Halloween!

I love Halloween!  It's a very close second to Christmas for my favourite season...  This was Reed's first Halloween... he had a "SUPER" time...

'Twas the night before and we're carving the pumpkins!

 

 "I'm helping with these guts." 

 

 It's Halloween morning!  Who's excited?!!  Probably not Pearl's favourite day, all these strangers walking up our path, ringing the door, dressed up (she has been known to freak out over weird hats and certainky masks!).

At the local community Halloween party with cousins Felix and Jasper, (Superman, Fire Chief and Monkey) playing a game of Ring Toss on the Witche's Hat,

Little Superman checking it all out... 

 

 

A couple more tries...

 

 

 

And after all that a nap is in order, here he is just waking up from a super nap, even superheroes need to rest up after a big day!! 

 

 

 

 

Fall beginings...

So I have officially quite the Insanity program AGAIN, for the 4th time now... I had forgotten to bring the dvds to Hawaii and it's pretty hard to get back into it after 2 weeks off.  But I am glad I tried it out, I lost that pesky last 5 lbs, just because it was such a different form of working out, my body was shocked.  I am back to being my lightest weight and feeling pretty happy about it.  It took a lot longer than I thought, 10mos, but it was just as a friend of mine suggested that with breastfeeding my body is holding onto a survival 5lbs, so now that nursing is pretty minimal, only mornings and evenings, (except the days I don't work... then it's also before 2 naps) I guess I have dropped that little extra! 

And to be honest, I haven't really done much exercise period in about a month, very sporadic, very whatever.  Which is fine, because I have been trying to find my groove as I start back working.  It's pretty tough though... morning workouts are kinda out, because it's too dark and trecherous outside to run (we snow and ice covering all sidewalks and pathways... it's only October... yuck) and when I get home from school I want to spend the evening with Reed, all the time I can, and after bedtime it's dark again! 

Now I promised myself I would never use the excuse of "It's too hard to exercise with work and being a mom."  I just don't think it's a valid one, what could more important than the health and happiness (and sanity!) of a mother and wife?  Nothing. 

So November is upon us (Happy Halloween btw!) and it's time to get serious.  Set a goal, make a plan, and execute! 

I have a goal = Spring marathon (most like Calgary, maybe Vancouver or Ottawa...).  Time goal, around 3hours would be great.

I have a plan = start back running consistently next week (45min is now a bit of a struggle!! it's true fitness drops rapidly after 2 weeks!) build up to comfortable 2hours by January with 4-5 runs a week (other runs ranging 1-1.5 hours), with possible xtraining options (I checked the local masters swim club last week, it was fine, but it starts at 9pm!!  That is near impossible for me!).  Then add speed and tempos and build to 20miles long run, with only 3-5 runs a week, quality focus.

Execute = get a treadmill and get going! 

As soon as I set this all down, I immediately felt better about myself. 

Happy Running!

Hawaii!

Two week holiday.  I don't think I have ever gone on a two week holiday!  It was a fantastic trip.  I could do a long post, but I won't, I just don't have the time, or maybe it's the energy to describe every day filled with sun, beaches, tropical flowers, pool relaxing, wonderful dinners, wine sipping, chip eating, followed by hot runs, hanging with friends and family... oh the hardships of my life!!

Oh and Colin did an Ironman ... the Ironman. 

The story will unfold with some pics...

Here is the famous swim start.  I am standing on the pier, looking at the small section where thousands of athletes will enter for the swim start.  It is pretty amazing how small this area is, the transition zone etc.  Every morning, and then through the day also, athletes are there doing their swims.  We went atleast every second day, the place we stayed at was well out from main Kona, further north about 40min drive.  It was a real treat to be in a more relaxed space, nice to go down and take it all in, but then equally nice to getaway from it all.  Otherwise we would just swim from the beaches near us.  It turns out I'm quite a chicken swimming in the ocean... maybe not a chicken, I felt more like giant shark bait... I practically swam directly ontop of Colin.

Here is happy baby.  And for the most part, Reed was a seasoned traveller.  He did well flying, mostly slept.  He did well time adjusting, just a few very early morning wakeups.  He did well being pushed around in the stroller, just hung out in his diaper mostly to battle the heat.  He did well at the beach, as long as he had someone to take walking (he is obsessed with walking). 

 A couple of sleeping baby.  There is really nothing like a sleeping baby... Reed was such a trooper during the trip, catching catnaps on the go (not ideal, but essential when traveling).

 

Colin with an under-rated inspiring Canadian athlete.  Colin at one time fretted that people would think we named our son after Peter Reid... really?  I like triathlon and all, but I'm not that much of a tri-geek!  I have not resorted to using FB as a training log (I use my blog for that...!), and I do enjoy doing other sports and talking about other interests, ... I don't even have a TT bike!  And I don't use a heart rate monitor!!  GASP!  I actually saw the name in the newspaper one day... CEO or something of Netflicks... so maybe it would be a nicer story afterall to tell Reed he was named after a national athlete hero.... 



 

 

Race morning, down at the swim start with Colin's parents. 

 

 

 Spectating is exciting business!

 

Cheering for daddy!

 

 

 After the race, we are trying to get a smile from Reed... but poor little babe, had a very long day, with no real naps, he wasn't having that lei around his neck!  Unfortunately Dolly and I didn't see Colin cross the line, which was a bummer, but there was no way I could bring our huge Bob stroller down through those crazy crowds, it was packed.  We stayed up the way, where we had a patch of grass in the shade and saw him run into town, which worked out great, the rest of the fam and friends were cheering him at the finish line.  He finished in a time 9:54.36, which is just amazing, it was considered to be a tough day, with bad surf and big crosswinds and of course the heat!  He again biked conservatively, but again was able to run well, a 3:18 marathon in that crazy heat! 

 Here we are at the banquet, left Reed home asleep with the grandparents and enjoyed a night out, by ourselves.  Which surprisingly was a awesome time.  I really enjoyed the show, then the awards, and speeches ... I even found myself thinking about doing another Ironman... maybe before I turn 40...

Colin actually had more than one beer!  He had 4! I had to document it.  Maybe it had something to do with the fact that they were free....

So we are now home, and as is always the case I was happy to be home.  However, went out for a run the next day and suddenly it started to snow!  And now we are stuck with almost 15cm of the stuff!  It's only October!!  I think it will be a long winter....

Lots of changes..

It is Fall and change is everywhere ... the leaves, the sunlight, the temperatures, the ... you know all the Fall clichés...

At our home there have been lots of changes also, and I'm happy to say they have all been for the good!

Firstly, although probably not most importantly, I have started something (well for the third time) that I am almost embarassed to admit, however, I am slightly proud of also...

But I must start with a story...

Picture this...

I was about 12 weeks pregnant, living in Vancouver, all my by myself, Colin had already moved to Calgary for his training, it was a Sunday afternoon, or maybe Saturday, not sure...  I was sitting on the couch, eating out of a pot, a whole package of Lipton Sidekicks... yes, I did eat the whole pot, 4 servings of pure sodium heaven... cravings were still at a high and instead of the normal recommended couple of pounds for the first trimester I had already packed on 13lbs, I was feeling pretty low, very gross and very sorry myself, oh did I mention constant nausea?  It seems the only fix for that was chips and donuts...

Anyways, sitting on the couch, cuddling with Pearl, flipping through the channels, and I happened upon an info-mercial .... it was for a program called Insanity, from the makers of P90x, it was a 60 day program promising ripped results.  I was mesmorized for about an hour, and probably another half bag of Hint O' Lime Nacho chips (another pregnancy favourite!!) and then I bit hard, I went online and ordered!  I have never done anything like that in my life, and probably never will again, but about a week later it arrived in the mail.  I was pumped to start, although I had to wait months and months.

(Here is the link... warning if you watch the video, you'll be tempted to buy in!!)
http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity.do

Skip ahead many months and the birth of one son...

I was 3 weeks post partum, and beyond excited to get exercising to lose the disgusting amount of weight I had gained.  I had heard all the advice from other moms, from my midwife, and from the endless drivel I read on the internet, but was throwing it all aside, because I knew better!  I didn't need to wait 6 weeks to exercise, that was for the general population, not me!  So one morning, I announced to Colin I was starting my Insanity program!  Down to the basement I went, and emerged about 40min afterwards feeling good!  I was jazzed after having done it, felt a little weak, and very sweaty, but jazzed!  And it was definitely as hard as they had said it was, I had never done any kind of workout like it.  It's pretty much 40 min of various forms of jumping and pushups,as fast as you can go.

Needless to say, in less than 5 hours I was prone on the couch and unable to walk for about a week, I came down with a flu and developed a mastitis in my boob from the effort I had exerted just 3 weeks after having a baby... what was I thinking!!!? 

Well, I started the program again in August and got 2 weeks into it, until I threw my back, a combination of intense down ups and lifting an almost 30lbs baby all day.  So now I am in my 3rd attempt, I really do like it, it is unlike anything I have ever done, it's fast and extremely intense, and you do see very fast results (no I am not paid by Beachbody to say this!!). 

I am however taking a more middle of the line approach, I don't always do a workout everyday, and I am doing some running in between.  Why you ask?

Because I am now officially a working mom!!  So not a lot of time to workout, and I've been doing my workouts when Reed has gone to bed, so that's a big change, definitely more of an early riser rather than a night hawk, so keeping motivation up after dinner is hard.

I have been back at work for the past couple weeks, doing subsitute teaching, and it has been a lot easier to transition than I had anticipated.  We have a wonderful dayhome, where Reed is getting more and more comfortable everyday.  Although we only bring him there about 3x week, with Colin's schedule and helpful grandparents around, Reed has plenty of people to hang with when mommy is working.  I am however doing many half days, so that has made the transition for my part much more tolerable.  It's not easy to drive away when you leave your first born child crying in the arms of someone else... but I am told he cries for less than five minutes then is happy playing with the other kids. 

So lots of changes, and all for the good. 

Ironman Canada - A Spectator's Report

It's been a week since we were back from the beautiful Okanagan.  Sine I moved out West, I have gone to that region at least once in the summer, I have lots of great memories, and don't think I ever want a summer to go by without a trip there.

We stayed with some friends, who have a 20mos old and a 4 week old (!!) in a beautiful house, a little farther than normal, on a vineyard in Naramata.  It was a Colin's and I big treat vacation, we stayed for 10 days and I've realized once again that the only way I can actually relax is if I get away from my home ... otherwise I can't truly settled down, I'm always running around doing something, chores, cleaning, organizing, putting away, planning etc etc.

I was very nervous to go away, as we had just started mastering the bedtime, and naptime routines and I wasn't too keen on how the change was going to affect Reed's sleeping.  (Another blog to follow on the Crib Chronicles... aka kicking Reed out of our bed!)
However, I'm not sure whether it was something in the air, the new stimulation of having other babies around... but he slept wonderfully!  Another reason it was a true holiday, I got to sleep through the night and downtime like clockwork for naps!  Awesome!

The lead up to this Ironman seemed different than ones in the past, Colin just seemed more focused and determined than ever to do it right.  I truly am amazed by his consistent work ethic, he is a man who doesn't complain and just gets the work done, day in and day out. 

He did more research and more 'consulting' and questioning with experienced friends, pros and coaches (he actually did hire famous coach Phil Skiba, after reading his two books, to look over his training plans), he was determined to finish the race running strong.  And did he ever.  I am so proud of him.

Race morning, our Colin Cheer Squad, woke up sleeping babes and trucked down to see the mass start (that will be missed when the Challenge takes over, nothing like thousands of athletes charging off the beach into the water all at once!).  Here I tried to capture the swim, but I'm a little too short.

It is super awesome, the energy of Ironman.  I love it.  I've only done one, and I think I can safely say I prefer to watch than compete (although I did say to myself as I was watching the emotional finish, that I would try another one before I hit 40). 

Colin came out of the water in 59.25, so we were relieved, so far so good, and now we had about 5hrs to kill before we would see him again.  We all went back to the house, for naps and food.

Reed and I came back to town to see the pros come back into town, we had a picnic together (I admit that although I prefer giving Reed real food that I have prepared, he did eat a lot baby food from a jar that trip, just so much easier when you're traveling out and about). 

Colin's bike split was 5:18, which is a bit on the slow side, but I knew he was playing it very safe, and his number one goal was to be able to run the marathon.  He came off the bike in 77th and so he had lots of work to do on the run.

Those three hours waiting for him to come in are the most agonizing, you just have no idea how he is doing out there and I'm hoping and hoping and sending out good thoughts and wishes, and I did get an update text from a friend that he ran through the half way just over 1:30, that was a relief.  But if the wheels were going to fall off typically it happens after the halfway mark...

Going out on the run...

At the finish line we watched the pros come in (it was pretty funny, that Gillian Clayton first female pro, who got all the finsh-line hype and the drama, didn't actually win the race... an age grouper won!) and it seemed like an eternity watching that last corner, looking for Colin to come round for the final 2k stretch out and back to the finish.  Every athlete in a black tri suit got my nerves up, until he did make that corner.  He had run himself into 35th place, awesome!  He looked not really his self, we could tell he was suffering, and all focus and energy was put into keeping the legs going.  Much to my disappointment he didn't even see Reed and I screaming and jumping for joy, just eyes on the prize for him, get across that line.

He finished 9:42.  And he was so close to being in the 9:30s that it's no surprise he feels a little cheesed about biking so conservatively.  But he did say that he did the best he possibly could have on the day (especially the run - he ran a 3:18 marathon!).

Next day, it was rolldown, he came 6th in his category, and there were 4 spots to Kona.  Luckily, two people ahead of him didn't come out and claim their spots, so we're all going to Kona for 2 weeks in October!  Colin's parents and mine as well!  One more Ironman, then we'll take an Ironman break.  Next year is all about shorter races and less training structure.  I will do lots of xcountry running and a spring marathon, maybe a trail ultra...?  I want desperately to get a treadmill, so I can run in the basement when Reed is in bed at night during the cold, dark winter.

I digress...

I want to celebrate my husband's success and wish him all the very best next month in Kona!  I can't wait to see him race again... and I can't wait to enjoy Hawaiian beaches...!

Just some random pics..

This one beautifully captures many of the fat rolls... along with the constant drool.

Daddy and Reed at Dolly's 60th bday

Mud Hero, I got free entry, it was a fun course, but a major cash grab!

Down by the river

Heart of the Rockies Triathlon

And you definitely knew you were in the Rockies, during this course!  This race is small and homegrown, it has a laid back feeling and filled with love and care because it's someone's pride and joy; it was started by Bruce Stroud who has been the race directed for over 30 years, this race is challenging and fun, I would come back for sure.

This past weekend, I went on a wee road trip with my mom and Reed to Invermere BC.  The drive was spectacular, we took a little (unintentional) scenic detour in Banff National park, and saw a giant moose grabbing lunch by the side of the road.  We stopped for a nice little picnic and took out time, Reed was super great the whole drive. 

Invermere is situated by Windermere Lake and is just about one of the cutest little towns I've ever been in.  It just screams summer-living.  Cafes, bakeries, patios and specialty shops along the main street are painted in bright inviting colours and highlighted with baskets and pots teeming with beautiful flowers. 

We arrived Saturday afternoon and after enjoying the town with a coffee and a stroll, we tried to find where you pick up the race kit.  This proved to be a bit more of a challenge than expected.... so after a few sharp words blaming the other one, we asked someone and found the place. 

That night we had dinner at a place called The Black Forest, which was all done up in Bavarian/German style, complete with waiters in laderhosen and huge plates filled with spatzel, cabbage, and schnizel!

Lemons!

Woke up Sunday morning, not exactly well-rested, looked outside and guess what I saw.... cloudy, rainy morning!  Of course!

8 o'clock start, so no big rush.  Arrived in the transition zone, set up my gear and was realizing just how small this race was.   I was all ready to go at 730, and went to nurse Reed before I hit the water, only to realize he decided to have a huge blow out in his diaper.  So grandma had to leave and get him changed, she consequently missed the race (better to hang out in a nice dry hotel room!) but they came back and saw me finish.

Rainy race morning!

The swim was a straight out and back.  Early on I caught some feet, it was a good pace, but I'm not sure he was sighting very well, it seemed we were zigzaging quite a bit.  But passing took way too much energy, and my swim form is certainly not so great right now...

The bike course takes you immediately up.  You climb out of town, and it was one of those courses where on the way out I was saying "Ok, all I'm doing is climbing, so the way back is going to be smooth sailing downhill!"  But then when I turned around, I just kept waiting for all those downhills, but seemed to be just doing more climbing...  At the turn around I was able to see that there were 3 women ahead of me.  My legs just don't seem to have that dig deep and pound on the pedals. 

I was however enjoying myself.  Despite the crappy weather, at least it wasn't cold, and this was my very last race, I had worked very hard to get myself into some sort of racing form.  I kept telling myself that eventhough I was in 4th place (one away from $) I had to be proud of all the hard work I had put in after having Reed.  Training had only started in February, and it was seriously started from ground zero!  Hadn't trained the bike in over a year, swimming had been all easy and running was slow, although I was able to keep it up until 33 weeks. 

I also had been thinking about all the workouts I insisted on doing and being consistent since Reed was 6 weeks old.  In retrospect it was the best thing for us all.  For me, I got to get out, get a break from Reed and get some very beneficial exercise, best natural remedy I'd say to beat those baby-blues.  For Reed, it gave him an opportunity to bond with other people in his life, daddy and grandparents.  It has made him very used to being with others and away from mommy, even if it was only for an hour or two a couple times a week, knowing that I will be back. 

Then the run.  Well the person who dreamed up this course was having a good chuckle.  It was literally 8km uphill and then 2km downhill.  You wound yourself up the backside of the hill that leads out of town along pathways, all little burner hills.  It was impossible to get into a rhythm, but I was feeling good, and was passing people.  It was 45min but I feel like that was a really good time for how hard it was.

I came across the finish line, not really knowing how I did, there were other races going on so hard to tell.  My mom, Reed and I went back to the hotel, got to love late check out, I had a wonderful shower and then we strolled around downtown, got a coffee and a giant muffin/cake.  And headed back for the awards. 

It turned out I came 3rd woman and won $200.  A very distant 10min+ 3rd, but I made the podium... if there was a podium.  This is me, very happy 3rd, and very proud momma.  It's a funny pic, because the race director is "moving right along" but "I'm not going anywhere until I get my 3rd place picture!"

I am done with triathlons for the summer, but I have other races planned, since running is going well and it's a lot easy to do one sport than three!  This Sunday I got offered a free entry to Mud Hero, an obstacle run, on a ranch outside of Canmore, looks like fun, I've never done anything like this!

Then I plan on doing Calgary Roadrunners trail race series, a 10k in Canmore in October and then the Last Chance Half in November.  Then maybe if all goes well a spring marathon!

Great White North = Great Cold Rainy North

I think I am getting soft in my old age, I just don`t seem to be able to suffer like I used to, but I finished. And that unto itself was an accomplishment in my eyes.

It was another rainy, cold triathlon weekend.  Why can`t we catch a break, it just really isn`t nearly as much fun racing in the rain as it is in the sun. 

Overall, it was a very fun weekend getaway.  It was an exceptionally well-run race, organized very similarly to an ironman, with all the different gear bags, and wrist bands and tons of volunteers to help you at every moment.

But the fun for me is in the race atmosphere, the people, the vibe, the energy, the loud speakers, the music, the hype, the positivity - Steve King as announcer, the best!  Although I think he said as I was heading onto the run course that I was having the ``race of a lifetime``... not quite Steve, not quite...)

So after a couple cry sessions in the car on the drive down, again we stopped for a super nice picnic outside of Edmonton, we arrived in Stony Plain (actually we stayed in Spruce Grove 20min outside). 

Race weekend for us has become a very different affair.  With Reed, there is just so much more to think about and get organized.  Race morning I was again more concerned with making sure everything was in order for him, it`s a long race, but now that he`s eating solids it`s easier for everyone.  I admit I did go with the store bought baby food in a jar, seriously nothing wrong with it, just be careful to buy the stuff with no sugar or salt added, ie. blueberries vs blueberry dessert.  I got him bananas and sweet potato, his favourites! 

On race morning, I almost didn't start.  It was a miserable morning.  And I just didn't like the  idea of 5ish hours racing in crap.  Also the idea of little Reed out there too, althoough he would be covered and bundled in his BOB.  But when the grandparents said they would be going back to the hotel room with him, I felt much better.  I rallied and set up my stuff in transition.  See, I'm kinda becoming a mental baby...

Water was warm, so my sleeveless wetsuit did the trick just fine.  I swam alright.  Considering I only get in one maybe two swims a week, on my own, I can't complain.  It was a mass start, which is always fun, men and women duking it out altogether.  My waterpolo days have seasoned me to not back down from any swinging elbows or flailing feet!  During the second loop, I found I was competing for the same feet with someone... "Hey, I recognize those feet...!"  It was Colin.  I let him go and tried to stay on his, I admit I was doing a bad job of not touching him, it was just so congested, I was banging him, swimming on his legs etc.  He knew it was me too, not many women in sleeveless out there.

Swim = 30min ish.  Ok, not bad. But certainly on the slow side.

Out on the bike, I struggled.  I have only about 3 rides of over an hour... never more than 60k.  I did all short hard stuff on the trainer, so out there for a 90k ride was certainly pushing the limits on my fitness.  I also struggled with the part of my brain that was coming up with great reasons why I should quit... too cold, frozen hands that couldn't even shift gears, wishing I was cuddling with Reed in a warm hotel room, it doesn't matter if I don't finish, everyone is passing me (that's the downside of mass start, the men just blow by you in droves during the bike ... also got passed by quite a number of girls... there were some fast ladies competing ... Danelle Kabush, Annette Kamenz, Tanya Salamon, Kelly Lynn Marcotte... who had a great race!), headwind, etc etc.

But by 60km and the turn around I was starting to bounce back.  Not sure why, I guess I just started to force positive happy thoughts instead.  I finally started to not accept any speeds below 30km/hr and trying to keep my average above 33km/hr.  I almost did it, ending by averaging 32.9. 

Bike = 2:44 and change.  Not bad, not great, but I felt strong still and was pumped to run, if I could run around an hour and half, it could still turn out to be a not too bad race...

I started out awesome, the first 5k in 21min.  I was passing many of the guys who blew by on the bike, which felt super fanstastic!  No stomach issues, and still smiling and thanking the volunteers and wishing competitors good luck as we passed each other.  I can gauge how good I'm feeling by the amount I will interact with others on course...  Anyways I stopped looking at my watch, which may have been a mistake.  But like so many others, the wheels just fell off in the last 4k, my leg turn over just wouldn't pick up anymore.  I lost about 5min in those last kms. 

Run = 1:40.  I can't be upset about that. 

I am re-learning about the things to appreciate in racing.  It can't all be about posting awesome splits.  When the time and training have not been optimum, you have to find others parts to keep you motivated.   Like how lucky I am even to toe-the-line, after having a baby 6mos ago, I certainly proved it to myself that racing and getting in shape are in the realm of possible.  I lost all the baby weight (a very very big motivator!!) and can comfortably race again.  I may not be "crushing" it but I am getting it done!

I am super happy about the whole weekend.  We stayed for the awards and banquet and hung out with friends and met new friends.  I came 8th overall women and 2nd in my age category, and even got a nice little plaque...

Colin race = FANTASTIC!!  He had a super great race!  I am so proud and happy for him.  He came 6th, against a tough field.... just out the of money ... bummer....  He had the 2nd fastest run split overall, only 2min slower than none other than the amazing Jeff Symonds!!  He did 4:12 overall time, and ran a smokin' 1:20.  He had even been conservative on the bike, in order to have good legs to run on.  All part of his ironman prep.  He will kick ass in Penticton! 

Next race for me in a week.  Heart of the Rockies.  Then that's all for me, just going to be #1 fan for my hubby!!

Underwater Swimming!

This was actually his third underwater swim, the first two times was with Patti, a seasoned baby swim instructor at the pool. 

He was pretty close to tears, but rallied and it turned out to be a great time! 

The Bouncer Part Deux

A clip of Reed getting his jig on.   It's early run training! 

Food Glorious Food!

As it is officially Reed's 6mos bday today, he has been venturing into the realm of food!  Glorious food!  We started him with a bit of rice cereal, just because it's easy - easy on the digestion system and easy to make.  Plus they are fortified with iron (so it didn't make sense to make my own) and this is the one concern at 6 months, their iron stores are low, so pick foods rich in iron.  The ones where you just add breastmilk, are good, nothing more than rice (and iron).  The ones where you only add water are convenient but they also contain milk products, which didn't make sense to me, since you aren't supposed to introduce cow's milk until way later.... our midwife told us 2 years, although Alberta Health says 9months - 12months.

In the first three days of sampling, he let us know that he knew what he was doing when it comes to chowing down.  Next stop on the food train, was the irrestible sweet potato (or is it yam?) and boy that was way better than boring cereal!  He has been gobbling it down, we actually have to stop as he would far exceed the recommended 1 tbsp per feeding in the first attempts of a food. 

Some friends (thanks Paula and Jeff!) have lent us their baby bullet, and I've been bulleting away!  Next is carrots, then peas or zucchini. 

Here is his first try at cereal, he immediately goes for the bowl (probably more because it's bright orange!) and takes control of the spoon (we have been letting him play with his spoon for a while now in preparation).

I had to upload in two parts... by the end, of course the cereal was everywhere, because we just gave him the bowl and spoon and left him to his own devices...

Reed's First Weekend Getaway - Mom's First Race

Last weekend we went to Cranbrook, to do the Wasa Lake olympic tri.  I cannot tell you how nice it was to getaway.  As a mom of a 6month old, I am definitely feeling the effects of staying home!  Lately there is a lot of house-boundness, as I am trying to get Reed on a nap "schedule", it's hard to be out when it's nap time.  Reed is one of those kids who just doesn't seem to want to nap, he needs a lot of help to get to sleep, he just doesn't want to miss out!  So I read, in cases like these you need to do all that you can to get your baby to sleep.  For us, it means lying down on the bed beside him, and letting him nurse to sleep.  Not exactly the best solution ... but the best advice I ever got from my birthing instructor was "Don't worry about the next step, or the next day, if it works for you today, do it."  I like that, because it seems you spend your time worrying about the next thing, but by the time it comes around, it just seems to happen all by itself anyways.  (So our next steps are: Reed sleeping the whole night in his crib and taking nap in his crib... if I wanted to worry about something...!)

Anyways, the drive took a little over 5 hours with a couple stops along the way.  We had a beautiful picnic lunch somewhere in the Purcell mountains, I think.  Our car was jammed packed - both of our tri gear, two bikes, Reed's stuff, and baby's have a lot of stuff! And Pearl was somewhere in there too!  We couldn't fit the stroller, that had to come with the grandparents.  We need a bike rack for sure.

The last 30km was a nightmare, Reed had had enough of the trip, he wailed and wailed, and mom and dad sat in silent agony for 40min. 

After a couple of awkward sleeps in a double bed with a baby, we decided to not even try to bring the pack'n play since we knew he would end up in our bed anyways, we were super excited to race Sunday morning.  The weather was crap, cold and rainy, but we neither of us had been in a tri for 2 years now, so we were loving the anxious excited energy of race morning. 

Skip to the race....

Due to the cold water temp - 13degrees!  Are you kidding me!!?  The swim was cut in half.  I was pissed about this.  Swimming is my strength, it's where I get to put a little distance between me and those crazy good cyclists and runners!  I had also rented a wetsuit with arms, since I only own sleeveless, I hate wetsuits, I never feel comfortable in them, my arms and shoulders feel tight and restricted, every rotation feels like I'm wearing weights on my wrists, getting my elbows and hands out of the water is struggle.  I absolutely hate them.  But 13 degrees, is another story!

So my swim was very mediocre, actually pretty sucky.  My arms immediately felt tired and every stroke was tiring, couldn't relax, couldn't stretch out.  Came out of the water in 4th or 5th, ran up from the beach and as I heard someone yell out: "Watch out, very slippery!".  My legs shot out and I went down hard on my tailbone.  WOW!  It was a moment from America's Funniest Videos, but since it was my tailbone, not very funny!  I writhed around on the ground, a nice lady was helping me, trying to get me to come and sit down, but as I watched what seemed like 20 women (probably only 3) run past me, I just asked her to help me up and I hobbled in T1. 

The excess adrenaline from the fall made me stumble and fumble through a very long transition.  Hands were numb from the swim, couldn't get my helmet on, couldn't get my sunglasses on (although no sun was visible!), couldn't buckle up my race bib.  It was terrible.  All the while, the time ticks away and my swim split gets slower and slower...  There ends my terrible swim excuses.

The bike was also pretty mediocre.  I just didn't seem to have much power.  My endurance seemed fine, I could go steady no problem, but as soon as I got to a little rise in the road, power just dropped off.  In retrospect that is totally from all the tempo riding I have done on the trainer, just steady-state stuff.  I had only done two outdoor sessions of hills, so it makes sense.  My back also felt a little off, every so often I would feel a twinge of pain if I shifted to a different spot.

Never have I been passed by so many women, I slipped to 9th spot.  I got passed on hills, it was pretty demoralizing, but kept repeating to myself, "I will try and catch them on the run." 

T2 was much better, but as I came off the bike, my back did a big seize, and I thought "Oh crap, I can't run!"  But again, as I saw another girl whiz into T2 I went on auto-pilot and pulled on my shoes and exited to the run course. 

Legs and feet were numb from the cold.  It is such a bizarre feeling to run on legs you can't feel.  I ended up being able to turn the legs over quite quickly at first and got away from that other girl.  I was running pretty well.  I have to say it was a different feeling, usually I swim great, bike well and then run ok.  But this race was opposite. 

As I came to about 6k, I saw Colin and he said I was about 20sec behind two girls, so that was super motivating.  He failed to mention that there was a girl hot on my heels....

I passed by two women, then in the last 400m a girl zoomed by me, obviously her strategy, I had no opportunity to respond.  So I ended in 8th.

If you asked me 2 years ago how this race went, I would have said - sh-**ty.  But having had a baby less than 6 months ago, I have to say - Amazing!

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PS  Reed had a fine time hanging out with grandma and grandpa McArthur during the race.  He didn't know it, but he was cheering mommy and daddy on.  And enjoyed the drive home, eventhough he slept the whole way!

PPS  Colin had a good race also.  He also finished in eighth.  With some bad transitions also and a slow start to his run, he is still overall happy knowing that it is good fitness and good preparation IMC.

PPPS  My tailbone is badly bruised.  I have had to take it easy.  Painful to even bend over.  I can't run yet, and swimming doesn't work either.  I have done a bit of bike trainer.  So who knows how long this injury will keep me down... I am trying to be optimistic.  I have Great White North half at the end of the month to try and focus on.

Before and After - It Ain't Much... But It's A Start!

I have a new passion.  Gardening.  I love it.  Maybe more than triathlon right now, but I am definitely more excited about waking up and checking on my little babies growing in the yard.

We had a pretty small budget for beautifying our property, but the yards had never been touched in the 30 years our house has been standing, but I was determined to plant something!  This is our first house, I've never had a yard, but I always knew I would get into gardening someday....

So I started in early March, bought everything I needed to grow seedlings, which seemed to be the cheapest way to start a garden.  In our front (east facing) window, I had some annuals and also decided on some perrenials as well as some herbs growing, and I tended them with such care, every morning Reed and I would check them out to see what was growing, I love it!  Let me preface all this by saying - I have no idea what I'm doing.  I read a couple books, and have been following a couple good local gardening blogs, but really I have no clue!

For annuals, I got fast-growing flowering beauties: cosmos and morning glories (my mom later gave me a bunch of left over nasturtiums), then a whack of perrenial flowers (or so it says on the package....): columbine, lupins, shasta daisy and bee balm (which is proving to be a little slow-growing, must be doing something wrong).  I didn't plant all the seeds I had bought, thinking that I would staright sow the ones that said they grew easily from seed, like black-eyed Susan, and Everlasting Pea. 

Now, I had also planned on buying store annuals, for the planters out back and front.  Because, I am fully aware that I may never see a flower on any of these little tender seedlings!  I planted those too early (May long weekend), and spend the next week or so pulling the pots inside and covering the barrels with sheets overnight!  Lessons learnt, don't plant until June around here.

Here are the BEFORE pics.  We have been having pretty crap weather, cold and rainy.  Yesterday, I decided to put some of my little babies into the front bed and then severe thunderstorms hit us.  Even a tornado not  too far away!  Crazy weather here in the foothills. 

You can play Where's Waldo - Where's Pearl...?

 The front of our house.  I planted (a friend bought me some) hostas, and some other unknown perennials she divided from her garden.  I will be adding my wee little seedlings around, hoping for some flowers...  PS most of our budget went towards the soil needed to build / give nutrients to this dirt!

 A closer look

 Planted a couple of pots.  Left one, geraniums, pansies and nicotania.  Right one petunias (which have been cut back in hopes of fuller growth).

 You can't even see the seedlings - herb garden: chives, basil, and thyme.

 We have had one hummingbird so far.  The feeder has been out for 3 weeks now, I think this bird has flown!

 Our side stoop, off the kitchen, going to the backyard.  Two pots of geraniums on left, and seedlings getting hardened off on right.

 This bed on the right, will require lots more soil, so I may have to plants these (the divided perennials) into pots until next year.

 There are three barrels.  This one I tried to use to cover Pearl's fave pee-patch.  Here she is telling me "It ain't gonna work!".  It's a barrel full of (cut-back) petunias, beside a little pot of impatiens.

 This barrel of impatiens is sick.  Yellow leaves with whitish spots...

 Mixed barrel = pansies (my new fave), marigolds, nicotania, ivy geranium, and the little white flower, I forget the name, reminiscent of baby's breath....

 A little hokey idea I saw on a blog, hang old mason jars along ugly fence, or here old ugly garage trellis.  They have nasturtiums growing.

 And finally after 3 weeks, the bare patch of dirt, where the shed used to sit, is showing signs of the grass I planted.

And there is my garden in early June!  Can't wait to see what will thrive and how it will look in a month!

More pictures...

Here are few recent pics, I don't think we take any pictures without Reed in them anymore... it's all about the baby!

Auntie Margie (Colin's sister)

Grandma Dolly at the bbq we had for my sister visiting (she's in the background)

Grandma Dolly

Another one from after the Mother's day race

And another...

Reed

And Reed ... again!