I feel like the last few weeks in August passed so quickly and before I realized it, we had entered the -ber months...my favorite time of year. The end of August had many activities -- my race in Roswell, a wedding shower, a baby shower, a cold (boo!), a trip to the zoo, toddler time at the museum...the list goes on and on.
I had a great time at my recent half marathon. I learned a lot about myself and about races. 1) If it is a night race, don't expect the whole course to have lights -- it became scary/interesting the last few miles 2) don't overdo it on the energy gels 3) be sure to eat before the race and not walk around for the few hours leading up to the race -- if you can help it 4) find a friend to run with and spend a couple of hours chatting away 5) listen to your body but also tell your body to lock it up and finish. This was the first time I have ever really RUN the last mile -- as opposed to jogging to the finish line. I put in my earbuds, asked Cheryl did she mind if I took off (haha -- she also took off -- our take off speeds are different. She finished a bit ahead of me) and off I went. It was probably my fastest mile. Well, 1.1 miles. I passed a lady on the bridge about .4 miles before the finish line -- she looked like she was in pain and I felt awful passing her, but I could not be stopped. I didn't quite make my goal -- but that's ok. I really did learn a lot and I can't wait for my next race. Fall races are sure to be awesome thanks to the fabulous weather.
 |
| LtoR: Cheryl, Jessica and me |
 |
| post-race |
Harper has been learning so much -- and she is just so active. She will be on the table or the counter in a matter of seconds. Climbing rocking chairs is a passion of hers. She still loves shoes -- going to the shoe basket and bringing a pair to you. Trying to put shoes on your feet. At one point we had four pairs of shoes (Harper's) on the kitchen floor. There is no stopping her. She puts on my high heels when we are upstairs getting dressed. Yellow is still her favorite color to say -- blellow is a close second. She can imitate many animals -- dogs, cows, lions, sheep, monkey, duck, snake, horse and gorilla -- the gorilla is just her hitting her chest. She adores walking to the front of our neighborhood and seeing the horses. We have made friends with the owners of both pieces of property -- some of the kindest people who encourage us to feed the horses and go play with the chickens. We haven't ventured to play with the chickens yet -- one day. Harper loves pointing out flowers, helping me water our plants and playing in dirt/mud. She loves to jump in puddles -- perhaps that is just something we are born with...unless John taught her to do it. He did teach her to jump on the tops of sewers which makes me cringe -- apparently he doesn't remember Baby Jessica. Am I the only one who remembers that? Slightly different than jumping on a sewer -- but still.
We start our educational play dates this Friday. The kiddos are going to start learning about shapes. Our music class starts on Monday. We have library story time on Tuesday and sometimes on Wednesday. Thursday is music class and open play at a gym. My goodness -- this is why I am tired. :) We are a week into one nap a day -- and it is pretty magical. She is also sleeping longer at night. We have had about 4 days of post 8am wake up times. Amazing.
Harper has really enjoyed play time at the gym. She is a little braver (more brave?) each time we go. (Braver doesn't sound right -- but she is waking up soon so I will continue...) She will climb into the foam pit by herself. She will also climb up a ladder and go down the slide by herself. My stress level is typically sky high at the gym, but that little girl loves it. She is extremely friendly with other kids, handing them toys and playing with them. She has become apprehensive around new adults...she likes to scowl at them. We knew this point would come, but overall she is extremely outgoing and friendly...and talkative...and active.
We have also started implementing time out. Ha. It was working great until she figured out how to make us weak -- she would just laugh the whole time. Eventually we would start laughing and it would all fall apart. I have been reading a lot about it and we are doing better now. She sits for about a minute and when I come over she says "I sorry" and hugs me. I melt.
 |
| with B and C at the zoo. |
 |
| post-zoo horse visit |
 |
| so many animals in one day! |
 |
| she loves the foam pit |
 |
| I had to fight every urge to make her stop |
 |
| get comfortable, Harper |
In other news, John will be turning 30 this month. We (read Harper and I) started the countdown 30 days out -- so, we have been celebrating "30 Days to XXX." Roman numerals, folks. Stay classy. He has been given a gift a day, and this will continue until his birthday on September 26. His friend is getting married the weekend immediately following his birthday, so we will celebrate it in Hilton Head in early October. I am very excited about our first beach trip with just the three of us. We will be staying in Sea Pines. yayayayay! John has a softball tournament coming up in a few weeks. He will be in Raleigh, North Carolina for a long weekend. I know that he loves this time to himself. He has also been keeping busy with his various jeep projects. He purchased another jeep about a month ago. It was a CJ that someone had rolled. John just wanted it for the axles, so he bought it, took it apart and is now selling the parts. He is not the type of person to ever slow down, so when he isn't at work or helping around the house or with Harper, he is in the garage working on the jeep or finishing my patio furniture. Or mowing the lawn. Naps? Never. Early bed time? Forget it. He is my superhero.
I will end here -- but first you must see some precious pictures of Harper from last week. This is the same field where John and I had our engagement and maternity pictures. These will serve as her 17 month photos because yes, she turned 17 months old on September 2.
