Grandpa Jack

While we were at the Toys for Tots 5k, this man came up to Jack and me and struck up a conversation:

Man:  "How old is your baby?" 
Elizabeth: "He's 11 months old.  He'll be one on December 10."
Man:  "My birthday is December 10!!"
Elizabeth:  "Wow!  That's so cool!"
a couple minutes later...
Man:  "What's your baby's name?"
Elizabeth:  "His name is Jack."
Man:  "That's my name!!"
Elizabeth:  "Shut up!  You are lying!  Really?"

As it turns out, Grandpa Jack (as I've lovingly named the man) is expecting two granddaughters in a few months and that is why he was drawn to us.  One of his daughters met him at the race and he introduced us to her.  She was just as shocked as we were to hear of the coincidence.  Grandpa Jack's real name is John, but everyone has called him Jack his whole life.  What a small, crazy world!

Grandpa Jack and Baby Jack

Thanksgiving

We headed up to Virginia to celebrate Thanksgiving with my mom and visit with friends and family while we were there.

We met up with Marisa's mom (and Miles' Grammy), Mary, first thing for lunch at Moe's.  We try hard to catch up with here whenever we are in town...we're kind of like her East Coast daughter, son-in-law and grandson while her real daughter, son-in-law and grandson are on the West Coast.

Mrs. Mary, Elizabeth, Jack and Dave

Every morning, we headed down to my dad's house (he lives four doors down from my mom) for breakfast.  Dad and Diane made sure they had lots of fresh fruit which Jack loves and we had an awesome quiche to munch on while we were there.  Jack loves to play with the dogs at Dad's house and he loves to give snuggles.

Grandpa and Jack snuggling

Still snuggling

Thanksgiving morning, the Mulleys went to do the Toys for Tots 5k with about 2000 other people.  Jack and I walked (well he slept and I walked) and Dave ran with our friend Geoff. We ran into several people we knew and even made some new friends.

Elizabeth, Dave, Jack and Geoff before the race

The terrified sweet Marine that held Jack so I could get a picture

While we were in Virginia, Mom told us we could put together her Christmas present for Jack and he could play with it.  She said that since he's still a baby, he won't remember. 

Dave securing Jack in his new wagon

Jack holding on tight

Jack waving while Granny takes him on his inaugural ride

Chillin' in his shades on the way to Grandpa's

Dave and Jack strolling

On Friday night, we went and had Shabbat dinner with the Browns who were also in Virginia visiting family.  Unfortunately, I only took one picture...but damn, it's a cute picture!

Levi and Jack

The last day we were in town, Mom, Jack and I ran to Costco while Dave took a nap.  Chip and his family met us there and I was so happy to see Chip, Colleen, Tripp and Madison.

Madison wanted to ride in the cart with Jack

Mickey Mouse also thought it was the cool thing to do

Tripp, Madison and Jack

Jack loves Madison and Tripp

We had a fabulous trip up to Virginia and were so happy to see so many people we love!

Marathon Training...Another Perspective

As most of you know, Dave ran the City of Oaks Marathon a little over a week ago.  He We logged many hours training for this marathon and the effort was well rewarded.  Most of the time while Dave was training, Jack and I were at home.  Occasionally, we would meet him out on his long runs to surprise him and cheer for him.  When the marathon date loomed closer, I realized that I needed to get serious about my marathon training.  No, I wasn't running the actual marathon, but I was still heavily involved.  As most of you probably don't know, I am a high performance race watcher.  My cheering has helped people qualify for the Boston Marathon, made people laugh in the face of a tough hill, and made people run just a little faster (probably to get away from me...but whatever).


I remember my dear friend, Mark Remy, wrote about a training plan for spectators.  Okay, Mark Remy isn't really a dear friend, but I bet if he ever met me...he'd want to be my best friend (let's make it happen people!).  I used Mark's training plan to help me get ready for the big day.

Here's a basic run down of the training plan:

Week 1:
MON: 15 minutes standing around
TUE: 5 mins standing around; 5 mins clapping; 5 mins standing around
WED: rest
THU: posterboard sign drills — lift and lower a handmade sign 50 times; warm up and cool down with 5 mins easy cheering
FRI: rest
SAT: 15 mins standing around
SUN: 30 mins spectating fartlek — freestyle blend of standing around, cheering, clapping, and/or raising arms, as you feel

Homemade sign--up

Homemade sign--down

And rest

Week 2:
MON: 20 mins standing around; optional: sip coffee for duration
TUE: rest
WED: cowbell repeats — ring a cowbell for 90 seconds, recover with 30 seconds easy "woo-hoo-ing" repeat 8 times ; warm up and cool down with 5 mins easy cheering
THU: 20 mins standing around
FRI: street-crossing sprints — stand around for 5 mins on sidewalk; wait for break in traffic; sprint across to opposite sidewalk; repeat 10 times
SAT: rest
SUN: 45 mins standing around with sign

Introducing Jack to the clapper

Experiencing the power of the clapper

Practicing his cheers

 Week 3:
MON: rest
TUE: 30 mins standing around with sign, plus intervals of screaming (e.g., "Go!", "Looking good!", "Woo hoo!"), 10 x 30 seconds
WED: 12 cowbell repeats (see Week 2)
THU: rest
FRI: 40 mins standing around with sign
SAT: 15 mins easy cheering
SUN: 60 mins standing around, interspersed with cheering and sign holding

Practicing switching the signs

Different people need different kinds of motivation along the course

Week 4: (the taper)
MON: 15 mins easy standing around
TUE: street-crossing sprints (see Week 2)
WED: rest
THU: 20 mins standing around
FRI: rest
SAT: 10 mins very easy standing around
SUN: Race day — stand up and cheer! 

Practicing street-crossing sprints with the stroller

And back again

Now, doing street-crossing sprints while holding Jack

Jack lifts--up

Jack lift--down

After all of our training, Jack and I were ready for the marathon.  We were able to make it to three stops to get out and cheer for Dave along the course and made it to the finish line so we could see him finish is first marathon.  We are so incredibly proud of Dave.  Completing a marathon is no small feat and Dave did it in style!

Happy Birthday Miles!

Yesterday was our friend Miles' first birthday.  I remember last year when Marisa had Miles and I knew that that meant that we would be welcoming our sweet baby boy soon.  Marisa and I had due dates only three days apart, but she had Miles about a month early.  We are so thankful to have Marisa, Mark and Miles in our lives but so sad that they live so far away.

Here's a little message that we sent to Miles on his big day...

11 Months

Eleventh verse, same as the first.  We didn't have a doctors appointment this month, but I don't need a doctor to tell me that Jack is getting older and more awesome every single day!

This month, Jack:

• wears size 3 diapers
• wears 9 month and 12 month clothes (most things need the sleeves and legs rolled up)
• eats 3 meals and 2 snacks a day 
• nurses 4 times a day
• favors his left hand 
• eats pretty much whatever we eat
• finally started feeding himself 
• give his mommy kisses (rather aggressively-must be the European in him)
• claps his hands
• waves "hello" and "bye-bye"
• cruises around all furniture
• uses anything (boxes, his snack chair, etc.) to get him around
• can reach up and pull things off the kitchen table
• stands without holding onto anything for approximately 15 seconds
• understands no-but chooses to not listen usually
• can throw the ball for Molly
• throws blocks, food, pretty much anything he can get his hands on
• sleeps 12 hours a night without a peep
• naps twice a day (about 1.5-2 hours each)
• smiles, squeals and giggles all. the. time.
• says 'ba ba ba ba" most of the time
• give great hugs and loves to snuggle

The planning for his first birthday party is already underway.  It's hard to believe how fast this year has flown by!

Twins

Lord, NO!  I am not having twins!  Geez, this is how rumors get started!

The craft fair was a total success!  I arrived around 6:30 (with giant hot chocolates in hand) this morning and Crafty Sue was already busy unloading her van.  It was still very dark, very cold and very very windy out.  We got the canopy set up and set up all of our wares that we were selling to get ready for the 8 o'clock start time.  At about 8:02, I realized that my fingers were going to fall off so I ran over to the car to get my gloves.  Right when I got to the car, I head Crafty Sue yell "LIZ! HELP!".  So I turned around to run back over and help.  When I turned around, I noticed that our canopy had two of its legs floating in the air and the canopy next to us was a good eight feet in the air.  All of our designer goods were flying around due to a huge gust of wind.  I got over there and leveled the canopy and Crafty Sue and I got back to work arranging our stuff, once again.  Once everything was secure, I went back to get my gloves. 

I sold a third of my onesies and Crafty Sue made a killing on her knit hats, ponchos, Wrascally Wristers (rascally!) and fleece flower pins.  It was great how many people were out there to support local crafters and we are happy the weather cooperated (in terms of it not raining like it did last year).

Dave and Jack came over to support us, keep us company and bring us lunch.  I had arranged for my boys to dress alike, but it was too cold at the craft fair for anyone to notice.  Don't you fret though, I got some pictures once we got home and Jack woke up from his nap.

Hey Mom!  Look who I look like?

Yeah, just me and my dad...

Look what I can do... (flipping the bird)

I want to be so big, like my dad

My handsome boys!

Thanks, Dave for being such a good sport and sporting a tie shirt.  Jack and I think you are the coolest!

Favorite Toy

Jack has an unconventional favorite toy.  While most babies have a security blanket or a teddy bear that they carry around, Jack has a straw.  Like a plastic straw that you get in your drink at a fast food restaurant.

Taking a bath with his straw

Drying off with his straw

Having a snack with his straw

Coming out from his hiding place...with his straw

Feeling a little overwhelmed during the Friday photoshoot

The straw is being offered

Ahhh, feeling better because of his straw

Taking a nap at the park with his straw...

do you see it now?

Shopping with his clear straw

Shopping with his blue straw (sorry for the poor picture...but he was doing his best smile)

Trying on new hats with his straw

Channeling his inner Grandad with his "straw-stache"