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

Liam - Week 52

 Date/Week: December 22nd; week 52

Milestones: Our Little Boy is 1! First Holiday Open House on Dec 18th. No longer Baby Liam - Baby Benjamin was born on Dec 16th (Liam's first male cousin). 2nd haircut. Featured prominently in this year's Christmas letter (to be published to the family blog shortly).

Developmental Progress:  He hums/sings 'Jingle Bells'. Continues to take a few steps on his own. Drinks from sippy cup as easily as the bottle. Loves to 'read' his own books.

Energy level: I'm a little frazzled at the moment...

Exercise: only walking - putting together my fitness programme for 2012 though!

Thoughts and Feelings? I cannot believe that Liam is 1. It has been such a busy year. And even this week - with the Open House, Student Event at work, turning in the dissertation proposal, Liam's b-day, Christmas - it's been crazy. I am glad to have captured so much of it and am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to see Liam's journey from this vantage point!

What I am looking forward to: Christmas is coming!

Newborn

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

1 year card

Liam - Week 50

Date/Week: December 7th; week 50

Milestones: 1st Christmas Fair; now has a walker; 1st time away from me for more than one night

Developmental Progress:  He is able to navigate his walker - turn, push it backwards, etc. Getting better at 'patting' the dogs

Energy level: I went from frantic before flying on Monday to a few restless nights due to being in a strange place... but I am a bit more relaxed than usual

Exercise: Dance class on Saturday was good. Looking at what activities will make up my workout programme for 2012 - I need to look at getting back my endurance

Thoughts and Feelings? I miss my family. I speak to Aidan (and Liam) nightly and each morning. I am enjoying the intellectual aspect of this conference but it is tough to be apart from Liam for my first time. He isn't eating his solids and is clingy so he is missing me too. This is a tough first for me...

What I am looking forward to: Going home...

Liam - Week 49

Date/Week: November 30th; week 49

Milestones: 2nd time receiving antibiotics for ear infections :(  Preparing for his first Christmas concert (which I will miss) 

Developmental Progress:  He has done a few steps on his own but is still not comfortable with walking unaided. Give him something to push though and he goes all over the place; He has discovered that he can crawl faster if he puts whatever he is holding in his mouth

Energy level: Hectic week - I cannot wait for some time off to spend at home doing nothing (once Christmas is over...)

Exercise: Danced at Fort Hamilton on Monday (but also have been told that I have plantar fasciitis on my left foot... sigh)

Thoughts and Feelings? We purchased our tree this past weekend and are starting to get into decorating now that we're into Advent. I am looking forward to catching up with friends and family during the holiday season. I am also excited to see what Liam makes of everything - the lights, the tree, the music. 

What I am looking forward to: Our Open is on December 18, followed by Liam's birthday on the 22nd - it should be a great week of celebrations leading up to Christmas!