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Friday, August 19, 2011

Thankful Thursday # 5

Better Late Than Never!

  1. Getting a $50 gift card for Jadon from our tax guy!  I sent him a birth announcement and thanked him for all his help over the years.  Who know you could have a relationship with your tax guy!
  2. The swing and the movie Cars.  So far the only way I can get some time to get important stuff done.  You know like blogging!  Haha!
  3. Cool mornings this week.
  4. Realizing my fears and working to get over them.
  5. Getting the apartment packed up before we actually move.  I haven't looked at the garage ~ scared too!  That is Josh's territory!
  6. I packed away Jadon's clothes that are too small on him now and realized again how blessed we were from every one's generous gifts!
  7. A supportive husband ~ he always has good things to say about me even if I find it hard to believe him sometimes.
  8. Thankful Thursdays and Five Minute Fridays!  Blog ideas I don't have to come up with!
  9. Reading the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.  I am thankful that there are people in the world that do so much good! Stones into Schools is the sequel to Three Cups of Tea.
  10. Getting all of my volleyball articles in sheet protectors and organized!
  11. Stuck to my menu for the week!
What are you thankful for?  Write your list and link up with Curious Georgi.


5 Minute Friday - New

From Gypsy Momma:

So, here’s the skinny: I keep thinking about writing and how often our perfectionism gets in the way of our words. And so a while back I figured, why not take 5 minutes and see what comes out: not a perfect post, not a profound post, just five minutes of focused writing.  No extreme editing; no worrying about perfect grammar, font, or punctuation. Just painting with words. Finger-painting even.

For only five minutes.

I love that so many of you loved that idea too. So we gather here every Friday to compare our five minute masterpieces, in all their messy beauty. We just write, without worrying if it’s just right or not.

And this week, I asked on Facebook what we should write about. Two of you suggested, “New.”
You got it.

To paint your verbal picture and share it with us just:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Get a little crazy with encouragement for the five minuter who linked up before you.

 Start
OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes for the prompt:

New…

Possibilities come to mind.

Each day can bring new possibilites.  Possibilities to make someone happy.  Possiblitlies to start something for the first time or start fresh and go in a differrent direction.

Every day doesn't have to be the same ~ there are possiblities to meet new people, see or do something new, or look at the same things in a new way.

Possibilites should be exciting, but they can be scarry as well.  I am moving in a week to a community.  I am excited about the possiblities to meet the neighbors and other moms in the area.  I hope that I will be able to start new friendships that will be strong and true. 

STOP:

Click on the link below to see other 5 Minute Fridays at The Gypsy Momma.  Hopefully you will write your own!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Day 1 of Eat, Play, Sleep

In the months after Jadon was born, I read books and article on baby's sleep schedules.  Most said that after 3 months, babies start to consolidate sleep ~ they take fewer naps but sleep longer during those naps.  I loved the sound of that and thought about all of the things I would do during those longer naps!

At about 3months, Jadon started to take 2 - 3 hour nap in the swing and a few shorter naps.  Sometimes they were during the morning and sometimes they were later in the afternoon.  Cool, I thought.  He is starting to get into a rhythm. 

Reality check!  Schedule, what schedule? 

All of a sudden, the long naps stopped.  I have no clue why, they just did.  If he does fall asleep in the swing he only sleeps for about 30 minutes.  He is back to nursing through his naps.  I literally have to sit on the couch for 2 hours for him to get a good nap.  The second I try to get up to put him in his crib, he tries to start nursing again or starts crying as soon as his head hits the crib mattress.  This totally baffles me because when it is bedtime, I nurse him to sleep and put him down in the crib.  Most of the time he stays asleep, but even if he wakes he is able to go back to sleep on his own. 

I am going to try eat, play, sleep now that he is older and loves to play with his toys. I think he was about 2 months old when I met Candra (click her name for her blog) at the park and she told me a bit about it.  All I remember is the pattern, eat, play, sleep.  Apparently it comes from the Baby Wise book.  I am going to look into it more.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Thankful Thursday # 4

  1. Good doctor's visit!  Jadon was all smiles for the doctor and was proudly showing off all the things he can do!
  2. A great nurse gave him his shot - he didn't cry or even make a sound! I think he was showing off for daddy, but I will definitely request the nurse next time! 
  3. I am not going crazy!  I put Jadon in his crib with his head to the left and when I checked on him his feet were where his head was!  Jadon had learned to move himself around on his back!
  4. Josh having some time off between jobs to help start packing for our upcoming move. 
  5. Starting to pack early.  Can you say paper plates and plastic silverware!
  6. My parents have had their house up for sale for less than a month and looks like they will be singing a contract soon with a closing around the beginning of September.
  7. I want a dining room set since my one Grandma gave me her china and the other one gave me her crystal. 
  8. Jadon sleeping until 8AM this morning!
  9. Moving causes me to look at all my stuff and decide if it is needed or not.  Lots of stuff going in in the trash and to Good Will.  Less is more! For the most part, I don't get attached strongly to stuff.
  10. Morning routine - Josh gets Jadon and changes his diaper while I make coffee.  For some reason Jadon cries when I get him - I think it is because he sees me and wants to eat right away and doesn't want to wait for his diaper to be changed.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Whole

Whole is made up of many parts.

I feel more like a bunch of parts than whole and I have so many parts.  I have the wife part, the mommy part, the coaching part, the playing volleyball part, the running part, the naturalist part, the teacher part, and so many more parts that I feel I haven't found yet.  As I discover and live in those parts, the more complete and whole I feel. 

Some parts are more important than others.  The part that makes me whole or complete the most (excluding being a mom and wife) is the volleyball part.  I feel like I am totally alive when I am either in the gym, researching different volleyball philosophies, and creating practice plans.

Last week I was able to go to a high school pre-season volleyball tournament.  It was great because I got to see many girls that I have worked with over the years play all in the same place.  I brought Jadon with me and he was so good - I guess it was all those times I had tournaments when I was pregnant with him.  Not to mention that there were moms that were more than happy to love on him. 


Is there any way to combine my passion for volleyball and helping others? 

I am a fan of John Kessel at USA Volleyball.  He started a program called Leave a Ball Behind.  Basically, you either send/give balls to less fortunate groups so they can enjoy playing volleyball.  It seems trivial, why give these groups volleyballs?  Don't they need something more important?  Obviously needy kids need food, clothing, and shelter, but they also need someone to love on them.  Someone to make their day a little brighter. I think that knowing someone truly cares for them will give them hope, to allow them to be kids! 

I read Candra's blog Curious Georgi on this same topic and commented that I really didn't know what to do to help people become whole.  Well, I think I just figured it out.

I will be coaching for VolleyOne Volleyball Club starting this next club season.  I am hoping to run some ideas about the Leave a Ball Behind program to see if I can start it through their club.  Who knows where this could go?  It might even lead to a mission trip or two!


    


Link up to 5 Minute Friday and The Gyspy Mama by clicking below.
 
 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Thankful Thursday #3

1) Beautiful Crepe Myrtle Trees along my walking rout.
2) Safety First Comfy Seat Premier High Chair.
3) Resourceful husband.  He rigged a toy arch from the bouncy seat onto the high chair so Jadon can reach the toys.
4) Time to write this blog post thanks to the high chair and toys.
5) A very curious little boy.  I say that now, but what will I think when he is a toddler?
6) Getting in 3 workouts this week so far.
7) Being able to spend time with my parents this past weekend.  They live in Ohio but are moving to Nashville.
8) Italian Sweet Cream Creamer by Coffee Mate - my daily indulgence!
9) Being able to order pizza online from Jet's Pizza.
10) Riverstone Church - I love that the church has a private nursing room with the sermon on audio and that everyone understands how crazy it can be to try and take a almost 4 month old to church!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The Human Factor in the Benefits of Running

I was excited to see my Runners World Magazine September issue in my mailbox yesterday.  I read it cover to cover - I love the training tips, recipes, and inspirational articles.

Runner's World has a regular article called HumanRace which includes "news, trends, and regular runners doing amazing things."  In this issue the article "A Fresh Start" is featured.  It is about an all women's prison running club Running Free at Topeka Correctional Facility in Kansas. The club began in 2007 after a lot of convincing and held their first 5K race in May of 2007.  The club has held 17 races and has 80 members while none of the costs of this club comes from taxes payers and has actually raised $35,000 for charities!Running Free held its first marathon this past May.  Eight prisoners ran the matathon on the .8 mile loop!  That is 32.75 laps!  Amazing!

Co Founder Carol Hill is quoted saying, "I think of running as a metaphor for change."  And change has happened - none of the core members have had any disciplinary sanctions in the past year.

Also in the HumanRace section:
  • Chris Heiert partnered with Cincinnati's City Gospel Mission to train addicts to use running as part of their recovery.
  • Girl Scouts in Massachusetts created a patch girls can earn through running projects.
  • Girls with Sole hosted a 5K for girls in the Cleveland area who have experienced abuse.
  • Fit Girls is a club for 4th and 5th graders that combine running, reading, and kind acts.
Everyone knows the typical benefits of running: healthy heart and lungs, helps lower weight and cholesterol, reduces stress, etc.  It is great to see that running can do so much more - teach important lessons of strength and determination, how to cope with adversity, build self esteem through accomplishing goals, building relationships, and so much more.

Thank you to all of the creative and caring people who have started groups like the ones mentioned and for Runner's World for publishing such great stories!

Click below to go to the Runner's World site to check it out all the running info and to subscribe to the magazine!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Thankful Thursday #2

  1. Jadon sleeping until 9:40 this morning. 
  2. Going to the Georgia Aquarium with my sister in law and brother in law.  We got a season pass so I will be able to go there with Jadon anytime I want. 
  3. Watching Jadon learn and discover new things.  He loves to look at the world around him - he is so observant. He has started to grab at his toys and really check them out.
  4. Josh's truck - he has 2002 Dodge Ram and it is still going strong!  He has dogged it out carrying palm trees, pavers, dirt, gravel, you name it! 
  5. Going over to a friend's house for dinner - very nice to get out of the house and spend time with another family.
  6. AT&T 2 wire modem and router in one.  Wireless is so much faster now.
  7. Chick-fil-a right across the street.  I think I will walk there with Jadon later on today.
  8. My new project - I am cutting out motivational quotes/phrases and articles from my running magazine and putting them in a journal. 
  9. Josh rocking Jadon to sleep last night.  I was worn out - Jadon had nursed all day nonstop and would wake up the second I got up to put him down and want to nurse some more. 
  10. For our new townhouse or house we are going to rent. All faith here - speaking it into existence.  :-)

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Georgia Aquarium

I am a huge fan of zoos and aquariums.  I grew up going to Brookfield Zoo and the Shedd Aquarium. My favorite thing to do a Brookfield Zoo was to watch the dolphin show.  I loved it so much that I dreamed of becoming a dolphin trainer when I grew up.  At the Shedd Aquarium ,it was watching the Beluga Whale show.  The Beluga Whale tank is right on Lake Michigan, so it looks like the whales are swimming in the lake.

This past Sunday, my Brother and Sister in law asked us if we would like to go with them to the Georgia Aquarium.  Absolutely!

The Aquarium is set up by different regions or water climates.  Cold Water Quest, Georgia Explorer, Ocean Voyager, River Scout, and Tropical Diver.  Each one is unique and beautiful in its own way.  I love watching the otters play and see the brilliant colors of the tropical fish.  Ocean Voyager is amazing with its four whale sharks and the only manta rays in the US, not to mention all the other fish in the exhibit.  It was great to see wildlife specific to Georgia showcased in the Georgia Explorer section.  
Josh and Jadon
at Ocean Voyager


The Aquarium was crowded, so navigating with a stroller was interesting and was hard to linger at a tank to fully take it in.  I would have loved to a few minutes really looking at each tank without any disruptions. 

We were at the Aquarium for half a day, so that meant I would have to nurse Jadon a few times. One time I was standing in the Ocean Voyager observation room and nursed Jadon standing up.  I use a Bebe au lait nursing cover and after over 3 months of nursing, I am not nervous about nursing in public.  I try to be discreet and respectful to those around me, but if I flash someone accidentally, oh well. 

Lionfish


I was enjoying myself and was thinking about my next visit to the Georgia Aquarium (we bought season passes) - I will be going during the week next time!  We decided to go to Taco Mac by the Georgia World Congress Center instead of eating at the Aquarium - $5 for a hotdog  - I rather get real food.  The walk over there was about 5 minutes or so and it was enjoyable since it was cooler Sunday. 

Stingray - In a shallow tank
so you can touch them
When we got back, we decided to by tickets to see the Dolphin Tales Show.  I was excited because I love dolphin shows!  BIG MISTAKE!!!  Don't waste your money!!!!  The seats are VERY uncomfortable and close together.  It was difficult to see what was going on at the front of the tank.  The performance centered around a man singing and telling his story.  I would have rather the dolphins be the center of the show.  The performance had great special affects, lights, sounds, wind blowing, water spouts, etc.  For how much money was spent on the auditorium, the show was very disappointing.  The only good thing was that a mom that sat next to me said that she was glad to see me nursing Jadon and wished more mothers would nurse in public. 

All in all, I liked the Georgia Aquarium and will go back (we have season passes), but I won't be going to the Dolphin Tales Show again.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Funny Friday #1

  1. My cats, Maggie and Webster's sudden interest in the washing machine.
  2. Webster's hunt for obstacle courses to run through or hide in to attack Maggie.
  3. Titan (another cat) increasing his presents to me.  He "kills" my shoes in my closet, drags them out, and tells me through his male call that he has brought me a present.  I have to go to him and pet and tell him he is a good boy.  I guess he is feeling neglected since the baby was born.
  4. Daddy putting Jadon in front of the TV and playing Cars for him.  Jadon talks to the TV and seems to know who are the "good" cars and who are the "bad" cars.
Jadon Watching Cars

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Thankful Thursday

  1. Infant Advil - fussey baby after shots.
  2. Little Tummies - relieves gas.  Now I know why babies smile after they pass gas!  I would too if I was that uncomfortable.
  3. Vista Print - 30 Custom glossy invitations and matching envelopes with return address and shipping for about $30.
  4. Psalm 91 God's Umbrella of Protection by Peggy Joyce Ruth.  Verse by verse explanation of this Psalm in a short, practical way that will build your faith and declare God's Word over you and your family.  There is even a kids version of the book!
  5. New refrigerator! Finally after 5 days of the refrigerator part not working while we waited for our apartment complex to get us a new one; praise God that the freezer was still working.
  6. A friend whose brother is a realtor that will help us find a place to rent.
  7. Sleeping baby during grocery shopping.
  8. My husband grocery shopping with me.
  9. Air Conditioning on these crazy hot days.  We have so many comforts that many people go without everyday.
  10. Friends faithfully writing Thankful Thursdays to help remind me of all the things to be thankful for and to open myself to allow God to be God so that there will be many things for me to be thankful for!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Embarking on a 15K Adventure

Today is Day 1 of Hal Higdon's 15K Training Plan.  I have 10 weeks to get ready for  the Iron Horse 15K (part of the Locomotive Race Series) on September 18th.  It sounds like a great race plus it is local with the the start/finish line at Town Center Mall.  Oh, and don't forget the after race party!  The race is family friendly, strollers are welcome.  Mark Vescio started the Locomotive series as well as other races in Kennesaw. 

For me the hardest part about starting to train for this race is starting.  Jadon started taking a 2 - 3 hour nap in the swing, so I figured that I could get my cross training and strength training done at that time.  The only problem is that I couldn't run while he slept.  My husband Josh suggested that I start getting up a 6AM and train at that time since Jadon had been sleeping till 7:30AM.  Yuck!  I hate getting up that early, but right now it is my only option.

Another obstacle for me is knowing how hard to train.  My brain still thinks I am a college athlete, but my body is no where near that kind of shape.  I did an "easy" workout and my legs were incredibly sore for days.  That is so frustrating for me and I get down because of it,  It is hard to stay motivated when I feel that way.  I have to keep saying to myself that losing weight and getting back into shape is going to take some time.  Make small goals and celebrate them!

Hope For The Warriors®Another race that has caught my eye is the Anything is Possible 5K.  The race is on 11/6/11 at 1:50 AM.  That is a strange time to start a 5K - the twist is that the race starts just before we are supposed to turn our clocks back 1 hour.  You will finish the race before you started!  Some proceeds from this race will go to the Hope for the Warriors .



Happy Training!



Thursday, July 7, 2011

Thankful Thursday!!

1) I got in a 30 minute walk on my Treadclimber.
2) The times I spent working with Josh on landscape and hardscape jobs.
3) Jadon's smile.
4) Bouncy Seat!
5) Forgiveness.
6) Watermellon and feta salad.
7) Way FM radio station streaming through my computer.
8) Helpful strangers - one put my groceries in my trunk at Walmart.
9) A husband that is anxious to spend time with his son after working outside in the heat all day building retaining walls and laying pavers.
10) The view outside my living room window - waiting for my hummingbirds to come back.
Test post.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Welcome to Motherhood!


http://blog.gracobaby.com/2009/05/11/is-motherhood-my-calling/

I never knew one day would never be like the previous one (who told me babies are on schedules?  I think you lied!) - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never know when Jadon will be hungry - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never know when or how long Jadon will nap - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never know when Jadon has a blowout until after I pick him up - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never know how to plan my day - Welcome to Motherhood!

Hello Girls.  I never knew or dreamt you would get this big! - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never knew the clicking of the baby swing would be so soothing - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never used the pre wash cycle on my washer until today - Welcome to Motherhood!

This will not be my 4th purchase!


I never thought I would buy 3 different kinds of pacis and that Jadon would give me a "Are you crazy?! You want me to suck on that" look for each of them - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never knew that every decision I make would be with concern to Jadon (what size bed to buy, where we live, what food I eat, when to take a shower, do I need someone to come with me to get a pedicure/haircut, etc. - Welcome to Motherhood!

I never knew I would get so out of shape - Welcome to Motherhood!

What is your I never... Welcome to Motherhood?


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Faith Shared

My friend Lisa wrote on her blog Modern Arabian Nights on the recent Faith Shared event.  I have never heard of  Faith Shared before reading about it on her blog.  I went to the Faith Shared website to find out what it is all about.  I didn't get very far before I came up with some questions and opinions, not about the group or event, but about different faiths and how people of different faiths can interact with each other.

First of all I am completely against blending faiths.  As a Christian, I believe the Bible is absolute Truth and anything that goes against the Bible is false and wrong.  I am for people of different faiths being able to live, work, play, learn, and have fun together. I also believe in sharing and spreading the Good News - Jesus bringing peace and salvation to people all over the world. Where these two ideas meet is where I feel uncomfortable. 
What if a friend of a different faith invites me to a religious ceremony?  Does attending the ceremony in support of a friend count as a sin or will my heart attitude of loving my friend in the hopes of one day she will know the Truth cover me?

I have never been in any of these situations, but I have often thought about what I would do.  Obviously you have to go to the ones who need Jesus and that means stepping out of your Christian circles.  Sometimes it is in an outreach type event where you are sharing Jesus with strangers and other times it starts off as a friendship and over time the course of the friendship, Jesus wins your friend over. 

Jesus calls us to be light to the darkness and to love others, yet He is a jealous God not wanting your attention to be on anything but him.  How do you be that light in the darkness and still remain true to Jesus?

I heard about a very successful missionary over in Asia.  I am fuzzy on the details, but he was known for adopting local customs - he learned their language, wore their type of clothing, ate their food.  He respected the people and their way of life and taught them about Jesus at the same time.  He developed relationships with the people- he truly showed he cared.  Because of the way he treated the people, he was loved and respected back which I think opened their hearts to receive Jesus.  They weren't turned off and ultimately hardened their hearts because of  arrogance or feeling that they were inferior. 

From his example, we need to know something about other faiths and customs in order to understand and respect others to develop the type of relationships that can open the doorways to Jesus.  It isn't a battle of whits or a logical debate on which religion is right, is is a battle of love.  And the love of Jesus always wins!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Thankful Thursday

  1. Jadon sleeping in his crib at night.
  2. Jadon taking at least one 2 - 3 hour nap.
  3. Baby swing.
  4. Josh loves to give Jadon a bath and change his diaper.
  5. My dad getting a job in Nashville.
  6. Working Internet!
  7. Bowflex Treadclimber
  8. Time to read.
  9. Listening to Jadon fill his diaper - always makes me laugh! Who knew such a little thing could make so much noise!
  10. Time spent in Florida visiting friends.

Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is one of those topics that people are strongly for or strongly against.  My midwife suggested co-sleeping during my prenatal care.  I decided that I would have our pack'n play right next to the bed and use that instead of having the baby in the bed with us.  Remember what they say about best laid plans?  Well, mine flew out the window and Jadon began sleeping with us.

A few weeks ago, I decided that I just can't co-sleep anymore.  Jadon was an active, noisy sleeper who would somehow scoot himself sideways and put his head in my back and his feet in Josh's.  Or he would scoot right up against me, pushing me to the edge of the bed.  How in the world could this little thing take up so much of the bed?!  My sleep really began to deteriorate - I was crabby and my body was sore. 

I came to the conclusion that I do not like to cuddle while I am sleeping and that I need my space to be able to move around.  I talked to Josh about getting a King sized bed, but I don't think that would have helped.  Jadon would have scooted right over next to me anyways. 

As I thought about a solution to this, I felt guilty.  How could I not like cuddling with my son?  (I really do, just not when I am sleeping.)

About that time we took a trip to Florida.  Where we stayed had 2 twin beds. One night Josh said that he would sleep with Jadon and wake me up when he got up so I could nurse him.  It was music to my ears.  I slept so good that night. 

When we got home a few days later, I decided to try putting Jadon down in his crib at night.  At this point he was 11 weeks old and sleeping a good 6 hours at a time consistently. He immediately took to sleeping in the crib and only wakes up once during the night for a diaper change and to nurse.  Had he not taken well to to sleeping in the crib, I would have kept him in bed with us for a bit longer and tried again in a few weeks.

If anyone would ask me about co-sleeping, I would tell them to give it a try and see how it goes.  I did really like it the first few weeks and it made nursing every 2 to 3 hours easier.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Revamping Old Volleyball Drills

As this past club season ends, it is time to start preparing next club season.  I have been using USA Volleyball for up to date coaching theory and practice ideas as well as reading John Kessel's Grow the Game blog.  Lots of great information in the Grassroots section of the USA Website for coaches, players, parents, and club directors.

Over the years I have compiled many drills to use with my teams.  Recently I went through them because I wanted an easily accessible "drill book" to make practice planning more efficient.  As I looked at the drills I asked myself the following questions.
  1. Is the drill gamelike? Yes - keep, no - throw out of adapt.
  2. Is the drill coach centered or player centered? I want my players to serve, hit, etc. at eachother, not me.
  3. Is there a type of scoring that can be used?
  4. Does the drill incorporate at least 2 skills (pass-set, set-hit, etc.)
  5. Will the drill teach players how to "read" the ball?
  6. Does the drill use the net?
  7. Does the drill involve all players or at least very little wait time?
  8. Can I use this drill in my "Competitive Cauldron?"
  9. Will all players develop skills other than what their position calls for? (Middle Hitters just might have to set during a match!)
  10. I also kept in mind John Kessel's article, 25 Questions for Volleyball Teachers and Coaches.
I ended up throwing out a lot of the drills that I had.  With some drills I was able to make a few changes to make them fit my criteria and other drills ignited my imagination to create new drills.  Oh, and by the way, I stopped calling them drills.  The drills have evolved into games with various scoring methods, so now they are called GAMES (thanks John Kessel). Since I am using different scoring methods, you don't waste time setting up a new drill/game.  You can take a 5 on 5 pattern and change the scoring to focus on different aspects of the game.  This way you don't have separate "drills" for hitting, passing, etc. 

Take some time to check out the USA Volleyball Grassroots Page and go through your drills to see what changes can be made to make your drills more effective games.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Thankful Thursday

1) Parents moving to Nashville area - this will be the closest I have lived to them since 1999.

2) Healthy two month old.

3) Photbucket and Snapbucket ~ still learning how to do this, but so happy that I don'thave to plug my iPhone into the computer to upload pictures anymore!

4) Morning run/walk with Jadon.

Jadon Snoozing
While I Sweat!
5) Baby swing for nap times!

6) Time to read volleyball articles/blogs.

7) Healthy, strong nails.  I have never been able to grow my nails.  I had acrylics for years.  Since having Jadon, I have to keep up with trimming them!

8) Playing games, etc. on my iPhone during nursing.

9) Upcoming trip to Florida to visit friends and teach at a home church meeting.

10) That I am able to run a mile (up and down hills and pushing Jadon) and still have gas in the tank!  I completed 3 of 5 workouts this week!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

First Doctor Visit

I got to the office and had to fill out new patient paperwork ~ Jadon started crying,
  • Nursed, checked phone for information, and filled out 5 pages of paperwork at the same time!

Talked about vaccination schedules.
  • Decided to follow Dr. Sears' Alternative Vaccine Schedule with possibly a few of my own changes.
  • I was scared about Jadon getting a shot ~ he did great! Hardly cried at all!
  • Realized that I will be at the doctor's office once a month for the next 5 months. 

Vitamin D for Jadon was suggested since I am exclusively breastfeeding.
  • Shook my head that I understood, but it wasn't brought up again.
Asked about where Jadon was sleeping and was told that he needs to learn how to go to sleep on his own.
  • Still unsure how I am going to do it.  I will use the swing more - he falls asleep on his own in it and if he wakes up he will go back to sleep.
  • Biggest concern is not creating problems down the line.
  • Sometimes I just love holding him while he sleeps and other times I want to get things done.
Dr. Lavine was caring and friendly.  I look forward to developing a relationship with her as Jadon's pediatrician.  The nurse was quick giving Jadon his shot and let me take my time to nurse him afterwards.  All in all it was a good experience and I feel comfortable going back again. 


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Well Baby Visits & Vaccines

Jadon will be going to his 2 month check up at Kennesaw Pediatrics.  While I was pregnant, a friend was looking for a pediatrician and asked for suggestions on Facebook.  I looked up all the pediatricians suggested online.  Whoever designed KP's website did an awesome job with the design!  They used their marketing know how and totally sucked me in.  I went through their site and found lots of helpful information.  I love that you can make appointments online as well as office hours on the weekends for sick babies!  They have 3 waiting rooms - infants, well visits, and sick visits.  I also heard from a friend that they are flexible with vaccines.  Plus they are located about 10 minutes from where I live. 

Josh and I went for a tour to see the office and ask some questions.  A lot of the answers were somewhat vague, but it was a group tour.  The doctor giving the tour said that they look at each individual patient and develop a plan from there.  Even though answers seem vague (probably due to legal reasons since none of us were patients), I really liked the individual consideration.

I have heard a lot of families not taking their children to many doctor vists.  I agree somewhat ~ if it is not broke, don't fix it.  I don't go to the doctor unless I am sick enough to need antibiotics, and that is a rare occurance.  However, I don't see doctors as the enemy and the right one can be very helpful.

I have to be honest, I decided to take him for his well check up for these reasons:
  1. To be established at the practice, just in case of ,,, (fill in the blank),
  2. Confirmation that he is developing normally.
  3. Discuss vaccinations ~ which vaccines are the most important, which once can I delay, can I have a shot only visit.
  4. To find out how much he weighs and how long he is.  Mommy wants to know!
Side note on vaccines ~ at first we weren't going to vaccinate, but as I did research I thought, how would I feel if my son caught a disease that I could have vaccinated him from and had consequences from that disease? 

Food for Thought

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Mental Toughness - Not Just for Athletes!

My mom got me hooked on Dancing with the Stars when she came down to help me after Jadon was born.  After weeks of faithful watching, the episode before the final results show, there was a piece on each of the final 3 dancers on what gave them the "right stuff" to win Dancing with the Stars.  The piece on Hines Ward really impacted me as a coach and a parent.  One of his coaches said that it was Hines' mother who taught him the attributes that made him such an outstanding athlete at Georgia and with the Steelers.  Now he has a Mirror Ball Trophy!

Congrats

This made me stop and think back to this past coaching season.
  • Before I saw that episode, I was thinking that parenting is reflected in how an athlete trains and performs.  (I am absolutely positive about that now.)
  • I thought there is very little I could do as a coach in 4 - 6 hours a week to combat any "bad parenting" that affects an athlete's mental side of the game that inevitably affects the physical side.
  • Mental toughness is needed in all areas of life - not just in sports.
  • Where and how did I learn mental toughness?
First of all, I define mental toughness as being able to deal with pressure situations, doing what it takes to accomplish your goals, and working hard and pushing yourself beyond what is comfortable.  Check out this article from Penn State on mental toughness. 

My most recent life example of mental toughness was having a homebirth.  I had to believe in myself that I could deliver my son with out any pain meds.  Then in the midst of the most difficult part of labor when I felt I had nothing left, I refocused, and used every ounce of mental strength I had to finish labor and the delivery.  My reward - my beautiful son Jadon, huge sense of accomplishment, and an increase in my mental toughness. 

My two favorite coaching moments are incredible examples of mental toughness.  Coincidentally they are the exact same, just different teams.

In my 2nd year as varsity head coach at Eau Gallie High School, my team won the District title for the first time in 10+ years.  We were playing against a team we struggled playing against during the season.  In a best of 5 match, we were down 0 - 2.  My team came back and won the next 2 games.  Then in the 5th and deciding game, my team was down 6 points in a game to 15.  My girls dug their heals in and came back to win the game, match, and District Title!  Side note - this team was good, but not as talented as other teams I coached, yet they went further than any other team I had!

This past fall I coached for Cornerstone Preparatory Academy.  We had an excellent season winning the American Heritage Tournament and making it to the finals in the ACCE (link to team photo) Conference.  The exact same thing happened!  Down 0-2 and came back to win the 5th game, match, and State Title!

Thinking about these two memories still brings tears to my eyes because the girls all worked so hard individually and as a team to TAKE the win.  I honestly don't take any credit for their success - yes I taught them the skills they needed, but with out their mental toughness and the mental toughness of the team, they wouldn't be holding the trophies at the end of the match. 

In preparation for this upcoming club season, I am committing to develop mental toughness in my players that they can use off and on the court!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Fit Friday # 1 (A Day Late)

On Monday I went to Swift Cantrell Park to walk 2 miles.  Before I left I made sure Jadon had a clean diaper and was fed, hoping that would keep him happy while on the drive there, during the walk, and home again.  What I didn't realize is how much time it took to do all of this.

During the day, Jadon usually wants to be fed every 2 hours or so.  I was hoping to get to the park, walk and home again before he wanted to be fed again.  After I fed him, it took me almost 20 minutes to get in my walking clothes, get my water bottle, and make sure I had everything I needed in the diaper bag, then it takes about 15 minutes to get to the park and about 35 minutes to walk 2 miles. 

Jadon slept on the way to the park and for the first mile.  At that point he had his fill of the infant seat in the stroller.  Luckily I learned to bring my Bjorn with me on outings for when he wants to get out of the seat.  He really doesn't take a pacifier well, so that doesn't help calm him down - he shoots it out of his mouth like a missile!  Mile 2 was completed with Jadon in the Bjorn while I pushed an empty stroller!  It was hard to tell what people thought when they saw me, sunglasses hid their eyes, but I did get a few smiles - not sure if they were laughing smiles or friendly smiles, but I smiled back. 

After I was done walking, I decided I didn't want to leave just yet and headed to the pavilions.  I changed Jadon and feed him hoping it would buy me more time but it didn't.  Nursing on a bench with no back isn't all that comfortable, so it didn't go that well.  Time to go home - after  5 minutes in the car, the crying began with increasing intensity.  When that happens, I just try to get home as fast as I can. 

Jadon Relaxing on the Table


Thursday I wanted to walk again, but decided I am not going to the park again for awhile, so I just walked around where I live.  I have this awesome app on my iPhone called Log Your Run- its is free.  It uses GPS to determine how far and how fast you are going, plays music from my iPod, saves the data, and posts to social sites.  Now what am I going to do with my $150 Garmin Watch?

Asleep in the Jogging Stroller

When I had finished walking my 2 miles, I was wondering why it was so hard.  Before I got pregnant I was running up to 9 miles!  Then I did some math - I am pushing a stroller up hills that has a 10+ pound baby, in a 10 pound infant seat, in a stroller (not sure how much that weighs), and I have an extra 10 pounds of baby weight from being pregnant.  That equals 30+ pounds of extra weight!  Now I don"t feel so bad!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Thankful Thursday

1) Jadon has slept for 7 hours straight at night!  (Now I am concerned - is he too young to be doing this? Ha - you pray for more sleep than when you get it, you question it.  Funny.)

2) Sleeping in his crib for naps!  I started this yesterday - for the first 6 weeks all I did was hold him, even during naps.  I didn't mind it then since I was still recooperating, but now I have to get off the couch and do things!  Can't sit still any longer.

3) Friend Crystal asking to come over yesterday!

4) Josh having jobs lined up for at least a month!

5) True friends that are willing to help you.

6) Homebirth Meetings - one this weekend! Home Births on the Rise!

7) Waking up to a fresh pot of coffee!

8) Josh willing to help with Jadon when he comes home from work. 

9) Surprise boquet of flowers from Josh and telling me that I am doing a great job as a mother. 

10) That I have many things to be thankful for!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Take 2!
I hit the send button too soon!

Anyway, I took Jadon to Swift Cantrell Park today so I could walk. This week I started the 5K Novice plan by Hal Higdon. Today was a walk or run day with no specifics. I decided to walk 2 miles.

Well, Jadon was great for the first mile and then had enough of being in the stroller. I put him in my Bjorn to finish my last mile. I looked pretty interesting wearing Jadon and pushing an empty stroller! He loved being in the Bjorn and fell fast asleep.

It is bed time now and my legs are sore! That happens when you add a 10 pound plus weight to your body and push a stroller! Tomorrow I am supposed to run a mile and a half - it just might be another walking day!

Monday, May 23, 2011

This is my first time posting on my blog via text message. Fun stuff! Very helpful when your 6 week old wants to be held all the time!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Starting Over - A New Blog

I started my first blog 5 months before I had my son Jadon - that is now 6 months ago.  I hardly posted on it at all. So being true to myself, instead of just posting more, I wanted a brand new blog.  Whenever I make a new resolve to do something, I have to start over from the beginning.  Like if I start a journal and fail to write in it consistently, I won't just pick up where I left off, I have to get a whole new journal for a fresh start! 

Title of my blog says it all - Mothering, Coaching, Running - my life in a nutshell.


My Plans:
  1. Research vaccinations and decide what Josh and I feel is best for Jadon. (The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears)
  2. Run the Iron Horse 15K on September 18th. 5KTraining , 15K Training
  3. Join an Adult Volleyball Team in the Fall.
  4. Read the Bible in a year - currently using You Version, Life Journal Reading Plan on my iPhone.  I am on day 5.
  5. Read Clive Cussler's the NUMA Files series.
  6. Project 365 - take a picture everyday on my iPhone.
  7. Follow my favorite blogs.
  8. Blog -  weekly topics. 
  • Monday ~ Mommy Monday
  • Tuesday ~ Thoughtful Coaching
  • Wednesday ~ Whimsy Wednesday (Anything Goes!)
  • Thursday ~ Thankful Thursday (not sure who started this, but it is an awesome idea)
  • Friday ~ Fit Friday (Running Updates)
  •  
This seems like a lot for a mother of a 6 week old, but when you nurse every 2 - 3 hours during the day, you have a lot of down time for reading and blogging.  I need to keep myself occupied so I don't go crazy!  For some reason the idea of sleep when your baby sleeps doesn't apply to me - I guess a 4  hour nap and a 3 hour nap during the night is all I need!