Let me first start out saying... I'm tired! The last couple of weeks of training for Rev3 Anderson have been wearing on me. I will be excited when I don't have to drag myself out of bed to go on a long ride or run.
A couple of days ago, Matt and I took a trip up to Anderson, SC to ride the course for my race. We wanted to see if it was what we expected. The night before Matt's mom came down to watch the baby for us while we rode the next day. We left the morning of and drove the hour drive to the Darwin Wright Park. Isn't that awesome that the race is only one hour away? We unloaded the bikes and hopped on the course. Within the first couple of miles there is a decent climb, but overall the climbs aren't necessarily more than we were expecting. Overall the course is good and is going to be a beautiful ride. My preview ride of the course was rough, mostly because the course is not marked, has lots of turns on back roads, which made us stop several times, and it was HOT! I hope it starts to cool down before race day. Because riding 56 miles and following it up with a half marathon in 90* weather is not really ideal for me. I followed the ride up with a 2 mile brick run in the park (not on the run course). The ride was rough, but the run made up for it. The run gave me the confidence I was looking for. Now all I have to do is run 11.1 more miles.
I was running, even though in this picture it looks like a walk. :)
As the week continues, so does my training. Yesterday, I did a long swim, which was just average. Then today I did another 10 mile run. This was the worst run I've had in weeks. But the good news is I ran the whole thing, no walking. Again it was hot, and I didn't have enough water. I was so exhausted this afternoon, the baby and I took a two hour nap. I don't think I have gotten a nap that good in a very long time!
More good new is... I'm only planning on doing TWO more 10 mile runs and 55 mile rides! I'll do a long ride and run next week, then vacation week, another long ride and run week, and the a rest/taper week. Now that's exciting!!! Race day is coming! The thing that keeps me going is running across that finish line with my husband and carrying my baby.
Thanks to everyone for asking about training and giving me encouragement!
A huge milestone stone has happened in my husband's life in the last week and a half. And although he did turn 30 last Friday that is not the milestone I'm talking about. Matt completed his first Ironman. I am so proud of him. It is such an awesome accomplishment. It was a long day for all of us, even though Caffrey and I didn't race. I could give you all the details I remember, but my husband says it so much better. If you haven't already read it, check out his race reports from the swim, bike, and run.
Matt & our buddy Josh after completing Ironman Louisville
So since Ironman Louisville Matt has been taking it pretty easy as far as training goes, and he totally deserves it. But I on the other hand have not. I've got my first 70.3 coming up in five and a half weeks. After spectating at a 140.6 event, it makes me nervous about my 70.3, even though it's half the distance. I will say that this will not be the fastest 70.3 out there. My goal is to finish before the cut off. First of all, I am not a fast triathlete to begin with, and second I have a nine month other baby that is exclusively breastfed which takes precedence over my longer workouts. So in other words a lot of my workouts are geared around the baby and Matt's schedule. It's pretty exciting to look back over the last three weeks to see what I've been able to get accomplished in my training schedule. I've been able to ride a 48 mile and 50 mile outdoors and run 10 miles three times. I've done a couple longer swims, but I've been trying to put more time in on my rides and runs, because that is where I believe I can improve the most.
Just after registering for Rev3 Anderson
I'm excited to see what I can accomplish in the next couple of weeks. Here I come Revolution 3 Anderson 70.3!!
Recently I was talking to a friend that is in the beginning stages of pregnancy. She was asking me about different products that she should put on her baby registry. So instead of just sending her an email, I decided to blog about it. That way I can refer other people to it also in the future.
First of all registering for a baby is so much more intimidating than registering for a wedding. When Matt and I were registering when we got married for the most part we knew what we wanted and how to use it. For a baby it was a totally different situation. We had no idea what half of the stuff even was. When we were registering we asked other people that have recently had babies, but I also used a blog, Create Studio, that my sister told me about. The author wrote a blog post "How in the World to Register for Your First Baby!". So I mostly went off this list, but I had some things that I liked better than what she recommended. When registering for/ buying baby products, keep in mind that every baby is different. One thing that my baby liked, yours may not like. So here we go!!
Layette
Aden & Anais Swaddling Blankets- I used these all the time for the first 3 months until baby learned to get out of the swaddle. I will say that only about 4 of these blankets are really necessary.
Halo SleepSack- We used this swaddling blanket from about 3 months- 5 months. We used the microfleece one, only because baby was born in the winter. One or two of these may be useful, but you could survive with just one.
Aden & Anias Sleeping Bag- Now we use this and have since baby was 5 months. We don't use it every time we lay baby down, only when baby is cold. I also bought the "cozy" one, only because I found it on sale at BabySteals.com. (Two other website to check out for cheaper baby items are BabyHalfOff.com and Zulily)
Nursery
Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Video Monitor- The things that I like about this monitor are: you can rotate the camera from the video screen, it clicks in easily on the charging dock, and a percentage of battery life is on the screen.
Portable Crib-
There are lots of options out there. Probably the most common is the Graco Pack N' Play. We got one with a reversible napper/ changing station.
It seemed like a good concept. But the napper/ changing station was never level when we flipped it. So if I bought another one I would buy one with separate napper and changing station
Phil & Teds Lightweight Traveller is very similar to the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib, but it looks like it may require a little longer assembly. This one does has a zip away side, though.
Swings/ Bouncers- We got a used swing from a friend and a new bouncer seat with music and vibrations. We put baby in the swing more often then the bouncer seat. Although, I wish I would have just registered for a Portable Swing.
Mobile- I never found a mobile that I liked and matched the baby room. So my sister in law made a really cute decorative one. But now that baby is pulling up in his crib, we took it down. I don't think it's a super necessary item, but I have heard of it entertain baby, especially if they can start the motion.
I have loved it! But have I really needed this pump, since I'm a stay-at-home-mom? Probably not. If you are not going to use a pump daily, a Medela Swing may be a better choice economically.
Nursing Cover- There are lots of covers out there, but Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover is one of the biggest and has a stiff rim to look in while nursing.
Bottles- I rarely use bottles, but I have just used the 4oz Medela bottles that came with my pump. I did try a Calma nipple. It worked well when he was young, now the regular nipples that came with the pump and bottles work best.
Nursing Pillow- My Brest Friend was my favorite over the Boppy, because it was firmer and more supportive.
Soothie Gel Pads were awesome, especially the first few weeks. They really helped with soreness, especially when they are cold from the refrigerator.
High Chair- We have just started using ours, but the Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chair is great and turns into a booster seat when baby is bigger.
Bumbo Seat- I've heard other babies and parents love these, but our baby could only sit in these for a few minutes before he was tired of it.
Travelling
Stroller- We got the Baby Jogger Summit primarily for jogging. Some the feature we liked best are: hand brake, shocks, rubber handle, and folds up with one pull. We did not get the adapter for our infant carseat, just to save the money. We put baby in the jogging stroller fully reclined when he had pretty good head control and was six weeks old.
Since the jogging stroller is bigger and heavier, we also got an umbrella stroller. We didn't get just any old umbrella stroller. We got a Chicco Liteway Plus. This stroller is awesome! It can hold our carseat and has a seat.
Car Seat- We got the Chicco Keyfit 30. We love this carseat. It is so easy to install.
Baby Carriers- I have used my carriers probably more than I have used our strollers. Our baby loves baby wearing.
Moby Wrap- I used this all the time until baby was about 4 months old, when he was a little too heavy for the Moby. I used it every week at church and even flew with it when baby was 10 weeks old. Highly recommend.
Just a heads up at first they are kinda complicated to tie. So here's the video I used to learn how.
Baby Ergo- This is an awesome baby carrier, very supportive and comfortable. The only down fall is that I need help snapping it in the back. You can wear it on the front or on your back, but I have only worn it on the front. I did get the infant insert, but didn't use it much. I used the Moby instead when he was smaller, unless I was walking outside in the cold.
I use the IBabyLog all the time to track nursing, diaper change, sleep, pumping, medication, and bottle feeding. It tracks lots of other things too, but this is what I use it for.
Books
There are tons of baby books out there. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child is what I use as far a sleep patterns and sleep training. The other book that is helpful as far as development and stimulation The Wonder Weeks.
Well, there it is... My favorite things! Sorry, for the lengthy post, but hopefully it's helpful. I hope you enjoy these products just as much as I do!
I go through phases of blogging and not blogging. So here we go again. Just a heads up, I'm going to to do a little catching up since the last blogs At the end of April Baby C and I went to California to visit family. I was a little nervous flying by myself and with a layover. Once again little man amazed me. He did great! We'll see if he continues to be a awesome airplane traveler when we fly again in October.
Flying to California
This is my Aunt Sandy. Sandy and her husband, Nan, took us to Newport beach for the weekend.
Baby C got to meet my dad's parents, Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Stout.
He also got to meet my cousin, Kristy, and her fiance', Phillip. (He was about to go to sleep, that's why he's swaddled. I don't usually keep him in a straight jacker.)
We got to see my cousin, Mandi, while we were out in California.
Thanks Sandy and Nan for a great trip to California.
We were both very excited to see Daddy when we got home.
We had kind of a traumatic evening one night in May. Poor baby knocked one of his teeth out in his crib some how. :( His gums are all healed up now, just minus a tooth.
We also got an unexpected visit from my brother, Trevor, and his wife, Wyntre, when they had to cut their backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail short.
At the end of May we headed up to Tennessee for the Georgia Cumberland Conference campmeeting. The highlight of the trip was staying with Matt's sister, Mindy, and her family.
Fun times with Cousin Brynlie!
First time in the swing
Aunt Mindy is such a good auntie and mommy juggling two babies during storytime.
We also made it to Zoo Atlanta for the first time. Caffrey didn't really know what was going on, but it was good outing for me to do with another mommy friend.
So I've been trying to fit in my training in the midst of mommyhood. I mentioned in past posts that I wanted to do Ironman Augusta 70.3, but.... It is now filled up, and I can't do it. :( My plan now is to do Rev3 Anderson. It is also a 70.3. It's two weeks later and a smaller race. I'm also excited, because Matt and Caffrey can cross the finish line with me.
Enjoying some swimming/ training at Collins Hill Aquatic Center
Picnic & playtime, post-ride on the Silver Comet
My mom, Caffrey, and I just got back from a vacation to Branson, MO. We had a lot of fun. This baby continues to amaze me. He did so well with the 13 hours on the road there and back. He did great, but I am really trying to limit his time in the carseat and enjoy as much time as we can at home for the next few days.
My mom, Mimi, & Caffrey looking out the observatory overlooking Branson
This little boy loves to swim
Just outside one of the cafes about to head home
Overall the last three months have been a lot of fun. We have many more memories to make in the next couple of summer months. I'll try to be better about staying up to date, especially as Rev3 Anderson gets closer.
