Juggling Parenthood & Marathoning

How do y'all do it?? When Lena-boo wakes up at 2-3 am for a feeding, I am DRAINED! I haven't run in weeks. I thought I would try the half marathon this weekend, but I've been skipping meals (also not hydrating) because I've been so busy tending to her & I went back to work in the afternoons. So hard trying to establish a routine right now!

Maybe I'll see you all next weekend. Happy training everyone!

Meet Lena Claire

Well, here she is. All 7 lbs of her. She's in the arms of my mom, Grandma Clara, which is where part of her name comes from (the first part comes from her grand & great grandmothers). She's a very sweet, charming, attentive baby. She's got Dad wrapped around her little finger. And, Mom calls everyday (when she's not over here) to see what she's up to. I've already started telling her about the finer points of running; about stretching, hydration, etc. Of course, she's not quite getting it all; but she did look very attentive for a 2 week old. :) I know that having a baby changes everything; I had NO idea how much. Right now, our lives revolve around her. Soon, I'll have to head back to work & start training again. Already, I'm hating the thought of leaving her. Our moms & my sister have graciously offered their sitting services. I'm thinking about dropping to part time or working from home so I won't be away from her so much since she's so young. Looks like teaching may have to be on the backburner for a bit since my current job may offer a little more flexibility. But, we'll see.

I checked some of y'all's progress on the site. It was a scorcher, but, it wasn't as hot as it gets here. I was shocked & saddened to learn a runner from Midland, MI died because of the heat. Guess we should never, ever underestimate the heat. I hope you all made it OK. Maybe I'll be at yoga on Wednesday. :)

A Change in Plans

Some time ago, Matt had blogged about having a game plan for life (or something to that effect). Some of us reminded that it's OK to plan, but sometimes, God has other plans and HE is in control.

As it turns out, I will not be going to Chicago. Instead, I will be caring for our infant daughter! :) It's so amazing that she's coming into our lives, only days away from the Chicago Marathon. We are so very happy to be given the opportunity to become parents. We've prayed for years and it's FINALLY coming to pass! Still, a part of me is sad that I'm not going to be with you guys.

I've been nesting like crazy; Will has been laughing at me. This is our last night as a family of two! Thanks so much for your prayers and well wishes. It means a lot to us. :)