew he would. Such a cutie! 

We sang happy birthday to Hudson twice for technical difficulties on a camera (haha) and he had the biggest smile both times. He knows he's special. He's loved so much from all of us. You can see it in his face.

Loved watching bubba open his presents. All smiles and lots of wows and whoas. Such a sweetie. He loves everything. He also LOVES cake. He licked the icing off the side of his cake and then wanted to eat a cupcake before opening a single present. How could you stick a cake in front of him (to sing happy birthday) and he not get a slice? Not happening. Sugar ought to be this boys middle name.

All night he chased cousin Noah around. It's so cute to see them run around together and pretty much be inseparable. When one is missing the other asks where that one is. It's a sad parting but we know next time we visit it will be just as much fun if not more.

We are so lucky to have such an awesome 2 year old. Oh I'll write more on this but on his birthday party day Hudson started climbing out of his crib and coming out of his room. So you say? We have a 2 story home. This 2 year old started a whole new crazy adventure for us on his birthday party day. More to come on that soon.

Happy Birthday my sweet angel. You make mommy and daddy the happiest people in the world. We love you angle.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

I've got 15 days until Hudson's birthday to tell you what he's doing as a 2 year old so I want to add in this little bit....these are just a few of my favorite things.

Hudson hums to himself. It's the cutest thing ever. He'll be "playing with his choochoo" from pawpaw and mawmaw (got that for Christmas and is in love with it. He plays with it every day for hours) and he'll just start humming away. Just love his little personality that isn't little at all. Actually it's full of excitement. :)

When we took Hudson on a car ride to look at Christmas lights or on our many walks around the neighborhood to look at lights he would scream "LOOK! More lights!" Who ever needs anything in the world when you can watch your child get that excited for Christmas lights? AMAZING. We'd be driving along to go anywhere, as soon as he would see some Christmas lights he just yells, "Daddy Look! More lights." And not just one time. Several times. It is adorable.

His brain continues to amaze me. Hudson has started saying things like, "I go too" or "I want to eat too." Using "too" to me is out of this world. I know he's smart but how does he know that already? Saying, "I want to read book," "I play with choochoo," "I want to eat cheese," or "I play with Noah." This is so amazing to me. My favorite new thing is when I'm explaining something to him and I say, "you know why?" and he answers me with "why?" What!??! I'm not sure he fully understands what "why" means but the fact that he says that just blows my mind. It's the cutest thing ever. As a parent, there's nothing more exciting then looking into his eyes and seeing discovery and understanding. Those beautiful blue eyes know way more than I could ever imagine.

His talking has continued to increase so fast. Hudson will now repeat at least 1-2 words out of everything we say. Everything. I love asking him to read a book to me. He looks and me and wants to laugh then starts saying one of the words he remembers that I said with that book. It's so unbelievably cute.

Just love those baby blues he got from his daddy :)

Sleeping with "pillow on head" is one that makes me laugh. Yes, I've been a goof ball and up until he's 2 (not there yet) Hudson sleeps in his crib with no pillow or blanket. Just his zip up pjs. Why? Long story, so we'll skip it. However, now that he doesn't want to be rocked anymore and wants to lay in his big bed he wants the "pillow on his head." That's what he says when he's done reading bedtime stories and ready to go to sleep. He's probably getting me back for not letting him have a pillow lol but it's so funny. The sweet thing is, he wants my head under that pillow too so he can whisper "mommy I love you," wrap his arms around my neck or hold my hands as he falls asleep. My angel melts my heart.

These are just a few of my favorite things. This mommy is on cloud nine indefinitely.

Christmas 2013

You would think with having 2 weeks off from work that I would be able to keep up with this blog but the truth is I've touched a computer less, looked at Facebook, Instagram, etc less and just lived. It's. Been. Wonderful. So...here's me catching up now :)

After 3 rounds of a stomach bug and throw up on our Christmas Eve (picture to the left is on Christmas Eve...poor bubba wasn't in the mood for a family photo opportunity), Christmas morning brought sweet smiles, happiness and warmth. My poor bubba was sick on Christmas Eve and to see a smile on his face from something as simple as a green slinky made my day. All items in his stocking from santa and all presents from Santa each one bubba had a "whoa" "wow" "tool" (for cool). His sweet smile was awesome. Such a gracious gift recipient. He also told his daddy, "daddy I open present." Man this boy just gets smarter by the second! Watching him was the best part of my day...it's the best part of my life :).

Karl and I talked to Santa and had him deliver Woody and Buzz back in October this year. We wanted to make sure our little bubba got them. He's a Toy Story fanatic. When he opened up Buzz and Woody he had the biggest smile. Then played with them while we opened our gifts. It was awesome. Mission complete.

We weren't sure if we'd make Christmas morning but luckily there was no throw up over night and none in the morning. In fact, Hudson was ready to go. We packed up the truck and headed to PawPaw & MawMaw's house. It was so fun to see everyone. Hudson played santa and handed out the presents. He is so smart! Handing them to the right person most of the time. Aunt Brigette the elf would tell him who to give it to and then he would walk it over to them. He was so excited to do it. I believe one of his favorite parts at mawmaw and pawpaw's house was his kitchen cooking set from nanny. Hudson and Noah both played kitchen for awhile. It was so cute. We're always taking shots at what we think Hudson will be when he grows up. That morning..it was a chef.

After we opened our last gifts and loaded up our little monkey we headed to nana and pops' house. It got off to a funny start because Hudson didn't want to sit still. Can't blame him after being stuck inside all day the day before and not moving much. Then getting back to going 90 miles an hour to then sit still. He was ready to play outside. However, we were still able to enjoy a sweet time and open gifts and enjoy the great time with everyone. This was Liam's first Christmas. This year, Liam was taking notes, next year, he'll be a pro. Grandpa was pooped from all the excitement. One of Hudson's favorite parts at nana and pop's house? I think it's a tie with his ADORABLE rocking horse from aunt DD and uncle Patrick and his ever so cool work bench / tool set from nana and pops.

That evening we headed back to mawmaw and pawpaw's house to take a nap and eat Christmas dinner. After dinner we went down to nanny, James and Noah's house to play. The cousins had a great time. Hudson's catching up to being able to do what Noah can do. They love to play together. Watch movies together, protect each other and always love on each other. Two sweet boys who are becoming more and more like best buds. It's the best thing ever.