Connections: Exercise & Friendship

Saturday night I was lucky enough to be part of my friend Heather’s Out Run the Sun team, a 5k walk/run that benefits melenoma research, and gave me a chance to hang out with some of my favorite people . I brought both kids, and while the Fox enjoyed a fast ride in the stroller, MaM hung out with Heather’s girls (the oldest of whom was in charge, say what you will about teens, but I dream about the day I have one, just to be able to leave for a few minutes here and there).

(Here’s our pre-race photo — from left to right there’s Chris, Angie, Emily, Heather, Me, and Julie. Our post-race photo was canceled due to an incoming monsoon.)

When we got home (out running a major thunder storm by mere minutes), MaM told me that she had SO MUCH FUN. And that her new friend, Lorelai, well, she was THE BEST. And then she asked, “Do you talk to her mom?”

I answered, “Why yes, I talk to Lorelai’s mom quite a lot, actually.”

MaM then asked, “How do you know her?”

And it occurred to me that she had never heard this story.

“Well, Lorelai’s mommy has a blog, just like I do.’

“What’s a blog?”

“You know, gotchababy.com?”

“Yeah”

“That’s a blog.

“Oh.”

“I write stories on that blog and sometimes people read them. Lorelia’s mom has a blog called JustHeather.com. And a long time ago– before we adopted you and while Lorelai was growing in her mom’s belly, we started reading each other’s stories. And then, one night, when you were teeny-tiny, we decided to meet in person.”

“Was I there?”

“Yes, you were in your baby carseat and you were about one month old.”

“Was Lorelai there?”

“She was still in her mom’s tummy–she wasn’t born yet.”

“She wasn’t born yet? But we’re both five!”

“I know, but you were teeny-tiny, and your birthday is first. Anyway, I met Heather and we became friends.”

“I’m glad you’re friends mom. When can I see Lorelai again?”

See, as much as Heather and I like to hang out, we don’t ever include the children. We tend to do grown-up things together because with five kids between us, coordinating schedules before bedtime gets tricky. And who doesn’t like to have some girlfriend time??

The 5k walk changed that though, and I think MaM is going to be tagging along on my excursions from now on, which is OK.

It just shows me that my daughter has exceptional taste in friends too.

 

Family Vacation 2011

About 12 hours the Chik-Fil-A Leadercast , we loaded up Kahuna One and headed south. We were Orlando bound, for a week of fun in the sun.

Fun and sun were had by all!

We had a full week of fun at my parents’ timeshare (thanks, Mom and Dad), complete with hours and hours of swimming by the pool, ice cream eating, and watching cable TV.

We also met the Mouse. If you’ve met the Mouse, you know that it’s an expensive venture. We were on the fence about doing it,  as I’m sure many parents are, because if your kid wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, you may as well have set fire to a couple of  hundred dollar bills and call it a day. (I wrote about the money aspect of our Disney visit at Persephone this week)

Guess what? The kids woke up on the RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED.

We got there in plenty of time to see the welcoming show and see Mickey open the park.

We met thirteen different characters, including three princesses, Mary Poppins, Woody & Jessie. They signed our autograph books and gave hugs and made the kids feel like a million bucks.

We rode fifteen rides, MaM rode three of them twice. There were no lines, the crowds were thin and navigating the park was easy.

We had a sit down lunch, which was perfect for cooling off and taking a  breather during the heat of the day.

We were actually able to stay through until the park’s fireworks finale.

A week later, the kids are still talking about it.

I love vacation.

This Monday is for Mozzi

Two years ago this month I met Casey, you may know her as Moosh In Indy (technically, Moosh is her daughter). She emailed me before we left for the Hallmark Moms E-vent we had been invited to (she was smart enough to ask for a list of the other attendees– smart, eh?) in Kansas City. We met, actually, at O’Hare airport while waiting for our second flight. Bloggers just have a look, you know?

That very same afternoon, Casey and I had lunch at the counter of the Crayola Cafe in Kansas City. MaM was content to color and eat french fries while we got to know each other. Casey and I talked about the trials of family building, and what it’s like when the world is pregnant and you’re not. It’s something, when fertility isn’t your strong suit, that you get used to talking about to the right people. The people who are interested, not just nosy.

A very young MaM showing off her masterpiece at the Crayola Cafe

For the next eighteen months or so, I followed Casey’s story. Her ups and downs and all arounds figuring out the path for her family.

And then there was this post, this post announcing Moosh:the sequel. And I smiled. The baby she had wanted for so long was going to become a reality. I’ve seen Casey several times during this pregnancy, and each time she’s more gorgeous and glowing than before.

Flash forward nine months and now Mozzi is almost here.

For the past few months, Emily has been hosting a fabulous virtual baby shower for Casey and lucky commenters. She also coordinated a pep rally of sorts — every couple of days a different friend sends some love to Casey.

Today’s my day.

My fingers are crossed that the USPS comes through and delivers an envelope for me (I may or may not have left enough time for punctual delivery, silly postal holiday).

Casey, I couldn’t be more thrilled that Mozzi is coming into this world. I know when the Fox joined us, I wondered what parenting two would be like. How could I possibly manage two? What every other mother on the planet told me is exactly true — your heart just grows and grows and you just do. Congratulations!