Hiking

Lately we have been exploring different modes of transporting Nolan. He likes the Baby Bjorn, LOVES his new jogging stroller, likes to be in the Hot Sling, rolls all over the place on his own, and basically just likes to be on the move. Well, today we reached a new level.

Grandma and Grandpa Downing got us this WONDERFUL hiking backpack for Christmas. Babies are not supposed to use it until they are six months old. Nolan will be six months on Thursday, so we thought we could bend the rules just a bit.

We put Nolan in it at home to try it out, and his reaction was hilarious! He was laughing, smiling, and just being crazy. I guess looking down on people is much different from looking up at them.

Since we were so successful at home, we decided to go on our favorite hike in St. Louis-The Lewis and Clark trail. The actual hike is 5 or 8 miles long, but you can do a 2.5 miler to a beautiful look out over the Missouri River. It was amazing how wondeful Nolan was. He just smiled and talked the entire walk!

We were celebrating Mother's Day a week late because Ted had finals last week. So he packed us a yummy lunch and we picniced at the look out. Our dog Cassie joined our hike as well. She and Nolan are already best buddies. On the way back, Nolan was so comfortable that he even fell asleep!Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the wondeful gift. We will be sure to use it as often as possible!

Girls on the Run

I am a coach for this great program called Girls on the Run. Today was our culminating activity with a 5k at a beautiful park in St. Louis. I brought the program to Wilson last year, and this year I had 2 coaches helping me out. It is a great program meant to help pre-adolescent girls develop health habits, a healthy body image, and appropriate ways to deal with emotions. I really enjoyed being a coach for such an amazing program.

Our Girls

The Three Coaches

(Notice my new jogging stroller! I got the BOB for a birthday present!)

Nolan and Grandma Jody

(She and Aunt Jody ran, too!)

What a great day! After the race, Nolan and I went to Wilson's picnic. (Ted went golfing with a good friend from high school. He was excused.) We had some great food and had a fun time visiting with many people. Throughout this entire day, Nolan never even cried once. He LOVES being out and about with things to look at and people to watch. Could he be his mama's boy?

This last picture is a few weeks old, but I had to include it. We went to a playgroud for the first time. This is Nolan "riding" the toy.

What a great Saturday!

5 Months Old

Happy 5 months, Nolan! You are getting so big. We love you so much!

Survey says...

I need your opinion! Seeing that it is my birthday on Wednesday, my present is going to be getting a new jogging stroller. I have been doing research on epinions, consumer report, and just plain asking people what they like. I want one that I can "jog" with, but also will be good for just being outdoors. It must have a swivel/lockable front wheel. My favorite is the revolution BOB stroller, but that is quite a bit pricey. I am thinking mostly about the Baby Trend jogger. If you have a stroller that you feel opinionated about, please let me know!

Here is Nolan's favorite comfort. Sucking his thumb while grabbing his toes.

This is his wonderful smile!

We think that Nolan looks just like his cousin Ben in this stance.

Welcome Emma!

My sister Lara had her 3rd baby today! Emma Margaret was born this afternoon at 4:36pm. She was 9 lbs. 14 oz. Welcome to the family, Emma! To see pictures, click on Lara's blog.

Swimming update

Here are the pictures from Nolan's first swimming outing. From left to right are Cohen (Melika's son), Nolan, and Lauren (Andrea's daughter).Just Nolan and Mommy. (The only type of swimsuit photo I would be caught in!)

Suvivor St. Louis Style

We made it past our first week! Yipee!

I have to admit, it was much easier than I thought it would be. Nolan's babysitter and her 3 children LOVE Nolan. The kids run up to him when we get there in the morning and say, "Hi Nolan!" and "Yay! Nolan's here!" They even ask every night if Nolan is coming back the next day. They are a wonderful family, full of love and patience, and if Nolan can't be with Ted or me, I am glad he can be with them.

As for me, school has actually been enjoyable. I think it is the prospect of only 38 days left in the school year. I teach 6th grade, and they graduate from Wilson this year. Being the kings of the school comes with some great priveledges. All of which make April and May FLY by. The kids were so excited to have me back and they ask about Nolan all day long. My friends and coworkers have been great. Pumping is another story, but I am glad I am doing it.

I will be just fine for the next 8 weeks. Nolan is probably having more fun where he is than at being at home with me. I am just very grateful that I am able to stay home after this school year. I don't think I would be feeling the same if there wasn't the end in sight. I am sure I will miss my job, friends, and the autonomy that comes with it all. I didn't become a mother to meet my needs. But I will never complain about the benefits.