Thinking of the future-Races!

So, since I only have 27 days until my due date I have started to think about races again. I know-it’s crazy! But, even though I’m a mom I need to still be me, right?

In fact, I was just looking at some old photos on my computer of past races. I can’t believe I’m due with baby #2  May 1^st because last May I was running the Frederick Half Marathon. It's amazing what can happen in a year. 

Last year Sophia raced with me for the first time. Here we are at Francie's Family 5K. I hope to run with both girls in the stroller for this race next year. 

Running with friends

So, now is the time for me to start making some goals. This past weekend was the Mission Ten Miler  in Frederick, MD. It’s a local race that starts late in the afternoon every year. When I first heard about how late in the day the race started it did not sound appealing to me because every race I’ve ever done has been early in the morning. However, I recently thought a later race might be better for me next year because I’ll have two little ones and maybe I’ll get some sleep the night before. Lol I can dream, right? So, anyone else planning on doing the Frederick Mission 10 miler with me next year?

Another goal: I’d love to do another triathlon next August or September 2015. 

Here are some old photos from racing that were inspiring me:

Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon 2009

Here I am about to start the swim

At the finish for the Iron Girl 2009 

After the race Iron Girl 2010

Beautiful sunrise before the Iron Girl Triathlon 2010

About to start the bike leg portion of the race

Rumpus in Bumpass International Olympic Distance Triathlon. 

Here I am just getting out of the water after the swim waving to my mom and cousin. The weather was miserable that day and the swim was so cold. My arms were freezing and the water took my breath away. I almost quit after the swim because it was so rainy and I was a little afraid to bike in the rain but by the time I got out of the water the rain had stopped. As I was running towards the transition area after the swim my uncle encouraged me to finish the race and said, "You can do it. Keep going!". So, thanks for encouraging me because I was able to finish the race!

Running to the finish line at Rumpuss in Bumpass

Poor Scotty was soaked from the race

Who doesn't dance with their dog before their swim wave starts?

Biking into the dismount area

Crossing the finish line

Good friends!

Columbia Triathlon Olympic Distance 2011

 I competed in triathlons from  2007-2011. The Columbia Triathlon was the last race I competed in because the following year I had Sophia and I have not participated in a triathlon since. I know I will do a triathlon again soon. 

God whispers

I don’t always like to share personal things on the blog but here goes…

Has God ever whispered to you before? Let me give you a few examples of how God has whispered to me in my own life.

Back in 2007 there was a young girl in my class whose parents were traveling to Africa. I was immediately intrigued and curious as to why they were traveling there so I asked the little girl and she simply said, “to feed the orphans.” At that moment my heart dropped, the holy spirit was pulling at my heart and  speaking to me through the eyes of this young girl in front of me. After her parents came back from their trip I met with her mom and she shared her experiences with me. After much prayer I realized God was calling me to travel with Heart for Africa and go to a small country in Africa, Swaziland. This trip was an experience that changed my life!

When I was 40 weeks and 2 days pregnant (with Sophia) Pat and I went walking in Brunswick. We walked for 3 miles and it felt like forever. I remember we talked about how we wanted to have our children close together. But as soon as Sophia was born I have to admit having another child was furthest from my mind. I couldn’t wrap my head around having even one child, and I had no idea how people could have multiple children. I was so sleep deprived and hormonal. However, as crazy as it is I knew when she was 6 weeks old that I wanted to have another baby someday -- hopefully two years apart. Here we are today and we are expecting our second daughter May 1^st and our little girls will be 25 months apart.

We traveled to Denmark for vacation when Sophia was 3 months old. On our flight home there was another couple traveling beside us who went to Europe with their two young daughters. Their daughters were 8 months and almost 3 years old. It was really strange, but undeniably God whispered again. I just remember thinking how the couple reminded me of Pat and myself because of the way they interacted with each other and their children. I thought maybe it was God’s way of saying "you’ll have two little ones soon." At the time I obviously didn’t know if we were going to have another girl or a boy, but I do think He was preparing me again for the future when He made me notice that family with two little girls.

Traveling in Denmark

Just today I was encouraged at the grocery store. I’ve been feeling pretty tired this week and the weather hasn't helped because it’s been cold and snowy. I was in line at the check-out when a woman  came over to me and said, “I just have to give you a compliment that someone gave me when I was pregnant. You don’t look pregnant from behind at all. I didn’t realize you were having a baby until you turned around and I saw the baby.” I thanked her and my eyes started to tear up. I tried not to let her see that her comment made me all emotional. I love how God can use people to encourage you when you’re feeling down or need the extra love. It really wasn’t the comment itself that made me feel loved, it was the fact that she was so genuine and sincere that really made me feel loved. So thanks for the love today - whoever you are! 

How about you? Have you had moments in your life where God has prepared you for your future?

If you haven’t, I dare you to pay attention because oftentimes He speaks so quietly we can miss what He is saying. Just be open to what He has in store for you. I hope this encourages you today. Have a great weekend!

Sophia's 2nd Birthday!

Sophia turned 2 years old on Saturday March 22nd. We were blessed to celebrate with some family and friends. Thank you friends and family for being in our lives. 

We ordered all the food from Wegmans and were very pleased. It was a lot easier to order than have to worry about making food. 

Loving on Aunt Cara

Playing with cousins

G-Bob entertaining the little ones

She was not a fan of being sung "Happy Birthday" to. Just like her momma ;)

Yum!

Grandaddy and Grandma Helen

Cousin Amanda even had fun at the party

They were so cute playing together

All the little ones enjoyed walking in and out of the door.

Thanks for coming to my party!

She even had a hug for Mom-Mom (her great-grandmother)

Hugs

Thanks for celebrating my 2nd birthday with me!

31 weeks and growing...

Here I am in my lovely "uniform" work-out gear. This photo was taken after I got my hair done. This is only the second time in 2 years that my hair has been curled. Can you believe I don't know how to use a curling iron? Does anyone want to teach me? :)

Today I counted the days until my due date. 62 days, people! I know my due date doesn’t mean much, but it helps to start a count down. I can’t wait to shed this “fat suit” baby belly (haha) and of course see my beautiful baby girl!

How do I feel right now?: Huge! I'm seriously thinking, how can I get bigger? I mean I know I will, but still…

I'm trying to keep a good attitude and trying to stay positive. To keep a positive attitude I am looking at the upcoming 9-10 weeks at 3 week intervals. So basically I have 3 sets of 3 weeks ahead of me. So when I get through the next three weeks I can say I have 2/3 left. It's just a mind game -- whatever works, right?

I did get to see baby girl this week at our ultrasound appointment. I didn't get to see her face because her hand was so close to her face. (I guess she was cuddling) Everything looked good though and she is a little over 3 lbs. I even got to see her practice breathing -- that was really sweet!

Spin class: I'm still taking spin class 2-3 times a week. Spinning is harder than it was before and I've had to adjust my bike setup to accomodate my changing body. My intensity has lowered, of course. It is a great work-out because it is good on your joints. I ran a little last week and then did the stair climber, and for the rest of the day I was really sore. So I think I'll stay away from the stair climber. I don't feel bad after I take a spin class, I actually feel pretty good because it helps me feel a little "normal". Of course, I can’t make it through a 45 minute class without using the restroom.

Running: I can still run 1.5 miles maybe once or twice a week.

Walking: I try to walk on the treadmill when I can usually for about a mile, or if we're stuck inside because of a snow storm I've been able to do 2 miles. 

Some of my favorite products lately...

     1.  Arbonnne RE-9 Advanced Skincare

Here is a picture of the whole set. It consists of: the smoothing facial cleanser, regenerating toner, intensive renewal serum, corrective eye cream, restorative day cream, and night repair cream. 

My favorites from the set are: the intensive renewal serum, corrective eye cream and night repair cream. Who doesn't want some extra help around the eye area? ;) I only started using RE-9 advanced this past September but I fell in love with the products and have totally seen a difference in my skin. 

Let me know if you want any samples, I'd be happy to share!

 2.  Snoogle pillow

I would absolutely recommend this pillow to anyone who is pregnant. It has really helped me sleep well through the night. I did not have this pillow for my first pregnancy and wish I had bought it sooner. I didn't think I needed a body pillow for my first pregnancy and didn't start to use one until I was about 33 weeks -- what was I thinking?

3.  Leggings

Leggings are so incredibly comfortable!

4.   Old Navy maternity active wear tank tops, aka my “uniform”

5.    My new lisa lenoard necklace

Pat got me this necklace for Valentine's Day. It has both the girls name on it and I love it! :)