Liam - 21, 22 and 23 months

Date/Week: 21, 22 and 23 months

Milestones: 

• He's visited Ireland and met his Irish cousins (we still are working on getting his Irish birth certificate)
• We're doing a 'Parents and Tots' dance class and both Aidan and I go with him
• He comes to my 'Tiny Tots' Highland Dancing class but is still a bit young for most of the activities - he does like it when we march though.'
• He says grace ("God is Great") - the words are not clear but the cadence is correct
• Insists on sitting at the table in a regular chair and eating with our utensils (he'll even eat mini wheats at breakfast if Aidan has them)
• His favourite songs are 'Old Macdonald', 'Bingo', 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' and 'Are You Sleeping' (when he sings 'Morning bells are ringing', it sounds like 'Wanna have a wee-wee')
• He's become a picky eater but thankfully eats broccoli, brussel sprouts and asparagus
• Knows how to use my iPad better than I do
• Favourite iPad app - Disney's 'It's A Small World'
• Favourite YouTube video - Mahna Mahna
• Loves the Muppet Show and is crazy about Animal
• When he wants you to see something he will grab your face in both his hands and then turn your face towards what he wants you to see
• When he wants you to sit next to him, he will pat the space next to him
• Loves his books and has a stash in the car to keep him entertained
• Already singing 'Jingle Bells'
• If you do 'This Little Piggie', he'll laugh 'wee, wee, wee' with you and give you his foot saying 'Other One!'
• Can say 'NO' with a million different intonations
• If you build something with Lego, he must take it apart
• Knows what Aidan does with the electric razor and tries to do the same
• Knows both sets of grandparents - there's Grandma and Grandpa (my parents), Mama and Grandpa (Aidan's parents) and Grandpapa (Aidan's grandfather)

Developmental Progress:  

• He jumps!
• Knows that he is Liam and actually refers to himself sometimes
• Potty training is still in the training phase... will tell you when he needs to go but doesn't usually want to sit on the potty at home. Apparently sits on it but won't go at my parent's house and maybe 50/50 for completing the task at school. 
• In the meantime, he wears pull-ups during the day and diapers at night.
• Is able to point out most animals (and the sounds they make)
• Counts to 10 whenever given the chance and recognizes some of the numbers when he sees them - 1, 2, 8 and sometimes 5
• Getting better identifying colours but not consistent
• Can get up and down the stairs on his own - but we observe him very closely when he decided to do it on his own.
• He is so independent.... and focused when he's doing a task
• Loves doing the wood puzzles with animals
• Knows his body parts really well
• Undresses himself and can pick out his clothing and get mostly dressed (pants easily, shirt a little difficult, shoes and socks on occasion and flip flops are easy
• Knows the names of all the kids in his class
• Turns on his music in the morning and plays or sings while he waits for us to come and get him (thank goodness he isn't climbing out of the crib anymore)
• Climbs on the table, chairs, stools... anything he can climb (sigh!)
• If you try to put him down, he grips on to you with everything, including his toes
• Open and closes doors... privacy is a memory
• Is ok with having his teeth brushed if someone else is brushing their teeth
• Brushes his hair with a brush.... and brushes the dog's fur as well 
• In the bath he tries to wash himself with the soap
• When he arrives at my parent's house he yells out 'Grandpa, where are you?' - not really clearly yet but close!

Thoughts and Feelings? 

I've been tied up in dissertation world so sorry for the lack of updates. Trying to remember three month's worth of developments has been tough. But thankfully there are lots of great memories to pull from to start the process... I may need to do some updates later. In any case, Chapters 4 & 5 of the dissertation are written and the editing process has begun... hope the next few steps go fast!

So Liam is almost 2. He is definitely more boy than baby. He has a very strong personality and I swear will be either a politician or an actor when he grows up. He likes to interact with people and is a constant smiler... unless he's trying to get his way and turns on the water works. And then there the flirting with the ladies. We're so in trouble when he gets older!

He is so enjoyable at this age. He runs us ragged and takes over every second of our day when we're awake. I swear sometimes that I cannot survive the day if he doesn't have a nap on Sundays! He loves his grandparents. He loves his books, he loves Elmo and Animal. He loves music! He still loves to cuddle, especially before bed.

What I am looking forward to: 

His Christmas Concert is on Dec 7th and his birthday is Dec 22nd. We're all home between Dec 25 and Jan 2 so we're thinking of playing tourist that week and taking Liam to all of the rendezvous season events. I am just looking forward to lots of time with my little family!

Liam - 20 months

Date/Week: 20 months

Milestones: 

• He's the big 2-0... He'll be 2 before we know it
• Likes marching around the house as the drum major or drummer or playing some sort of horn (using his yellow hoe)
• 'Sings' the 3 beat roll to start the parade and the base drum beats at the end
• Likes visiting the Lizards who live in our blind every morning and evening
• Likes saying 'goodbye' to the little girl in his English/Spanish book at night
• An old pro now at catching the ferry - first time to St. Georges during Cup Match Friday
• Had ice cream for the first time (loved it)
• Tries to copy mummy doing yoga (usually results in him being wrapped up in the yoga mat
• More teeth!
• Giving kisses, usually with the sound 'mmmm-smack'

Developmental Progress:  

• Must feed himself and is working on spearing food on the fork
• Colouring with more strokes and less dots
• Sings and acts out 'head & shoulders, knees and toes'
• Can drink from his juice cup on his own without spilling anything
• Counts to 10 and recognises the numbers
• Forming more and more 3 word or more sentences.
• Makes decisions on what to eat with clear 'no' or 'yes' comments and a fair amount of finger waggling with no
• Tells the cat to get off of the counter
• Starting to ask 'why' almost as much as he says 'no'
• Tries to negotiate for more stories when it is bedtime
• Potty training is interesting.  He'll sit on the potty and then go after you put the diaper back on.  He will tell you that he needs to be changed. He will tell you (sometimes) what he's done. He will take off his diaper if it's wet in the morning and you do not come fast enough to change it. He will sit on the potty and sometimes go before he gets his bath (but then get him into the bath quickly because sometimes he will take having his diaper off as an invitation to keep going...). So basically, he was probably better potty trained at 6 months when we were doing elimination communication than he is now...

Thoughts and Feelings? 

I cannot believe that Liam is almost 2.... but then he reminds me with the word 'no', the laughter as he runs around the house, the conversations that he has with his stuffed animals and the dogs, the request for 'bread' at breakfast and when we get home from work. It is an amazing time to experience... both a joy and exhausting all at the same time. So many evenings we have put him to bed and I want to go and climb in mine because he has me worn out in just 90 minutes at home together. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Each night I absorb as much as I possibly can and I live in that moment because it is where I truly want to be. Yay for my 20 month old! And yay for the wonders that I have been privy to over the last year and 8 months!

Other than that, in a months time we'll be on vacation. Ireland and Boston are booked! I'm a bit nervous about the trip over. We're doing Jet Blue to Boston and then Aer Lingus to Dublin. I'm the most nervous about the baggage on Aer Lingus. I wonder if Liam's Stokke stroller will cost us extra since it isn't a lightweight collapsible stroller and should I therefore get another stroller that will be easier to travel with. Then there's the car seat. Since he'll be a lap baby, will they charge us for his car seat (the website isn't helping in this regard...). And finally there's Liam and hoping that we can get him through a day of travel with two flights and a few hours in an airport. We got an Elmo kiddie strap to allow him to walk with us but not go to far. It probably won't go over well in the US airport but I would prefer him to be safe if he wants to walk with us. 

In any case, I am looking forward to some time away.... so I now just need to finish off this dissertation before I go...

What I am looking forward to: 

Cycling from Dublin down to Dun Laogharie and Dalkey; taking Aidan to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner and a show for his birthday; going to see Idina Menzel at the Wang Theatre in Boston to celebrate our anniversary (a few days late but worth the wait!)

Liam - 17, 18 and 19 months

Date/Week: 17,18 and 19 months

Milestones: 

• 32.5" long and 22.8 lbs
• Climbs up and down stairs without help
• Loves his sandals for the summer but misses his sneakers (he carries them around the house)
• Just getting comfortable with the toothbrush
• Survived Daddy's 10-day trip away from us... and won't let him out of his sight now that he is home
• Has started  asking 'why?'
• Loves 'peek-a-boo'
• Climbs out of his crib - even when lowered to its lowest setting
• Appears to favour his left hand
• Eats cheerios in milk for breakfast 
• Has his own cups, bowls, plates and utensils
• Loves chasing bubbles
• Has a horrible reaction to mosquito bites
• Is registered for 'Parents and Tots' dance class in September

Developmental Progress:  

• Loves to throw a ball or toy.... or anything as long as it comes back to him to throw again
• Dances to music (Mummy's influence???)
• Conducts music (Daddy's influence???)
• Sweeps the floor
• Picks tomatoes out of the garden
• We're able to understand more of the words that he is saying (they're clearer)
• Loves to say 'hi/hello' and 'bye' along with your name and sometimes says 'hola' instead of 'hi'
• Can put on his shoes
• Can identify most animals and the noises that they make (often followed by 'ei-ei-oooooooo')
• Will point out flowers, trees and facial features when we read his books
• Repeats just about every word that we say and appears to retain quite a few 
• Jumps - on the bed, on the couch...

Thoughts and Feelings? 



I haven't updated anything since April.... it has been busy. At this moment, I am busy at work, busy with data analysis for my dissertation, busy trying to keep working out and busy trying to spend as much time as possible with my boys. No rest in sight though!


We are planning a family vacation in September... Ireland and Boston!


What I am looking forward to: 


Doing a reiki class. Considering career options once this degree is done. Sorting out the dance class schedule for the fall.

Progress

So I had my monthly measurement session at the gym to see if I've had any progress since starting on April 9th. My weight loss appears stalled at the moment - I've been at the same weight for over a week. But the measurements.... bliss. I've lost 12.5" in the last month - all over! So looking at the starting stats I've posted here, here's my progress:

Month 1 Stats
bust - 37.5  (-1.5)
waist - 33.5 (-2.5)
hips - 37 (-2)

Yay!

Vacation, Please.....

No, I don't even have one planned for 2012. I'm aiming for September for perhaps some time off but we'll see.

Exercising is kicking my butt.....

Working on my dissertation is kicking my butt...

Work is kicking my butt....

There aren't enough hours in the day... and there is so much that I feel that I am trying to 'get back on track' in my life.

I will prevail - it's just a little tough right now.

4th Weigh-in and 2.5lbs lost

It wasn't a great week though. It was tough fitting in the workouts. And the water. And the fish. And the sleep.

The best workout this week was water aerobics - it stretched me out beautifully.

The toughest was body pump. I did the 60 minute class and I struggled with the arm exercises with minimal weight!

The most fulfilling was yoga. I felt relaxed and was able to work on my flexibility and strength.

The most improved was spinning. I was able to do 85% of the combinations.

Liam - 16 months

Date/Week: April 22nd; 16 months

Milestones: 

• Third haircut!
• He can now open doors in the house.... try keeping him out of the bathroom now!
• 31" long and 21.9lbs
• Has his first pair of boat shoes
• Loves his books and will try to read them to you
• Has started to run!
• Boy, can he turn on the drama (and he can turn it off just as fast...)

Developmental Progress:  

• If you play 'Twinkle,Twinkle' or 'Row, Row, Row' on an instrument, he will start to sing the song
• Using more two word sentences
• He loves climbing
• He helps with the dishwasher and in the garden
• When he goes to sit on the step he will back up and then sit down
• Helps to put on and take off his clothing
• Feeds himself with a spoon or fork with some help
• Says oh-oh when something drops
• Is starting to get the dogs' names down

Thoughts and Feelings? 

It has been a hectic month! Between highland exams, work, the pilot study for my dissertation, 3 weeks of dissertation workshop courses and starting a diet and exercise plan, I have had a time keeping up. I am starting to contemplate what the future may hold. I've also been thinking about what to do to rebuild my confidence level. I am sick of second guessing myself.


I am hoping the fall will bring some peace. I am hopeful that we can have a relaxing vacation - we've identified the time but the plans are still up in the air. I really am looking forward to some family time - and hopefully some celebration time if I have finished the degree!


What I am looking forward to: 


Spending time in the garden!

3rd Weigh - in - 3 lbs lost

Thank goodness!!!!

I have taken so many classes this week to kick-start this process. Nights definitely don't work for me...

So, out of the classes:

Zumba - good
Water Aerobics - great
Running - ok
Elliptical - ok
Treadmill - kind of boring
Yoga - great
Plyometrics - tough but good
Body Pump - tough but good
Spinning - hellish and my butt hurts
Chalene Extreme - good
Swimming - too cold for good assessment

2nd weigh-in - 0 weight loss

Yeah, if I was on one of those reality shows they would send me home.

So this weekend I did Zumba on Saturday morning and Chalene Extreme in the evening. On Sunday I did a 20 minute Zumba wii workout and then I went to water aerobics - and I ran home! Yesterday I went to spinning class. And today, 0 movement on the scale!

I was shattered. I went to do my lunchtime swim and it sucked (water too cold). I plan to go to salsa aerobics tonight and then do some Chalebe Extreme when I get home. My evening meal will also get a makeover... I'm restricted to chicken or fish or vegetarian for the rest of the week.

From what I am reading, I could be dealing with some mussle gain/ water retention issues but other than that I have no idea what is going on. I mean I have fat around my stomach. Should it give up at least something in a week?????

Week 1 - 0 Weight Loss

Yeah, bad week. Don't even know why I started this week with the dance exams and everything. I do have more energy though and my workouts start tomorrow. My goal for next Friday is to lose at least 2lbs!

Joined the Gym...

Ok, I got serious and signed my life away to the gym yesterday. I entered their diet programme and hope to lose 25lbs in the next 3 months. This week is already written off for working out though. The dance exams start today so I am out the next two nights. And then I am in the midst of dissertation workshop class number 1 so I am doing homework when I do get home... and I slept in late this morning and did not get to do any pilates!

Anyhow, I am following the meal plan and hope to go to class starting next week!

Pilates - Morning 1

I felt so crappy after my last post that I decided to do something about it this morning. I got up at 6am and jumped on my aeropilates that has been operating as a clothing rack and shelf these last few years. I pulled out the level 1 dvd and just about survived all of the exercises. I can't do many of the exercises requiring that I lift my hips off of the board but I did get through 3/4 of the exercises with good posture. My goal is to do level 1 for april and see if I can move on to level 2 in May.

Now to sign up for classes/swimming during the day...


starting stats
bust - 39"
waist - 36"
hips - 39"

April 1 - 5.5 miles

Now that I am no longer breastfeeding, my metabolism has slowed right down! The good news is that my foot is better. The bad news is that I am 10lbs heaver than I was when I sprained my foot. So now I need to lose like 25-30lbs...

Anyhow, we went on the Palm Sunday Walk on April 1st. We did about 5.5 miles on trails, through hills and fields and people's back yards. It was beautiful and truly made me appreciate how beautiful the Island is. The walk was tiring and the hills difficult. Aidan had Liam in the mei tai for most of it. I carried him through a small part of Spittal Pond and I just couldn't handle his weight. I have so much to do to get back into shape.

So now I need to sort myself out after Easter. I need to work out regularly and running isn't doing it....

44/366

Liam - 15 months

Date/Week: March 22nd; 15 months

Milestones: 

• He walks more like a normal kid and less like a zombie
• Liam likes to slide down the slide
• He waters plants in the garden and pulls up weeds
• We've begun to hear a symphony of 'no' 
• Yoghurt is his favourite food
• First time joining Aidan at the front of the church for the end of the service
• Loves the local bananas that are just the right size for little hands
• will fill the basket during shopping at the farmer's market when you prompt him to pick up tomatoes, potatoes, etc
• Has learned to blow the dandelion puffballs in his grandparent's garden
• Likes the penguins in 'Mary Poppins' and many Rogers and Hammerstein songs
• 15 months and not one bottle of baby food eaten! Baby led weaning rocks!!!
• When he drops something or wants something, he says 'Ca - wol' (Carol), which is his teacher's name. Since it is also my mom's name, it gave her a real shock that he was calling her name one day (particularly since he's been getting pretty good saying gramma and grampa)
• Signed his grandmother's birthday card with blue scribble - and used both hands to do it!

Developmental Progress:  

• If you say 'cows go' he says 'moo'
• He eats more consistently with a spoon and is getting better spearing food with a fork
• Drinks very well from a straw (which was surprise for me since we don't use them so it must be from school)
• He plays pretty well with a ball - mostly throwing it and sometimes kicking it
• Will read to himself from his board books - turning pages and pointing at the items on the page
• When singing 'row, row, row your boat' he will start the next series of 'row,row, row' when you finish the last line
• He is trying to run! If he holds you hands or has his hands between 2 people, he will start running. He sort of jogs on his own
• Uses both baby sign language and words - but we're pushing the use of words more since we've been delinquent on learning more sign language words
• He's been working on breaking into cabinets with the child locks - the ones we purchased at the stores seem to be targets. When we use rubber bands, he finds it difficult and he loses interest.
• Opening and closing doors is his forte - gates, french doors, bathroom doors... you name it. He also plays a mean game of peek-a-boo from the other side

Thoughts and Feelings? 

It has been a busy month and we look forward to weekends and evenings for a little down time during play time. As we move into a really busy phase (April - July) thanks to Pipe Band / Regiment Band / my school work / our regular work, time with Liam is a light at the end of the tunnel of each day!


As for my fitness, I have had an awful month. I feel that I need to do something because I have gained weight since weaning Liam. Plus, with allergies I feel really awful so working through that is necessary. I cannot let myself fall apart!

What I am looking forward to: 


Starting the research for my dissertation because I was granted approval to do so this month!

March 2 - 2 miles

Today was my first day of class! I've signed up to a class with my coach that takes place at lunchtimes on Friday. It's meant to help to increase speed. People are grouped with those who run similar times for either 1/4 or 1/2 mile runs. Today we did 4- 1/2 mile runs through the Arboretum.

I was in Group D for those who take longer than 5 minutes for 1/2 mile. I took it easy and it still was tough. My breathing was ok but I will admit that it was tiring. I was last each time. I ran the first 2  and walked the last 2. My foot started hurting during the 3rd run so I decided to play it safe. So far the swelling isn't bad at all.

So on one hand I am sad that I am not as strong as I once was (or disciplined) but it is a starting place!

38.5/366

February 26th - 3 miles

Getting back into shape by running is proving impossible! I ended up wit a sprained foot and it's been taped up for 2 weeks. My return to walking was the Argus Charity Walk - 5K around Hamilton!

The morning was pretty cool and since I had Liam with me I had to bring layers of clothing for both of us. Aidan decided to play the bagpipes for the entire walk so I knew I'd have a good pacesetter. I taped up my foot and we were off a bit before 8.30 am.

We stayed near the back because of the stroller. It's amazing the number of people who get in the way as they're walking and talking to their friends. Aidan set a great pace and I got a workout on the hills. We did have to stop for 5 minutes to let a running race cross our route (Validus Running of the Bulls) but it did't affect the walk for us.

We finished the 3.1 miles in 1hour.It was a good walk to start on the way back to being healthy. And our charity earned some money because of our participation!

36.5/366

Liam - 14 months

Date/Week: February 22nd; 14 months

Milestones: 

• Liam is walking more than he crawls! 
• Liam now has 6 teeth. the teeth on either side of his front teeth have come in. The teeth next to those are about to break so we should probably have 8 teeth in the next few weeks. 
• He has recently stopped breastfeeding. I have a new appreciation for cabbage thanks to this.
• We've been experimenting with different types of milk. He didn't mind oat milk but didn't like almond milk. Rice milk is his favourite. We're now doing a week on cow's milk to see if the congestion issues come back.
• Liam knows that the dogs get a treat before we leave so he goes tot he cupboard, takes out the treats, walks to the dog area, gets one of us to hand him the treats, feeds Bronwyn and Ptolemy, takes the back back from us and puts the bag back in the cupboard - Excellent!
• He has participated in his first PALS Walk!
• When he wakes up in the morning he turns on the music in his crib and plays until you come to get him.

Developmental Progress:  

• He is linking some words together i.e. 'dog woof'
• Liam can feed himself using a spoon or fork. 
• His coordination while walking is getting better and better. He can bend down, change direction, and even run a bit. He still keeps his hands out in front of him though.
• He does a lot of things while playing - rolling things, stacking things, pushing things, climbing on, over and up things. And he is learning to put his toys away.
• His preferred parent is 'da da' but when irritated by his dad he was follow me around saying 'mum mum mum'
• He loves trying to walk up steps with help and climb them without help (we're behind him when he does this.
• He uses baby sign language regularly to ask to 'eat', 'more' and 'all done'.
• His most used words - 'da da', 'mum mum', 'dog', 'ow', 'thank you', 'outside', 'let's go', 'duck', what's that', 'no', 'book' - there are a number of others that we're starting to hear as well.
• He is very helpful when getting dressed. He will push his arms though and try to put clothing over his head or on his feet. Granted, he is much faster getting undressed!

Thoughts and Feelings? 

We've all been through the cold that just doesn't seem to end, of which the cough still remains. In the midst of this and teething, we continue to monitor Liam's ears. His next appointment is on March 13th.


With better weather this winter, we have been getting outdoors more than at this point last year. We did some gardening on Saturday and Liam loved it. He's been playing with his plastic gardening tool and even sleeps with the hoe. I guess beach season will be fun as I assume he will  get into the sand this year - then again, he doesn't like grass so sand may be a no-no!


We're thinking about vacation 2012, which will not be happening until the 2nd half of the year. On one hand we're thinking toddler friendly activities and on the other hand we want to relax. We'll see what we come up with using those parameters.

What I am looking forward to: 


Will I get in trouble if I say July...

February 12th - 14.15 miles

Yesterday was the PALS Charity Walk. Dockyard to Hamilton - usually 15 miles but due to the high winds, they moved the finish to a sheltered spot so the walk ended up being 14.15 miles. All in all, I am not in as good shape as I had hoped but I did finish the walk in 4 hours, 23 minutes.

We walked about about a 16 minute/mile pace and had the jogging stroller with us. At about 6 miles my thighs started to hurt and by 7 miles I definitely felt that I had gone past what I was physically used to. By 10 miles I actually wondered if I'd make it to the end - by legs, back and feet hurt at that point. Aidan even thought I wouldn't make it. Somehow I managed to just keep walking. Perhaps it was the stroller keeping me propped up...

It was good to sit down at the end. In the car I felt fine but when I got out I realised that my left ankle was a bit swollen, in addition to both thighs being sore. I spent most of the afternoon with my ankle propped up. It is still a bit swollen today but I can put weight on it. I am hoping to be able to work out on it tomorrow night - I now really need to get back in shape!

33.5/366

Recovering from Bronchitis

No running for the last few weeks. Such a shame but the bronchitis has been awful. And I'm still coughing!

Anyhow, I have started walking again and I have a major walk scheduled on Sunday. Hopefully I can get over this coughing and start running soon. I am doing pilates and yoga to at least rase me back into things - and I am in no way in even decent shape!

So my last 3 walks have been 2.06 miles, 2.96 miles and 2.01 miles. So I am behind on my number of miles to date (should be 38 miles) but hopefully I can make it up in the coming weeks and months.

19.5/366

Liam - 13 months

Date/Week: January 22nd; 13 months

Milestones: 

• Liam is now in the toddler class at school. 
• Before he started, we had his feet measured (3.5) and got him his first pair of StrideRite sneakers. He also has a pair of 'dress shoes' but he still fits the 6-12 month size. 
• Liam's front teeth came in between Christmas and New Years.
• We've begun the process to get Liam to take his liquids from a cup - currently he goes to school with both a bottle and a cup and he has a cup with dinner.
• He LOVES his tricycle
• Liam is 10% percentile weight and 25% percentile height

Developmental Progress:  

• He has about 8 words but he copies as well
• He can stand and walk on his own but he chooses not to 
• He knows to pat the dogs/cats gently
• He is actively trying to manipulate the situation when you say 'no'
• He colours on paper a bit
• He can point out animals in his books
• He hums/sings along with 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'

Thoughts and Feelings? 


We have come into 2012 with concerns over Liam's ears. He had fluid in his ears again for his 1 year appointment and he will probably be put on antibiotics and be sent for a hearing test at his 15 month appointment if it is still the case. I expect that we will consider grommets as there are the concerns of hearing loss and slow speech development if the ear infections continue to be bad. The preference of the doctor is to let him grow out of it but we'll see if that would be best.


As for the everything else, it's a matter of developing new routines, making sure there's enough time for walks with the tricycle and playing and many, many books! I do hope that this year is as enjoyable as Liam's first.

What I am looking forward to: 


What shall we do for vacation 2012?

January 10th - 2.54 miles

This was the first attempt at a lunchtime run. I decided to run from my office to the Botanical Gardens, visit with my coach for a breather and assessment of how it went and then run back to the office. It's a lovely day, sunny but not too warm and a slight breeze. The run to the Botanical Gardens was pretty easy. I did walk up one hill but managed to get to the Gardens in 15:18 seconds.

My coach met me when I got there and we walked over to the Masterworks Museum so he could get lunch and I could have a look at the facility. We also made tentative plans for Sunday training. We'll meet halfway - it'll let him train for the 1/2 marathon in May and I get a good workout with the stroller in tow...

The run back was a bit more difficult as I ran the whole way (a first for 2012!!!). I did the run back in 16:32. Cooling down has been a bit tough - I think I need some extra supplies in the office so that I am in professional shape for the afternoon. I hope to run again on Thursday... and hopefully I have the motivation now to do a workout at home tonight!

12.5/366

January 8th - 2.05 miles

This one was all walking and was a true Family affair. We took the tricycle and the dogs and headed to Somerset Bridge to meet Aidan's sister, our BIL and our niece, who had a new bike with training wheels. We then walked with them to the railway trail entrance. It was a beautiful day, quite sunny and warm. The kids loved being on their bikes. It wasn't a strenuous workout by any stretch of the imagination but the dogs were quite tired once they got home!

10/366

January 7 - 3.65 miles

I really didn't feel like going anywhere, let alone go running. We made it a family outing with the jogging stroller, the dogs and hubbie. I had downloaded the Glee Warblers album for motivation. After a few false starts with Runkeeper we were off. The dogs drove me nuts whenever I ran with them - they kept crossing in front or behind me and the leashes were a pain. To get in the mileage I ran between Lantana and Somerset Bridge. Once we got near our entrance I then took the jogging stroller and did an extra 1.65 miles. AI walked most hills and for the last bit I walked as well because I was tired. I turned off the Runkeeper when Aidan met me at our entrance so I didn't log the additional .25 mile back to the house.

8/366

January 4th - 2 miles

Due the the weather, the first 2/3 miles were walking outdoors. Pace was good and I used my arms. I didn't have my earphones and had to turn the music down on my iPhone since I was walking around the City at lunchtime. I added some stairs but didn't count that in my mileage. Tonight we ran indoors to wii Fit Plus. To be certain I got in enough for 2 miles today I ran for 20 minutes - plus added some hula hooping for abs. Weight was ok. I officially have 15 lbs I'd like to lose (and Aidan needs to lose 10h. So as of January 4th - 4/366

January 1st, 2012 - 2 miles

I had a few test jogs last week so I knew my limits. I decided to do 2 miles since that would take about 30 minutes. I also decided to do a route with hills - for greater effort to walk up them during my rest periods. The weather was a bit sunny and the music was ok.

Today's effort was completed in about 26 minutes - a little over a 13 minute mile. Not bad to start. I rounded the morning off with an ab workout. Lord knows that my abs are not in the greatest shape at the moment. Anyhow, that's done and now I'm off to a few New Year's Day parties.

2/366 as of 1/1/2012