Last week Luke and I had the chance to catch up with my old MMC buddies, Lora and Sally and their new babies, Ryan (Lora's little boy), and Sydney, Abby & Maya (Sally's girls). We met up at Pullen Park and had a nice walk around the lake and then hung out in the sand while Ryan and the girls did some swinging and then everyone enjoyed a nice bottle. Well, everyone except for me, Sally and Lora. It was a bit early for us! It was great to see my friends and catch up with them. We'll have to do it again soon!
A Walk in the Park
Smokin' Hot Butts & Racks
Luke and I joined Courtney, Greg and Avery at the Bikes, Boogie and BBQ festival in Gastonia last weekend. Greg and his team, "Smokin' Hot Butts & Racks" entered the competition in all four categories: chicken, ribs, pulled pork and brisket. It was their second competition and unfortunately they didn't place, although their brisket was the best I've ever tasted! Despite the loss, the festival was a lot of fun and there was plenty of good people watching to be had. Luke had a great time sitting up in his stroller like a big boy and even took a 1 hour nap in the middle of the live music, generators and fans, so Mama got to relax enjoy some cold adult beverages. It was a great day!
There were over 500 bikes at the festival:
Courtney and Avery:
Me & Luke (we were taking Mommy pictures since Jay & Greg never capture us on film!):
Sitting up like a big boy, Luke's new favorite thing!
Mom, why did you put this ridiculously large hat on my head? I don't think it's working for me.
There, now that's better!
Luke's girlfriend Avery:
Avery wearing her shorts as a hat. Okay, so it was Courtney's idea, not Avery's, but funny nonetheless!
Avery wearing her super cute Tar Heel gear!
Two Thumbs Up

So Jillian Michaels has been kicking my ass with her 30 Day Shred dvd for about a month now and while I still have a love/hate relationship with her, I am starting to see some results. My cardio level is up considerably from Day 1, when 30 seconds of jumping jacks nearly had me passed out on the floor, and I have even lost a couple of pounds. Yay!
And it must really be working because the other day when I was out walking Luke, a delivery truck driver honked at me. Yes, at me! haha I thought for a while there that I had lost my touch, but it looks like Mama's still got it. That and a sweet farmer's tan from all those lunchtime walks we've been taking. Go on, you know you're jealous!
So thanks Jillian, even though I'd rather post this picture of you on my dartboard, I give your workout two thumbs up!
First Ball Game
Nothing says male bonding like a day at the baseball park!
71 Days
I just counted and you are 71 days old now--I can hardly believe it. I have been meaning to write this letter to you since you were born, but you have had other plans for me that do not include free time! Of course when I do have free time, there are plenty of other things I'd rather be doing, like watching you suck on your fingers or stare at your feet, which you recently discovered and find completely fascinating. I could spend every day watching you watch the world around you. You have changed my life so fully and completely I can't remember the way things were before you and I don't even want to try. It feels like you've been here the whole time. Your Daddy and I love you more than we ever could have imagined and we are still in awe that we brought you into the world. Did we really create this beautiful and amazing little person? It baffles us.
Since you came into our lives we watch you like you are our new tv. The funny expressions you make, every little gurgle or coo, we can't imagine anything more cute or perfect and could just stare at you for days. I find myself doing things for you that I never imagined doing for another human being before. I have never before kept a poop journal, never placed my hand on someone's chest in the middle of the night to make sure they were still breathing, and certainly never wiped someone else's bottom for them...oh how that has changed! But then you have this way of looking up at me with your big blue eyes, laying your perfect little head on my shoulder, or reaching out to gently grasp one of my fingers, and in those moments I realize I would do anything in the world for you, my little angel.
Every morning I wake up and realize I have fallen in love with you just a little bit more, and it is the best feeling in the world. My love for you is so great that even when you wake me up at 5am I feel like I could stay up all day long, with no coffee, and that is saying a lot. I can't wait to start every day with you, to see what new cool thing you are going to learn that day. On Sunday you rolled all the way over from your back to your belly by yourself and I thought I would just burst with pride for how strong and smart you are. Just wait until you can roll back the other way, I swear I won't know what do with myself!
I can't wait to show you the world little one. You are so eager to take it all in. And the world better watch out, because baby, you are so awesome the world won't know what hit it.
All my love,
Mama
PS. I still can't believe that I am someone's Mama.
Get In Shape Girl!
Does anyone remember these toys from the 80s?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZhvocyYtSc&feature=related
I used to love all my Get In Shape Girl gear, especially my ribbon wand, although I didn't twirl it nearly as well as Will Ferrell. I just began my post baby workout regime this week so my mind wandered back to these toys for some reason...guess my fitness obsession started at an early age!
I began with a run on Sunday with Jamie and how sad, I only made it a mile before I had to stop and walk. I suppose that's not SO awful, considering it was already 90 degrees out and it was my first serious attempt at running in about 6 months, but man, it is hard to believe this time last year I was training for a half marathon.
I followed up on Monday with the 30 Day Shred dvd and did that again today, and Jillian Michaels is totally kicking my ass this week. I felt like I'd been hit by a bus yesterday when I woke up and I can't decide if I love Jillian or hate her. Either way, it is nice to be back in the swing of things. Hopefully I can fit into some pants with a real waist soon...what a goal!






