A FEW NJ ADVENTURES

We've been here since Wednesday and the weather has been pretty nice. Compared to the east coast snow storms the past few weeks, I'd say this week has been wonderful for the east coasters.

Upon arriving and settling in, Jersey Dad quickly has become the Peanut's favorite. All she has to do is bat an eyelash and say "please Poppy" and he's a goner.

she talked him into to watching some tv

Then we decided to take a trip to Barnes and Noble. The Peanut was given the book Mr. Funny and quickly noticed that there was Mr. Bump and Mr. Messy. So on Thursday we decided to head out in search of the other books. Instead, we came across the following while browsing through Barnes and Noble's kid section:

This photo made me laugh and I quickly sent it to Vans so he could see. So many things are going on in this photo: the Jersey Girl shorts, the short shorts over the black tights, the black leg warmers, the black high tops and if you could only see the rest of the outfit. It just struck me as something out of the Jersey Shore and no, it wasn't Snookie (I made sure).

For dinner we went to a local favorite, Frank's Pizza . . . where the Peanut ordered french fries, of course.

Today we went to visit Gramie at her work and then hit the grocery store. When we came home it was time to play in the snow . . . or whatever was left of it.

mini snowmen

After some time in the snow, the Peanut's attention span was getting smaller and smaller so I dug out the big guns . . . some childhood board games!

tiddily winks!

That kept her attention for a bit but sadly, not for very long. The Peanut went napless today and hopefully this will come in my favor when it is time for bed but overall, it made for a very long and exhausting day of power struggles and tantrums.

Tomorrow we're going to visit my college roommates, some of whom I have not seen since graduation day. I am super excited. They all have kids of their own too so it should be pretty interesting.

NEW JERSEY TRIP PART 1

ready for take off

The Peanut and I are in New Jersey. We took a red eye from California and landed in New Jersey 12:15 pm Wednesday afternoon. Everyone thought I was nuts for taking a 2 year old on  a red eye flight 6 months pregnant but you know, it was probably the easiest flight we've ever taken. Hands down.

I also have to say, flying without a required car seat = fantastic flying (she is over 2 and car seats are no longer required). Vans dropped us off at the airport at almost 11 pm on Tuesday evening. The Peanut was fast asleep in the car but when she realized we were finally at the airport she was thrilled to get on the airplane. We sat by the gate waiting to board and she just kept asking me "is it our turn yet? I wanna go on the airplane!" As we were moving in line to board she yelled out "we're going to Jersey!" and everyone laughed, that's my girl. She knows her roots.

Once we were on the plane she was quick to tell me "mommy I am going to stay up all night" uh-oh that was not my intended reason for flying on a red eye but I said "sure honey, if you say so." 30 minutes later when we were up in the air, she was out cold and didn't wake up at all until I had to wake her to remove her seat belt. Nice!

Our layover was in Houston which was pretty much vacant. We happily used one of those nice changing room/family restrooms that are private to change the Peanut's pull-up and do our required business before boarding the second flight. Before boarding, she sat quietly by the gate with some milk from Starbucks and was a happy camper.

As we were about to board she fell asleep in my arms. I carried her onto the plane asleep and she pretty much stayed asleep until I woke her as we were descending into New Jersey. I couldn't let her miss a landing when it was daylight out.

slept the whole way

We had the very last row of a very empty flight. The Peanut was able to spread out and sleep and I was able to kick back and get some rest as well.

She was groggy when we started our descent so I woke her up and she happily watched us land from her window seat.

Look Mommy! That is where Curious George lives!

Told ya she's one smart cookie. She saw the NYC sky line and instantly knew her monkey in crime lived there. The rest of the landing was spent goofing off with the camera . . . someone was happy.

thumbs up!

unfortunately her thumb was in the camera

goofy face CHEESE

uh mom, this is my shoot!

awe, you can be in it too

JERSEY!!!!!!

We've been in New Jersey not quite 24 hours and the Peanut has already been spoiled by her Poppy (aka Jersey Dad). She had a bit of a melt-down last night realizing we're not sleeping at home but immediately fell asleep the minute her head hit the pillow. Mine did too.

The flight home will not be as easy I suspect because we're flying in the middle of the afternoon. My goal however for those flights are to keep her awake the entire time so she will fall asleep at 11 pm when we hit Sacramento . . . fingers crossed but until then, it's JERSEY TIME!

FAMILY FUN (GETTING OUT THERE)

If you live in Northern California then you know exactly how beautiful it was outside on Saturday. The weather was absolutely glorious and it was a good thing too because we had agreed to meet some of our Pinkhouse Gym friends for an outdoor bike ride.

Yes. Bike ride. I don't think I have been on my bike since right after AR50 last year for a recovery ride. In fact, I had to pick up my bike that was still residing at our old house in Sacramento. Unfortunately, a semi-large pregnant woman trying to pick up and load a bike into the back of a car is not an easy task. My bike actually fell out of the back of my car, did a somersault and is pretty messed up. My gears are jacked up and my handle bars are slightly bent. Oops. I guess I need to take it in and get it tuned and tweaked. Maybe that will encourage me to ride more now.

Regardless, the bike WAS ride able for the most part except for maybe one uphill gear shift at the end which I almost completed but the gear got stuck and I had to dismount. It was the only time the entire day I had to walk the bike (maybe 4 feet) to the top of the hill.

Back to the start. We arrived at the Starbucks in Gold River which was our meeting spot. We were all excited to be outside and healthy for a change.

The Peanut was ready to start!

helmet on! safety first!

getting buckled in

family photo (the before)

The ride was rough at the start just maneuvering to the bike trail portion but not terrible. Once we hit the trail it was smooth sailing. The weather was perfect which was evident by all the people out running and biking. It was hard to see all those runners but I was content to be out moving. I only had one coughing fit at the beginning and then felt fine the rest of the ride.

Vans was the leader, in fact . . .

his backside was my view all day long . . .

see how beautiful it was!

despite my expression, I was having fun

We just kept riding along at a fairly decent pace. We passed most of our group when we hit Folsom. Vans and I decided to go up near Karen's Bakery and to cross the bridge on that side. Karen's was packed as was the parking lot. Everyone was just out and about enjoying the weather.

We continued on until finally, I needed to use a restroom but I wasn't alone, Vans needed to stop too.

stretching our legs

and finding sticks

At one point I decided to give the Peanut the camera so that I could have a photo of Vans and myself. If you have a family you probably know what I am talking about. If you looked at our vacation photos one would think that Vans and I vacation by ourselves with the Peanut and not together. Generally (and truthfully) it looks like I am always vacationing with the Peanut as Vans is never in sight. Not this time. We handed the Peanut the camera so we could see what kind of photography skills she inherited . . . here are the three photos she took of us:

her first attempt!

We thought: WOW! Nice shot kid

second shot: still pretty good

we didn't even need to "bend over"

third and final!

It seems like Vans and I can look like we're vacationing together again now with this little photographer on our hands. Vans (the photographer) was beside himself.

super star!

Soon it was time to get back on the bikes and head back towards the car. I was ready. My pregnant bum was starting to ache. We stopped at the Hazel bridge for one last photo op.

Really Vans did all the work pulling 30lbs of Peanut in the chariot. I was more less out for a nice ride. When we got back to the car and hooked up our bikes we noticed that there was a Yogurt Monkey next to Starbucks. Since someone was a super star (and ahem, someone else is pregnant) we decided to stop for a treat! Hey, we had rode over 18 miles and I think we deserved it! 18 miles!!

mmmm frozen yogurt

Now I haven't had any dairy in three weeks, basically since I became sick so I was sort of " meh" about the frozen yogurt but the Peanut was licking her spoon (and the bowl) until it was gone. She loves her frozen yogurt!

After we arrived home the Peanut was not showing any signs of napping. So we had lunch and then both her and I went to the movies. The Peanut's first "real" theater movie! We saw Gnomeo and Juliet (super cute) and best of all, the Peanut's ticket was FREE (hoping she'll look "2" for a few more years now).

When we got home it was time for dinner. The Peanut was starving after her long busy day of watching Dad pedal and then sitting in a big movie theater. I cooked up her dinner first (she couldn't wait) and then dinner for Vans and myself. During dinner Vans was so excited about his meal (which was gluten free by the way) that he wanted me to include his photo on my blog (I think he is secretly becoming a food blogger). Silly Vans.

it was quite tasty

but nothing special. sssh don't tell Vans!

Overall we had a fantastic Saturday as a family. I was happy to be out getting some exercise. My legs (and bum) don't really hurt today so that is a good sign. 18 miles is quite the accomplishment for me considering I have had 3 weeks of zero activity!

Today's adventure includes swimming lessons for the Peanut and a trip to the grocery store. I guess it is back to the same old weekend routine. Maybe I'll throw in a run while she's napping.

UH-OH

It seems I have lost a "follower" on my blog. First of all, I am completely surprised I even HAVE followers that are not related to me in some way or another but it saddens me to see that I lost someone. Although, I cannot say I blame them. Trailmomma went from being a "cool" ultra running/marathoning blog to nonrunning blog about my adorable Peanut and my pathetic attempts at the elliptical. For those without kids, I can understand the disappearance.

For those sticking around, I promise Trailmomma WILL return to her normal goofy and self-humiliating blogging style COMPLETE with running posts and photos as soon as I possible can. After the Peanut got sick last week I quickly fell ill and have been ill ever since. So ill in fact, that my doctor sent me home and demanded that I take four days of total rest. FOUR DAYS. I can't sit still for an hour let alone four straight days. The first two were fairly easy I admit, I was miserable not being able to breathe at all and struggling to eat or drink because I couldn't even swallow water. The second two days the Peanut and Vans were home and  I think the Peanut was scared her mommy was so sick and therefore was just clinging onto me like lint in the dryer. It was sweet but also does not make for a great "recovery" when you have 30 lbs wanting to sit in your lap every 5 seconds.

Now back at work, I am not feeling much better (my head feels like a jack hammer lives in there permanently) but I am determined to work a full week since next week the Peanut and I are flying to New Jersey to visit Jersey Dad and family.

I am also 23 weeks pregnant (that's almost 6 months eek) and well, my activity level has dipped significantly because of that HOWEVER I have a game plan in sight when this monstrous cold decides to vacate my sinuses and chest. I do plan on getting back out there AND would like to go hiking if I can't run. On the trails. It'll be hard mentally to walk and not run but hey, it's something. Now I just need to find the time but I am determined to make it work.

So don't fret. I have lofty goals for post baby. Words like CIM, Four Bridges, Tough as Granite and even the Leadville 10K Trail Race are floating through my head constantly. I even have a post baby dietary game plan complete with some weight lifting. Yes, I read a lot of health magazines and books while sick so my mind is just going a mile a minute since my body physically can't.

So in the meantime, I might not be posting pictures like these . . .

(forgive me, those were just to remind myself that I AM a runner and not WAS a runner) . . . but you will hopefully see more photos and more tidbits about me getting out there and doing something. I work at an awesome running store for Pete's sake, I stare at cool gear, shoes and clothes longingly waiting for the moment when I'll actually FIT into some of those clothes again. Sigh. Patience grasshopper, patience.

But I will be honest, there will also be more Peanut photos and eventually Trailbaby photos and of course documentation of how a 6 month pregnant woman flies across the country with a two year old . . . BY HERSELF. That will give me at least a few posts right there if I don't jump off the plane. So be patient with Trailmomma. Going from an ultra runner/marathoner to a pregnant non-runner (at the moment) is taking its toll on me as well. Still, I can't resist . . .

nothing like a chocolate muffin to make someone happy

a hug from mommy before swim lessons

focusing before getting in that water

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

To JERSEY DAD!!!

Today is Jersey Dad's birthday and tomorrow is Jersey Step-mom's birthday. My dad is awesome and I can't wait to see him in a few weeks. The last time he came to visit me . . . we got father/daughter tattoos!

right before

during . . . 

his tattoo

the Eye of Horus

Oddly enough, the Eye of Horus is supposed to bring you good health (among other things). My dad got his tattoo when he came to visit last April. Then this past November he suffered a heart attack. He is doing much better and following doctor's orders but it is quite an amazing feat that he is here now. Thank you Eye of Horus for protecting him and giving him good health enough to beat that demon and move on. 

I know he'll do anything to stick around and see the Peanut grow up and to meet Trailbaby some day. Hopefully he is rested enough for our visit in a few weeks because the Peanut is going to be super excited to see her "Poppy" and I am sure he is super excited to spoil her rotten.

Or perhaps she'll just bring him a book and curl up on the couch to read. It is one of her favorite activities. 

Happy Birthday Jersey Dad. We love you!!!! See you soon!!! 

NEW ADVENTURES

While the sickies haven't completely left our house (basically I am the only miserable one left coughing and unable to breathe) the Peanut could not be bothered by her cold (she also got some antibiotics, lucky girl).

She has been back at school this week (despite a double ear infection) and today started a new adventure! Swimming lessons!! Friends have recommended the Steve Wallen Swimming School and since we have a pool now, I wanted to make sure she felt comfortable near water and was taught properly. Both Vans and I know how to swim but it is always better when someone else more qualified teaches you how to swim. Plus their pool is heated to 90 degrees and with ours, the Peanut wouldn't be able step foot into the water until it was warm outside making it too late to really enjoy it AND be safe in it.

On Monday her doctor approved swimming lessons even with the recent ear issues (it isn't like she would be deep sea diving, just getting her face wet). I think I was more excited for her than anything.

I picked her up early from school and drove out to EDH. We arrived early giving her a chance to see the pool and then into the changing room we went to put on the new swim suit that the Peanut picked out all by herself this past weekend.

new suit!

Then we went back to the waiting area to sit and wait our turn. The Peanut wanted some fuel before her big swimming lesson.

fuel

When it was our turn to enter the pool I walked the Peanut in and hung up her robe. We waited for her teacher to appear and then came the part I was dreading. At Steve Wallen, their policy is no parents allowed near the pool during lesson. You leave your child with the instructor and go back to the waiting area to watch behind a glass window. Instead of crying and clinging to my leg the Peanut opened her arms and was gone. Poof. Just like that. My little girl is growing up!

Off to the parents area I went quite visibly the only parent whose child was doing this for the first time tonight with my camera and iphone camera clicking away followed by repeated text messages to Vans with status updates. Vans: "Is she crying? How did it go?" Me: "Fine. She just left me. In the water. No tears!"

The glass I thought was only one sided, meaning I could see her but she couldn't see me but later I realized that might not have been the case. Regardless, my photos are rather poor in quality. Sorry.

practicing her kicks!

kick kick kick

post swim appetite

Even though the lessons are 30 minutes long and there were a few tears initially when she was forced to put her face under water a few times, the Peanut thoroughly enjoyed herself and said she wants to go back and would like it if Daddy could come watch.

The real test will be whether or not the Peanut sleeps great tonight. We were told swimming will exhaust children and have them sleep great . . . only time will tell. My flippers are crossed.