Weekend Update

To recap this past weekend...

Saturday was the Ukrop's 10k (6.2 miles). It was my first time to be in a seeded wave (you had to have proof - a past running time - to show that you could run that particular pace) which I thought was pretty cool. My wave was the one that would complete the race in 53-54 minutes. My personal goal was to complete it in 52-54 minutes.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of my worst runs - ever. Before I reached the first mile marker I knew I would not make my goal. I ended up finishing it in 56:00 minutes. I was pretty darn disappointed. Not necessarily in myself - I know I can do better than that - and have in training (like just the weekend before). And every runner has bad runs. I was just disappointed that my worst run had to be in a race. And I was feeling pretty crummy about it for a while. Until I realized that I have had much bigger disappointments - about things that are WAY more important than one lousy run. That's nothing on the scale of life. Especially my life! And on that same token (thanks Mel for helping me put it in perspective) I have had WAY bigger achievements. And just getting out there running when I can (which is not consistent unfortunately) is an achievement in itself.

Oh, and I have to thank my friend Alisha. After I finished my run, we found my brother, Bruce, and his son, Charlie, and went to cheer on my sister-in-law, Nancy and their girls, Maggie and Kelly. As we were standing behind the gates near the finish line scanning the runners for them, I saw Alisha. I yelled her name cheering for her and when she saw me she - stopped running, came over to where I was standing and jumped to lean over the gate to give me a kiss - then went back to finish her run!

Now that's the fun spirit you need when running. It's so easy to get caught up in trying to beat your best time. But sometimes it's good to remember to just have fun. She didn't care about her time. And she was laughing and having a great time. And that was exactly what I needed at that time. Funny how that happens. So, thanks Alisha!

And Tom ran the Kids Mile with Murphy. It was his first time doing it. Tom did a great job of getting him excited and making it something fun. Here they are right before the start.



And this is us after my finish.



After the race we had my parents and my brother's family over for lunch. I forgot to mention that my brother thinks he's funny. One of the first things he said to me when we saw each other at the race was something like - why don't you just tie Harlie up to the bumper next time? And back at my house, my Mom was pushing Harlie on the swing and Bruce yelled out, Hey Mom, just tie a rope to the swing and stand back here. He also told me, you shouldn't have skipped science class or something like that. Funny, huh? Yeah, I don't think I'll be living that one down for a while. Not one of my shining moments...

Feeding Update

Then for Harlie's "dinner" (still on Saturday) I thought I would try to get her to drink some. Prior to this moment, her sippy cup drinking had been spotty at best. All conditions have to be "right" in order to have a good feeding session. So, I put 4 ounces in the cup (5 ounces is a full feeding - but she's never come close to drinking all of that). Well, it was as if she knew I needed to be happy. She FINISHED all 4 ounces!!!! It was a wonderful session. She didn't complain or put up a fuss at all. It went beautifully!!! I wanted to put another ounce in there so I wouldn't have to hook up her tube feeding - but once we said "all done" there was no going back. So, I decided to wait a while and I would try again later. Well, about an hour later she drank the 5th ounce!!! So no tube feeding for that meal!!! WOOHOO!!!

On Sunday, I couldn't wait to try again. So, first thing that morning when Harlie got up and downstairs - we headed for the high chair. And holy moly - she drank the entire 5 ounces!!! Another tube feeding not necessary!!! Of course she threw up an ounce - but, hey, that's not so bad. Lunch was the same - all cooperation - no tube feeding! But dinner didn't go so great so I had to tube feed that one. Still - a great day!

And Monday and Tuesday went great with her drinking two out of three meals each day. All in all - she is doing FABULOUS with drinking from a sippy cup!

On Monday, Brandy was off, so I got to take Harlie to preschool. That was a fun experience. But I will have to save that one for tomorrow. It has gotten late!

Thanks!
~Christy