"Monkey Joes"

So Friday we took Brynn to Monkey Joes in Indy.. it is an indoor inflatable play place and she loved it... I mean loved it. The name is so appropriate too because it made me realize what a little monkey she really is. They had an area for toddlers but she kept running off to the big kid stuff. I don't know who was more tired when we left.. her or me. We met Jill and Jenny there and their little girls.. it is so much fun to get together with all of them.. it makes me excited for what is yet to come as they get older.

We are having a contractor come tomorrow to check out the basement to finally build our bar.. we have been wanting it ever since we built the house but had other expenses that we felt were more important.. I am super excited though because we like to entertain a lot so that will be a nice added feature.

The weather has been nicer which means happier people in this household. We have taken Brynn to the park three days this past week.. she loves love loves being outside.

Driving me Crazy!

So I feel horrible saying this because I love Brynn more than anything in this world but she is driving me absolutely crazy. She acts out so much worse with me than with Josh and it is obvious. I think she knows just how to push my buttons and does it to the limit. I have had a horrible head and chest cold all weekend so I think that has contributed to this but I have been home with her since Thursday and because of the weather(even though it is warmer out) we haven't really done much of anything so we both have cabin fever and it is wearing on us. Please let Spring be here soon!!

Happy 2010!

So it has been two months since I have posted which is pretty sad. I really do not know where my time goes.. I know I spend a lot of it wasted on the computer so why I do not update my blog I do not know!

I had a wonderful holiday season! It was so much fun with Brynn this year. I can't imagine the years to come. She was spoiled rotten by both sides of the family if you can imagine and was an old pro at opening presents by the end of it.

In 2010 we have just been busy working and trying to get some major cleaning done around the house so then the weather gets nice we don't have to worry about that and can be outside. We have all managed to have the flu and pass it around to one another. It started with Josh and then a few days later Brynn got it and then a week later I got it and then a week after that my nephew, LL, got it while staying with us. Apparently we needed to do the cleaning because we are growing something in our house.

We are definitely ready for Spring. This winter has seemed so long.. I am over it already. Brynn has cabin fever a long with the rest of us. She sees her swing outside and points to it all the time.. hopefully soon we will be able to go outside in play. I could use a little Vitamin D.

Brynn is getting bigger and talking all the time. She now understands for the most part what we are telling her.. it is hit or miss whether she listens or not but you can tell she understands. We have to do "time-0uts" quite often.. I don't know if we are getting through to her or not. It doesn't really seem to phase or at this point.

Josh has spent a lot of time at Purdue going to the basketball games. It has been a fun season for a change. We are hoping to make a Final Four appearance.. we will see what happens. We can dream big, right?

We spent NYE with Phillip and Amber at our house. I got a fondue set from Linda for Christmas so we tried that out. Then New Years day went to the Purdue/WVU game at Macke. It was a good time.. makes me wish I could go to more with Josh but someone has to watch Brynn. We had fun watching all the NFL games and excited that Drew Brees and the Saints won the SuperBowl. I know I am from IN and should cheer for the Colts.. I felt like I would have been happy either way.. but I am a Boilermaker and can not cheer against Drew Brees. We had people over for the SuperBowl which was fun.. but most of them were disappointed with the outcome.

My cousin Jenny got married on February 6th, my birthday, and she was so sweet.. they all sang to me and she got me a cake. What a sweet girl.. on her special day thinking of me. She was a beautiful bride and the ceremony and decorations were amazing. I was off most of the week leading up to that so spent it in Loogootee with my sister and nephew and rest of the Smith kids. It was nice to hang out with them.. Brynn and LL fight like brother and sister.. made me think back to me and Pete when we were little.

Last weekend I went to Purdue to meet Kelli for a girls day. It was fun but made me realize why I never drink anymore.. I can't do it!! I swear I felt the aftermath for two days. It was so nice to just have some one on one time and made me miss the good old days.

I worked my 1st overnight this past Monday. I actually kind of liked it.. it was a lot less stressful than being there during the day.. I had hardly any phone calls or customers. Just able to do busy work and make the time go by.. kind of nice!!

So the weeks to come nothing too exciting planned. Taking Brynn to Monkey Joe's in Castleton on the 5th. It is an inflatable play place so looking forward to that.. I think she will have a blast.

Sorry for the long boring post.. just wanted to update everyone on what has been going on!!

Vacay!!

I am officially on vacation until December 28th.. and it could not have come at a better time. I am ready for a break. I am sure not too many people have sympathy for me since I only work 3 days a week.. but my goodness those three days are crazy. In the past it has been hard for me to enjoy Christmas because people are always so grouchy this time of year.. obviously I deal with the public and almost everyone I deal with is sick or has sick kids so it is understandable.. but when they are grouchy it makes you grouchy too. Josh and I have been off these past two years around Christmas and it just makes us enjoy it so much more.

Brynn is so excited about Christmas. I don't think she really understands the concept but she loves the lights and the trees. When we are in the car she will point out all the lights to us. She will say "Ho,Ho,Ho" when she sees Santa on TV.. it is so cute! We are suckers and already gave her one of her presents.. her kitchen set. We have other presents for her to open closer to Christmas but Josh was putting it together and we just decided to go ahead and give it to her. I think it was money well spent.

'Tis the Season!!

This weekend is crazy busy for us.. we have party after party!! Today my cousin's bridal shower was at 1 in Vincennes.. she was nice enough to be understanding enough that Brynn and I didn't come. We had originally planned on it but then found out Brynn had to go to the doctor this morning to get her booster since this is the 1st year for her getting her flu shot. Thanks Jenny!! We will be at the wedding with bells on!!

This evening is my works Christmas party. I am looking forward to it. There will be lots of little kids. We are a 24 hour store which means we NEVER close so someone is always workings.. so we aren't able to get together very often throughout the year. We get people to work at our store so everyone is able to come to the Christmas party. I am excited for Brynn to get to play with the other little kids. I hope she doesn't bite anyone.. she has been a little bully lately. I will have to keep my eye on her.

Tomorrow we have a birthday party to go to. One of Brynn's friends and my co-workers daughter's 2nd birthday party. It is at Tumble Express where they take gymnastics so it should be a good time. Addie, the birthday girl, has more energy than anyone I have ever met. Every week at gymnastics it is entertaining to watch her run around and I am sure tomorrow will be no different.

Then tomorrow night we are hosting Josh's work party here. I am a little nervous. I have had lots of things for my co-workers here but nothing for his yet.. so I always get nervous when I am hosting a group for the 1st time. I think I am ready but I always feel like there is something I forget.

After this weekend we don't really have any parties.. our friends are having a holiday party next weekend in Valpo but Josh is going to Alabama for the weekend so we won't be able to go!!

Does it ever end?!?!

I know I should just be thankful I have a big home to clean.. but honestly I don't think the cleaning ever ends! Every day I feel like I am starting all over. I guess that is the joys of having a 17 month old!! Honestly if someone knocked on my door right now to come over for a surprise visit I would be so embarrassed. I told myself when we moved into our new home that I was going to keep it spotless. I would swift or mop the floors every day... well lately that has been falling to the wayside. I did good for almost 2 years.. that should count for something, right?!?

I Wuv You Too!

So Brynn talks more and more with each passing day. It is so fun to hear the new words she learns and ones she attempts to say.. but I have to say that my favorite things she says now is " I Wuv you too!" It just melts my heart. You have to say it to her about ten times before she catches on and says it back but it is so sweet when she does. When I have a bad day at work and I hear her say that it makes all my sorrows go away!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I know it is a few days early.. but I have already had my Thanksgiving dinner. Josh and I both work on Thursday and I have been down in the dumps about it but then I realized rather than sitting here feeling sorry for myself I need to reflect on all that I have to be thankful for.

First and foremost that we have our health.. Brynn, Josh and I have had a great year other than Brynn's flu scares at the beginning of the year we have all been extremely healthy as well as our parents and siblings.

I am thankful that I have a job to go to. In today's economy so many people have lost their jobs so I should just be thankful I am in the health care field and have a secure job to go to even if it is on Thanksgiving. I have to keep telling myself someone has to do it and I am setting a good example for Brynn my going to work when I am needed.

I am thankful for my family.. Brynn and Josh. Josh and I had a great marriage to begin with but Brynn has brought so much more to our life. Every day with her is a blessing.. she learns new things as we do to. It has been so much fun and hopefully soon we will be able to add to our family. I am also thankful for our wonderful parents, siblings, and their significant others and our wonderful friends. You all bring so much to our lives with love, friendship, and laughter.. without you our lives would be dull.

I am thankful for God, without him none of this would be possible. He has given us many blessings and for that I am forever grateful.

Happy Turkey Day everyone!! Be safe!!

Go Colts!

So I went to my 1st NFL game on Sunday and what a game it was. The Colts vs Patriots.. what more could a sports fan want. It started out a little rough.. and looked like the Colts were going to lose.. but yet again Peyton Manning marched the Colts down the field for two touchdowns in a matter of minutes to put the Colts on top yet again. It was probably one of the greatest come backs of all times and I was there to see it, right?? WRONG!! We left the game with 7 minutes left to go in the 4th quarter and missed seeing them win. It wasn't even like we had to drive back that night.. we had a hotel room and everything downtown. Josh was not too happy with me and he said that he will NEVER leave a sporting event early again because you never know what can happen.

We had a great weekend. My mom's 60th bday is in December but not all of us siblings(her kids) will be together again til Christmas so we did a lunch for her on Saturday with some of her siblings. She was surprised and had a good time.. she even did a tequila shot. I love my mom to death but she has gotten more uptight over the years so that shocked me to see her do that but it was funny. Then Saturday night everyone came here to spend the night before heading to Indy Sunday morning for the Smith family pictures. We got our pictures taken downtown by the canal.. I can't wait to see them. Then we tailgated and went to the game.. it was a busy, exhausting weekend.. but lots of fun.

This weekend is the IU/Purdue football game.. which is always a good time. All the Canups will be there so that will be fun to hang out... we don't get together over Thanksgiving so I guess this will be our Thanksgiving!!

Fall Back!

So I still haven't adjusted to the time changing. I can't get over the fact that when I get off work at 6 it is dark.. it is so depressing. Brynn hates it too.. used to be when I got off early(which isn't often) we would come home and play outside for a while before getting dinner ready but now that isn't an option. I think it is making her a little stir crazy.

Halloween was fun.. she looked so cute in her football costume. I know to some people they might think this is a little boy's costume but it is so appropriate for our family since we spend every fall tailgating and going to football games. We didn't take her trick or treating.. my parents were in FL and Josh's parents came up that day to watch the Purdue game so they saw her in her costume then. We did go to Suzanne's(Brynn's babysitter) for a party that night and she had alot of fun. There was so much food there and for those of you that know Brynn you know that makes her very happy.

This past weekend I worked Saturday. Ashley and Pete kept her Friday night and watched her Saturday day. Then when I got off work I drove down to Loogootee and Brynn and I spent the night with Phillip and Amber. We were their 1st house guest. They were wonderful hosts. Brynn of course was a little rotten after spending all weekend with her uncles that never tell her no... but we always whip her back into shape after a few days. (Yea right!)

She is getting at least one of her molars right now if not two of them. At her 15 month check up the doctor said she would be a teething nightmare because none of her teeth look to be coming in at the same time. She only has five right now the way it is and sure enough they have been one by one.. but she hasn't been too bad so far so I hope it says that way but obviously the molars seem to be a lot tougher on the kiddos.

This weekend Kristine and the Lincoln's are coming home.. we have a busy weekend planned but I am super excited.. then the following weekend is the IU/Purdue game which is always a good time. Can't wait!!

Hug your loved ones!!

So I keep realizing more and more how precious life really is and how it can just pass you by in the blink of an eye. Some pretty sad things have happened over these past few months and it just makes me realize you can't take anything or anyone for granted.

I am sure almost everyone that reads this knows about Alecia and her baby boy Parker and what they have been suffering through for this past week and a half. This is honestly one of the saddest things I have ever had happen to someone I know. I just admire Alecia's strength in all of this. I have known Alecia for a long time and I have to say I have earned so much respect for her in how she has handled this situation. It is a parent's worst nightmare to have something happen to their child and for poor Parker to be so young. I know God has a plan for everyone and often he works in mysterious ways that none of us understand but I just ask that he gives them the strength that they need to make it through this trying time.

Also, for my dear friend Fix.. his mom lost a long hard fought battle with cancer on Tuesday. We went to her funeral services today. She was a wonderful women. She had two sons but she took all of us in as her own. She always made you feel so welcome in her home and always wanted to take care of everybody. She will be greatly missed.

On a happier note.. I was able to go to Chicago last weekend with my oldest and dearest friends. Six of us went.. we met in downtown Chicago and had a great time. We are all friends from high school(except Kaycee but she fit right in) and we don't get to see each other very often but we make up for lost time when we are together. We can't hang like we used to as far as the night scene goes and bouncing back the next day but we gave it our all..Jill especially.. I was very impressed with us old fokes!!

This weekend is Halloween. The weather was crappy tonight so we did not have 1 trick or treater and tomorrow night we won't be home so I guess I will have to eat all the candy I bought.

I hope there are a few of you out there that still read my blog. I know it has almost been two months.. so let me know if you are still interested or not.

Where have I been??

So I decided I pretty much suck at this blogging thing... I have only posted twice in the past couple of months. I don't know where all my time goes but I am going to try and be better.

August was a busy month.. going into it we did not think we would be that busy, but we had something going on almost every free day, but it was a lot of fun.

I wrote that we went to Looogootee the 1st weekend.. then the next we went to a wedding and a Beach Party at the Country Club in Terre Haute with some friends. The next weekend we worked all weekend.. which of course was no fun. Then we went to a Colts preseason game on the 20th and took Brynn to the Children's Museum on the 21st. She loved it. We met my friend Jenny there and her little girl is 5 weeks older than Brynn, they had a ball. Brady and Jana met us too.. he was a little trooper while we did all the baby stuff.. but after lunch he got to go do some of the big boy stuff, just him and mommy. We rode the carousel 1st which she absolutely loved but then of course that is all she wanted to do.. we had to go to the next level so she would quit hearing the music playing.

This past weekend was a pretty inspirational weekend for Josh and I. Josh's twin brother, Jason, rode in the Pelotonia in Columbus, OH in honor of his friend Tyler who passed away in December due to cancer. Tyler had only been diagnosed 6 months prior, and unfortunately was only 24 years old when he passed away. We got to meet Tyler's mom and his long time girlfriend of 6 years, Lisa. Tyler's mom rode 25 miles and Lisa committed to riding 180 miles in Ty's honor. Lance Armstrong was affiliated with the ride and he spoke Friday night at the opening ceremony and then led the ride on Saturday.. it was pretty cool to be 10 yds away from him. Anyone that knows me knows I love celebrities so Josh was surprised I didn't tackle him or something since he was so close. Just meeting Ty's loved ones and seeing the committment they all made to train and ride in his honor really really touched me. It made me realize how blessed Josh, Brynn, and I really are. Cancer effects Josh's family big time, on his mom and dad's side of the family. His grandma died when we 1st started dating.. she had breast cancer when she was younger but later it came back and had spread to her bones. Josh's uncle passed away of lung cancer when he was in his 40's. Most recently it was Josh's sister, Jana, who had breast cancer 3 years ago, luckily now she is cancer free.. but it is something she will have to deal with and fear for the rest of her life. Things like this just really put every day life into perspective.. why do I sweat the small stuff. We are healthy, happy, have a great family and friends that surround us and support us, life is good.. enjoy it, because you never know what tomorrow will bring! If you can make any donation, big or small.. go to Pelotonia.org and click on riders and search for Canup, Jason.. he has to raise 1000 dollars by October.. he is getting so close to his goal!!

On a happier note.. Brynn is all over the place and talking up a storm. She now tells us when she is ready for bed by telling us "night, night" and laying her head down on our laps. It is the sweetest thing. She is a mama's girl..that is for sure. When I am not home she will walk from room to room saying my name looking for me. I love it of course, but Josh hates it. He just plays and plays with her but she still wants her mama.

Football season is here. We are heading to Purdue for our 1st tailgate of the season tomorrow.. it will be a long fall but fun. We are trying to sell the bus.. so if you know anyone that wants to buy a full size school bus with Purdue Boilermakers painted on the side let us know.

Next weekend is my 1/2 marathon. Josh, Kristine and I are all doing it. I am in much better shape and mental state this time around so hopefully it will go much smoother.

We have a Walker!!

Brynn finally decided to walk on Friday.. I guess she knew I had been bad mouthing her on here. It is the cutest thing ever.. which I am sure every parent feels that way when their child starts to walk. She looks like a little drunk person walking. She gets so excited that she still falls forward some but for the most part she gets around the house on her own. Now I am sure the real fun begins!

We had a nice weekend. We went to Loogootee. Josh hadn't seen Phillip and Amber's house yet so we went down and spent the weekend hanging out with them and Pete and Ashley. We ran 9 miles on Saturday morning.. my mom rode her bike again and gave us water. Thanks mom!!

I have a friend from work coming over today. She is on maternity leave right now so I haven't seen much of her lately. She has two adorable little girls so they are coming over today. I am excited to sit and visit, especially since the weather is bad outside.

I have been in cleaning mode lately. I have been cleaning out all our closets.. they were pretty bad. I feel alot more organized now. I still have a ways to go to be where I want to be but at least I am making progress.

Our Baby is 1!

Brynn turned one on July 14th.. I can't believe it. Where has the year gone. We celebrated by having a 1st birthday party on July 11th. We had a cookout at our house and she was surrounded by so much love from family and friends. She is one blessed little girl. We call her our little peanut, so my sister-in-law Jana made her birthday cake in the shape of a peanut and decorated it so so cute. I know, I need to post pictures.. I never upload them any more to the computer.. hopefully soon!! Brynn loved eating the cake and loved playing with all her new toys.

We flew to NY on July 15th and spent 5 days with Kristine, Lincoln and Lincoln.. it was so much fun. We went to the new Yankee stadium while we were there.. it was an adult only day which was so nice to get a break other than going to work. It was so cool to go into the city to the game and see the old stadium as well. Most of the other time we just boated and relaxed. It was so nice and we did not want to return to work.

Brynn is being stubborn as ever. She will walk all over the place if you let her hang onto your hand.. she just has to be holding your pinkie finger but the minute you let go of her hand she freaks out. Who knows when she will start to walk on her own!

This past weekend my cousin Jason and his long time girlfriend Casey got married. They had been dating for 12 years so of course everyone was so excited that they finally took the plunge. They are honeymooning in the Bahamas this week.. wish I was there too.

Other than that I have been training hard core for my 1/2 marathon on September 12th.. I have to run 9 miles on Saturday. I did 8 last Saturday.. my mom was so sweet and rode her bike and brought me water along my route.. I couldn't have made it without water.. not in this humidity. I will be glad when the race is over. I am hoping to improve my time from the one in Indy and then be done with the races for awhile.. maybe just do some 5k races along the way.

Football season is right around the corner. I always have mixed emotions about that. It is something that Josh absolutely loves and that I enjoy.. I just hate being gone every weekend in the fall and never getting to experience anything else. The best part is getting to see family and friends every weekend that come.. now that I enjoy!

Hope everyone is well.. I can't believe it has been a month since I posted last.. I hope you all didn't give up on me!!

Refocusing!

It has been along time since I have written. Alot has happened since I wrote last and I just feel like I could write forever but I will try and minimize what I say.

On a very sad note my best friend's dad passed away a few weeks ago. It was so sad and my heart goes out to her and her family. They have been dealing with a lot this part 4 years and I hope now they are able to find peace with the situation and start healing... it has been a long road for all of them!

Brynn turned 11 months since I wrote last.. she still isn't off and running yet but getting closer everyday. Her 1st birthday is July 14th so we have been busy planning her 1st birthday party. I am so excited to see her eat the cake and icing.. I am sure it will be a mess but well worth it. We are going Friday to get her 1 year pictures taken. We are meeting the photographer at the zoo so I am so excited to see what kind of shots we can get. We are finally getting a family picture taken. I haven't had hardly any pictures taken with her since she has been born. I know I will regret that one day but I wanted to lose more of the baby weight before I got a bunch of pictures taken but I figured it is her 1st birthday that we should get a family picture taken.

Jason and Kelli came to visit a few weekends ago. It was so nice to visit with them. We hadn't seen them since March.. three months is a long time for us to go without seeing them. We went to Bob and Linda's for a Father's day feast on Saturday and then Linda kept Brynn so we could hang out with Jason and Kelli. You can tell we have all aged.. we were kid less and still at home in bed by midnight. It was so nice to hang out and catch up though.

Last weekend Josh and I had date night. It ended up being with two other couples but it was great nonetheless. We went to dinner at this nice little place in Paris, IL in the middle of a cornfield but it was amazing. It was the best filet I have ever eaten. Sunday we tried to take Brynn swimming at Suzanne's mother-in-laws but she wasn't having any part of that.. so we packed everything up to be there for 1/2 hour to turn right back around and come home.

This weekend is the 4th of July. We are both working all weekend.. what fun, right? My parents are keeping Brynn. My dad is super excited because he Hans't seen her in over a month.. so at least they will enjoy her.

I need to get refocused.. I set some resolutions at the beginning of the year and I need to regain my focus and get back on track. We were doing soo good about going to church and have missed quite a bit lately.

I also need to start reading more and watching less TV. Any good suggestions??

Everyone have a happy and safe 4th of July!!

Spoiled!!

Josh and I have talked alot lately about what a good baby Brynn has been.. in the beginning it was pretty rough because she was colicky, but after the 1st 8-12 weeks she has been so good. We will go full days without her crying at all about anything. I guess we didn't realize how lucky we really were until more recently other people have been telling us how good she is. I am not trying to be one of those parents who thinks their child can do no wrong, because I know that isn't the truth. I am just spoiled in the fact that we got such a good baby the 1st time around. Plus, she is a great sleeper, it is 9 am and she is still sleeping. I was able to get up and run on the treadmill and get my kitchen cleaned before she even wakes up today. I think this is a trap though, our next child will probably be a living tear!

Am I crazy?

So I have decided to run another mini marathon in Terre Haute in September. I figured it is the only way to hold me accountable and make me workout. I haven't done hardly anything since the Indianapolis one so I think the only way I will continue running is if I sign up for another. I convinced my sister to do it too.. she will be home that weekend for a Colts game on Sunday so we will run it together Saturday morning. I think Sarah is doing it with me again and possibly Suzanne(Brynn's babysitter) so if anyone else is interested let me know.

I picked Kristine and LL up Wednesday night after work in Carmel. They flew in earlier that day and I picked them up at one of her friends house. We headed to Loogootee for a busy weekend. Thursday my dad watched Brynn and LL while us ladies went to Vincennes to get mani/pedicures with my cousin before her wedding. It was alot of fun.. there were about 30 people there. Then Friday my friend Jill and her little girl Mara came over to my parents house. My parents had gotten a new swing set delivered and we had a baby pool and Elmo sprinkler set up. The kids had a blast. Brynn was like a little fish in the pool.. she loved it. I had to keep reapplying sunscreen because she didn't want to get out. Saturday was the wedding. It was a Catholic wedding so it was a long ceremony.. I was worried sick about how Brynn would do but she was very well behaved.. I just kept feeding her snacks the whole time to keep her occupied. Bob and Linda took her for the night after the wedding. If she had been walking we would have taken her to the reception but she isn't quite there yet so they took her for the night. Sunday we had LL's 2nd birthday party at my parents. I can't believe he is two. It was nice to get to celebrate with him.. since last year I was big and pregnant and didn't get to.

This week has just been trying to get things back in order.. it is always hard after being gone for a long weekend. Brynn has been sleeping a ton the past two days. I think the weekend caught up with her and I think finally she might be getting another tooth.

This weekend Josh is doing a 40 mile bike race Saturday morning and then later that day we are going to Jocelyn's 1st birthday party, which mean Brynn's is right around the corner. I can't believe it and can't hardly talk about it without tearing up.



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Super Excited

So I have been wanting a bike trailer so that I can pull Brynn behind me on my bike. I have been doing research for a while now and couldn't believe how expensive they can be.. but today I took the plunge and made the purchase and I should have it by the end of next week.. I can't wait. I got a great deal on it and justified it even more because it can be used as a jogging stroller too. Brynn is going to be traveling in style.. I will post pictures once I get it.

I am watching the Big Ten baseball tournament on TV right now. My cousin Matt is a freshmen at IU and is on the baseball team and he got his 1st collegiate start tonight. I am so excited and nervous.. I can't imagine how his parents feel. I never thought I would say this but "Go IU!"

New Found Respect

I knew my mom was remarkable growing up, but I don't think I knew how much until I had a child of my own and still working full time(well 30 hours counts). I don't see how she did it with 4 kids. I ask Josh all the time how his mom did it with twins. It just seems like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done.. I feel like I am scrambling alot of time to get the necessities done and have to let the other things slide. Josh thinks I am crazy 1/2 the time, but I think he has always thought that and has nothing to do with having a baby now.

Last weekend Josh and I had a three day weekend off together.. it was so nice. It has been a long time since we have done that and not been going out of town.. we loved every second of it. Friday we got alot of stuff done outside. We cleaned out the gutters, well it isn't fair to see we, I should say he and my dad cleaned out the gutters, pulled weeds, and washed the windows. All things you hate to do but have to be done. That night we went over to Dan and Sarah's and they grilled out for us.. it was nice to hang out and watch Brynn and Olivia play. They are so cute together.. Olivia is motherly to Brynn, it is so sweet to watch her bring her juice or her pacifier.

Saturday morning we ran a 5k race. It was at the Feline Rescue Center in Centerpoint. It was really cool and crazy to think that something like that exists in this part of IN. The cats were beautiful. It was a pretty tough run because I had taken time off since the mini to let my legs rest, I didn't taper down like I was supposed to so basically I was running that after not running at all for two weeks but for me I did good. I finished right under 30 minutes and Josh finished at 22:30.. pretty sad that he finished 7 minutes ahead of me in a 3.1 mile race but I was trying my hardest. Now I am contemplating running the mini marathon in Terre Haute on September 12th. I am trying to convince my sister to do it with me.. she will be home that weekend for the Colts game on Sunday so I told her we should do it.. anyone else interested?

Later that day I went to my great-aunts 50th wedding anniversary celebration. I took Brynn because my mom loves to show her off.. it made me realize how hard she is to contain at some place like that where she can't crawl around. She is so close to walking.. I am hoping it happens soon. I know everyone says then you are chasing them even more but at least she can walk around and tired herself.. but I can't let her crawl around at a place like that.. she will get stepped on. It was nice to see cousins I haven't seen forever. It made me really miss my grandma and grandpa though.. I feel like they would have been the life of the party if they were there. It was sad to see them in their later years in life because I feel like they were robbed of so much when they had their strokes and couldn't get around as well, but they used to be social butterflies. Big family things like that always make me miss them that much more.

Sunday we had a cookout at our house for two of the rph I work with.. one is pregnant and the other ones wife is pregnant. We had about 30 people here.. lots of kids. It was so fun to see them all play together. I love having people over. I stress til they get here making everything is set up and if I have enough food or not and if the house is clean enough.. then I stress when they leave about cleaning everything up.. but I love every minute they are here.

Wednesday night after work Brynn and I went to watch Bailey graduate from pre-school. I can't believe she is old enough for that. She looked pretty darn cute.. it was so funny to watch all those kids sing their songs and recite their pledges.

I am off the next two days and then work Sunday. Not to much going on over the weekend.. I know alot of people get super excited about holiday weekends but unfortunately we work alot of them so it doesn't mean too much to us.

Before I go.. I just have new found respect for all of you mothers out there.. I love every minute of being a mom but I just don't think I have figured out how to balance everything yet. I shouldn't complain because I only have 1 child and a great support system around.

It has been awhile!!

So I haven't written in two weeks.. I have been so busy.

The weekend of May 2nd, Josh and I ran the mini. It was alot of fun. I never thought I would say that about running 13.1 miles but it truly was.. it definitely was one of the hardest things I have done in my life but the whole time I was running I kept telling myself that I delivered a 9 lb 7 ounce baby, that this was nothing. I did pretty well for my 1st time.. I finished in 2 hours and 28 minutes. I was on pace to do 2 hours and 20 minutes but at mile 10 I cramped really bad and had to walk some, but the main this is that I finished and was so happy to cross the finish line. Josh finished in 1 hour and 53 minutes. I was so proud of him. That day I said I would never do it again, but I am already thinking about how I am going to improve my time next year.

We spent that weekend downtown Indy. My mom and dad had Brynn so it was so nice to have the weekend away. Josh felt horrible that afternoon.. I was ready for a night out on the town but he didn't feel to well. He had worked 13 days straight leading up to the race so I think it just all caught up with him. He finally started feeling better later that evening so we were able to go to dinner and grab a drink.. it was so nice to have adult conversation. It made us realize that we need to make an effort more often to have "date" night. It doesn't ever happen because we work opposite schedules to limit the amount of time Brynn is at the babysitter so we very rarely have an evening during the week at home together and then the weekends seem so busy with everything else, plus we work every 3rd, but we realized we have to make the time.

This past weekend, Brynn and I flew to Long Island, NY to visit my sister and her family. My mom and two of my aunts went as well. It was the 1st time Brynn was on an airplane, I was a nervous wreck about how she would do but all and all she did very well. She was fussy a few times but it wasn't for very long and other passengers made the comment about how well she was behaved. Kristine and I went to the spa on Friday afternoon and got facials while the others shopped. Then later that day we went out on the boat for a ride and then to dinner that night, Saturday we got pedicures and went to church later that day and then just visited Saturday night. It went by so fast but I was happy to be home Sunday. It was my 1st Mother's Day... Josh was sweet, once we got home he could tell I was beat so he let me lay on the couch and be lazy while he took care of Brynn.. it was the best Mother's day present ever.

Brynn is starting to walk more behind her walker toys.. I think she will be doing it on her own in no time. She will be ten months old on the 14th.. I can't believe it. She is babbling alot and starting to say more and more words.. it is so fun to listen to her carry on a conversation with herself.