A Really Great Day

Sunday was a really good day.  Like, a really, really, REALLY great day.  And it's not like we did anything exciting, but James and I still went to bed last night saying "wow, great day".  Even the things that tried to derail it (I'm looking at you, evil yellow pollen) couldn't dampen our spirits.

Here's a run down on what made it so fantastic:

• JB took a great morning nap, which allowed Mama time to, first, recover from being out until 1:30AM (bachelorette party) and, second, complete her non-medicated netti-pot / steam shower routine to combat the evil pollen.
• We were only 1 minute late for church (due to the fact I had to iron JB's teeny tiny button down shirt.  First world problems.)  The sermon was so good that James and I both found ourselves scribbling notes on the Mini Methodists (i.e. kids' ) notepad in the pews.  The nursery workers did not once have to page us because JB had fun playing and snoozing the entire service.  No tears this week, yea!! 
• After church we hit up the cheap, take out pho place.  JB cooperated and practiced drinking out of my water cup.  We left and I vowed never to eat there again, just like I always do.  (But, hey, if cheap, less-than-stellar pho is the worst part of the day, we did something right.)

Bad Pho, Good Boys

• Early afternoon JB took a nap like a champ.  Two and a half hours of great sleep!  And this meant that Mama and Dad got a nap, too - HEAVEN.  Afterwards, James and I made a conscious decision to lounge on the couch and watch the History channel instead of executing our to-do list.  Best decision ever. 
• In the late afternoon, we headed to Ikea to look at something for James' new office.  JB hung out in the k'tan and smiled at everyone.  The cinnamon rolls were hot and delicious, and JB (accidentally) got his first taste of sugar when he grabbed the cinnamon roll wrapper.  I never knew babies had such strength until I tried to pull his chubby little hands out of his mouth.  Let's just say that JB would probably be interested in purees if I would blend up that cinnamon roll.

Yea for Sugar!

• In the evening, JB tried - AND LOVED - sweet potatoes!  Loved them so much that he ate an entire bowl, and then proceeded to lick the remnants off his tray.  He has not been a fan of "real food", but this - plus cinnamon roll icing - might just turn him around.  

Get in my belly!

Just one more bite...

• James and I got in some quality time in the evening as we prepped (pre-cooked, pre-chopped, cleaned, sorted mail, put up laundry, paid bills, etc) for the week. The fact that we're also prepped for the week meant sleeping well on Sunday night.  Which we did. …since JB slept from 8PM - 7AM.  HOLLA!  

So, a lot of little mundane, simple things made it a fabulous day, with all of JB's giggles and laughing and affection scattered in.  This is really such a fun age.  James asked me last night the "highlight" of the day and it wasn't even one of the above events.  Just being together as our little family of three was the special part. I love these boys of mine.

Enda vs. Bees

Earlier in the week, I talked all about the signs of Spring around here.  But I forgot to mention one of sign that has recently invaded our yard and deck: CARPENTER BEES.  Or as Enda likes to call them, her new best friends.   Not only do they make excellent things to chase, she has also made a game out of trying to catch and eat the little devils.

It's true, y'all; I love bees.

Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but we've now had two episodes where (we believe) the bees have fought back and stung her on the way down her throat.  This has resulted in terrible reactions, calls to the emergency vet, moving of funds to cover potential emergency vet bills (sort of kidding, but, geez, why are they so pricey?), and so much anxiety.  The reactions are no joke, and include moments where we're concerned for her life.  

I'm sorry I make you worry, guys.

Enda had her annual vet visit yesterday (where they pretty much called her a fatty, among other things), and we discussed this bee-havior with our sweet vet.  After the initial suggestion of "stop letting her eat bees" (well, no kidding), we decided that we should look into preventing the bees in the first place.  Enda obviously is not going to give up this dangerous habit anytime soon, despite the risk.

Wait, is that a bee I see??

So if anyone has good advice on how to get rid of carpenter bees (that don't involve actually poisoning them, less our little red gal continues to consume them on a frequent basis), we are all ears!  

Ready for Spring!

I'm so ready for Spring - who's with me!?  Could this winter be any longer/colder?  Now, I know what we've experienced here in Atlanta is nothing compared to all my Yankee friends - but it was enough to convince me that the Sassers should permanently live in the South forever and ever.

Anyway, I think we're fiiiiiinally reaching a point where we can grab our flip flops, put up our heavy coats, and plant some warm weather blooms.  Here are a few signs that Spring is on its way (beyond just the wonderful 75 degree temps today).

First, we managed to hit up the park without a jacket this weekend.  A hat was required to block the cool breeze (last weekend of March folks, really?), but JB had a blast in the swing and I'm so glad he's big enough/it's warm enough that we can finally enjoy our little neighborhood park!!

I love this little bub.  

Second, we've upped our preparations for the yellow pollen that infiltrates every inch of Altanta in the Spring.  After spending waaaaaaay too much time last year cleaning, we decided to give our screened-in porch a fighting chance by putting up plastic.  It may look a little trashy for the next month, but here's hoping we can block out all that evil. (Sidenote: I've nearly got the screened-in porch fully decorated - reveal post coming soon!)

We're ready for you, pollen!

And, third sign of Spring - our cherry tree is in full bloom!  This type blooms a little later than some of the other cherries on the block, but, once it gets going, it's so lovely. 

So, yea for Spring!!  Let's hope we survive all the pollen while taking full advantage of this beautiful Georgia weather.  It won't be too long before we're complaining about the heat, I'm sure of it. :)  

James Benjamin - Six Months Old!

James Benjamin is SIX MONTHS OLD!

We think that six months may be our new favorite stage.  JB is so much fun right now!  He's very social, and loves to be out and about.  I think he would hang out in his k'tan (with Mama) or bjorn (with Dad) forever, and will flirt and smile with anyone who pays him an ounce of attention.  He's taken an interest in his toys, and likes to play with (and chew on) just about anything he can get his hands on.  If he sees an iPhone within his reach, he's intent to grab it. How do they know so young!?  

In the past week he has become mobile - but not because he's crawling.  He rolls (and rolls and rolls) until he runs into a wall or piece of furniture.  Then, he rolls back the other way.  JB will no longer chill on his back or playmat.  He is also sitting up very well, and seems to enjoy playing with toys or looking at books from this new angle.  I've caught him a few times reaching up from his crib and grabbing the rail.  Although I doubt he has the strength to pull himself up right now, we're not gonna risk it.  The mattress is being dropped pronto.

So here we go - his six month stats!

JB's Measurements:

• Weight: 15 lbs 1 oz 
• Height: 25 3/4 inches

At 6 Months Old, JB...

...Eats every 3 - 4 hours, and eats between 5 and 6 times a day.  JB takes around 5 - 6 oz in his bottles, and then nurses in the morning and at night.  He wants to hold my hand or touch my face when we nurse, so I may never be able to wean this child.  We started experimenting with solids, but nothing has been a hit so far.  In fact, JB acts shocked and offended that we try to give him real food.

…Sleeps better than he ever has!  JB takes three naps a day (four if he's cat-napping), and is starting to nap for longer stretches at a time.  (Sidenote: he will no longer nap in his car seat for more than 20 minutes, so that's sort of a bummer on the weekends.)  He goes to bed very easily around 7:45PM, wakes between 3 or 4AM for a snack, then goes back to sleep until 7:30AM.  Now, I know it's not "sleeping through the night" and I know he could/should drop that feeding, but, hey, it's working for us right now!  We're going with it.

...Wears mostly 3 - 6 month clothes, but can still squeeze into some 3 month clothes, too.  I've pulled out a few 6 month outfits, and he's close to filling them out.  Fortunately (or unfortunately?) our weather is still cold, because most all of his Spring/Summer wardrobe is too big.  He is still in Size 2 diapers.

…Loves Lupe; hanging out in the k'tan or bjorn; attention; sleeping on his tummy; blowing raspberries; "talking"; when Mama and Daddy make silly faces and sounds.

…Does not like anything that goes into his mouth via a spoon.

...Has mixed emotions about his pacifier.  He's never been a huge fan, but now he will forcefully reject it.  On the bright side, I guess we won't have to worry about losing it in a few years.  However, it was sure helpful when we needed to soothe Mr. Fussypants!

Month Six Milestones:

• Sits up
• Blows raspberries
• Baptized

Month Six - can he stay this age a few more months?!

iPhone Photos

Previous Updates on JB:

• Birth Story
• One Month
• Two Months
• Three Months
• Four Months
• Five Months

Where Did the Past 6 Months Go??

Today, little JB is six months old.  SIX MONTHS.  Half of a year.  HALF OF AN ENTIRE YEAR. This Mama has a hard time believing it.

I am waiting to post his "official" six month update until after our visit to the Pediatrician on Monday.  I like to provide the most accurate stats on height and weight as possible.  But, to commemorate the fact that each passing day means my baby is closer to a toddler than a newborn,  I thought I would share JB's newborn photos from way back when.

A very special thank you to Debbie Koehler  for capturing these beautiful moments.  These are only a few of my favorites.  Can't wait to work with her again for his first year portraits (in six more months!)

My Running Playlist

I always like to look at other people's playlists - mostly to get some ideas for new music, AND to get to know someone by their song selections.  Hopefully I'll face no judgement here when you see my list.  Don't feel bad if you look and think "Jennie has horrible taste in music". My sweet husband tells me this all the time.  :)

This is not nearly as random as you would think.  Most all songs have these themes in common (all helpful during a long run): moving, working, pushing through, fighting, feeling good, being strong.  Lots of powerful females (Mary J, Beyonce), some good powerful 80s ballads (I'm Free, Carry On, Jump, Higher Power), and then just some good ATL hip hop that makes me want to dance while I'm running (my boys Usher, Nelly, Jason Derulo, etc.)  Despite the fact that I am not a Kanye fan, I find some of his songs motivating.  (Clarification - not like he motivates me in my every day life, but he motivates me to keep running up a hill. Big difference.)  There are also a few random songs that somehow made it on the list just because I like them.  

You will not see much new music on here.  As my husband reminds me all the time, I usually don't like a song until it's at least 6 months to 2 years old.  "Hey, James, I love this new song." "Yeah, Jennie, I did too…in 2012."  HAHAHA, again, I never claimed to be a music buff.  

I did download three new songs for the race:  

• "I'll Fight for You" (Jason Derulo) which I loooooove.  Combines Jason's upbeat voice while sampling Todo's Rain in Africa - how can it be bad??  
• "Jump (For My Love)" came up on my playlist right when the full and half marathoners split, and it was so motivating I thought (for a split second) about jumping into the full marathon path (until I realized that was crazy.)  And oldie but a goodie. 
• Lastly, "Drunk in Love" is one of my new favorite radio songs, even though I blush throughout the explicit version.  Um, yes, it's explicit, and I admittedly don't know what they're talking about sometimes.  But I still think the beat, the voice, the music is all super cool.  

So there you have it - what got me through the Atlanta Half.  To complete that race, a good playlist is essential.  Remember when Nike+ first came out and you could hit a button to hear your "power song"?  When the entire course is nothing but hills, your entire list better be a power song!  It's the only way to survive!

Atlanta Half Marathon 2014

It's done!  Another Atlanta Half Marathon is in the books!  YEA!!

The Finish Line

I'll be the first to admit (and James also admitted it to me yesterday) - when I signed up for this race while pregnant and on "restricted activity/limited bed rest", it was very questionable on whether or not I could train and complete it 6 months after giving birth.  Okay, maybe not questionable if I would - because there is no way I would waste my entry fee and skip the race - but if I would actually be ready for it.

So, what did it take to get ready?  THIS:

Jennie's Running Activity: January 1 - March 23, 2014

James gave me a Garmin Forerunner 10 (love it, can't run without it) for Christmas, right when I started training.  I somewhat stuck to my schedule, and made sure I was adequately preparing my body to go from a year of slow walks to long runs.  As you can see, I'm no speed demon - but slow and steady wins the race, right?  Going into Sunday, I felt ready.

Yesterday's race was fantastic. Publix and Atlanta put on a great marathon and half marathon, and it felt great to be out there again with a bib pinned to my shirt.  Just some highlights:

The Positives:

• The Weather:  it was perfect, with overcast skies and moderate temps.  No sun glaring in your face, but no rain pouring on your head, either.  Lovely.
• The Course:  so many great parts of Atlanta are included, and I could distract myself along the way with all the lovely houses and historic sites.  
• The Flowering Trees:  I think all the Cherry Blossom and Bradford Pear trees decided to be in full bloom for the weekend.  So beautiful, and reminded me that (hopefully, GOD WILLING) Spring is just around the corner.  
• I Finished:  That was my goal, so the fact I accomplished it makes me happy.  I did not beat my fastest, sub 2 hour time, but I did shave off 6 minutes from my last Atlanta Half finish.    

Killed It 

A Few (minor) Negatives:

• THE HILLS: Ugh, the HILLS. Why on earth is Atlanta so hilly.  Seriously, the race was just hill after hill after hill.  And long hills, too - not like a second or two of incline.  Despite lots of inclination, I only remember running downhill one time - and it was glorious. As we ran downhill and picked up speed, I told my running buddy, Carl, that this must be what the Kenyans up front felt like.  
• Flowering Tree Pollen: The beautiful buds and flowers on the trees did not always stay put.  A few gusts of wind sent blossoms directly into our face, which did not bode well for my allergies.  Fortunately I stick kleenex up my sleeves like an 80 year old woman.

Beautiful, yet Evil

Overall, I felt really good.  My body wasn't like "what the heck are we doing" for two hours. Only real complaint that I have today: my knees and back.  For some reason my knees are not happy, but I guess that's to be expected after 13.1 miles of a hilly run.  But my back? When did my back turn 60 years old?  I've never really experienced this before, but I will blame it on my lack of core strength, post bambino.  Currently there is just a flap of stretched out skin where my abs used to be.  Gotta work on that before the next race!  

Well, if there is a next race anytime soon - still undecided on that one.  Truthfully, it was a little difficult to train with the little guy, particularly since I'm sleep deprived and still exclusively nursing.  Lots of logistical decisions must be made to prep for a long run.  Plus, with all the calories that are needed to maintain enough supply to feed my hungry hippo, eating became a stressor, too!  Lastly, it meant a lot of time on the sidewalks with Enda, when I really wanted to be at home with my boys.  Of course the alone time was good for me (and some days I loooooooved getting out for my long runs), but the pressure of having to run because I was training made it less fun. 

Still, I'm proud of myself, and thankful for a healthy body (even the creaky knees and achy back).  :) And, super thankful for my #1 cheerleader who helped keep me on track and held down the fort while I was training.

Love him

And who convinced me to go ahead and add a side of French Toast to my (already) enormous post-run breakfast.  He's the absolute best.

R. Thomas does not disappoint!