A little WT entertainment.

We captured some great videos of WT on Sat.

Now that I give him finger foods he gets a little annoyed when I feed him something on a spoon. He LOVES to feed himself - and wastes no time :) Saturday morning pancakes!



He was also lucky enough to acquire a baby walker this weekend. Little dude loves it! Here is his first attempt. He's a pro at walking forward... just needs to practice steering and reverse now :)



He brings us so many smiles everyday!!

Baby Shower Applique Onsies!!

WAY back in February I helped host a friend's baby shower and our activity was fabric applique onsies. Of course us 'hosts' were excited and had high expectations but were shocked at how much fun everyone had! It was a co-ed shower and even the guys (computer techie guys) got all into. We scheduled the shower from 1-4... and people were still huddled around the craft table at 6pm :)

Here are some of the results...





I've been asked for a little tutorial...

Supplies:
Lucky for me I have a fully stocked craft room.. and what I don't have my mom does. You can pull it off pretty cheap.

~~ Onsies/Bibs etc. - (I really like the Old Navy Onsies and waited for a coupon to order these. I bought 24 in different colors and sizes from 0-18 months for $80)
~~ Fabric Scraps (I had these already) - Scrapes are great because you don't need a whole lot for most of the designs.
~~ Design Ideas (I printed these from online - just googled all kinds of things - for a boy sea creatures, animals, cars, robots, mosters, etc) - plus scratch paper so people can create their own. (Etsy is great for inspiration)
~~ Wonder Under - $5 (3 yards is probably plenty!)
~~ Iron/Ironing Board
~~ Small Washcloth
~~ Scissors (Paper and Fabric)

I had the supplies set up around our ping pong table in 'stations' to help the project flow and let the guests create at will. I also posted a list of 'simple' instructions on the wall.

1. Pick a onsie. (Station 1)
2. Pick a pattern. (Station 2)
3. Pick fabric. (Station 3)
4. Draw/Trace pattern onto Wonder Under. (We found it best to do this on ROUGH side with ball point pen) (Station 4 was basically a 'work' area (steps 4, 6, 7) though folks worked wherever they found room)
5. Trim Pattern - but not all the way to edge... just so you don't waste too much fabric :)
6. Iron Wonder Under onto fabric, hold at LEAST 10 seconds - prob longer. (W/ Wool Setting. Rough side to WRONG side of fabric) (Station 5 was the iron (steps 5, 8))
7. Once it cools - Trim Design. Now is when you trim the exact detail image.
8. Peal Wonder Under.
9. Place design on Onsie, cover with damp cloth, Iron (again on wool setting) and hold for 15 secs AT LEAST!. Then iron again without damp cloth.

Your Wonder Under will have instructions for the ironing process. My tips above is what worked best for us after trial and error. Lesson learned - Make sure you hold iron long enough to 'glue' the fabric! We held it longer than the instructions :)

(We did not sew around the finished design. It's pretty difficult without also using a 'stabilizer'. My mom suggests we do this but I think the wonder under will hold up ok. We'll see. If you do this I'd suggest doing it yourself with the designs after the shower! Not having the guests do it.)

The tutorial I used.

I had clothes line on the wall for guests to hang their creations. It was really fun to see all the designs come to life!

RANDOM - I created some paper onsie clotheslines to double as decoration AND inspiration :)


RANDOM2: I also made my first diaper cake for the shower. My layers were a pack of 7th Generation Newborn diapers for the bottom, Aden and Anais swaddle blankets in the middle, and babykick babe wipes & green sprouts bibs on top (Some of these were on the middle too - I wrapped on of each together)! Embellished with some paci's with home made straps, my fav sassy rattlin rings, also my fav a Little Sapling Toys teething toy, and a Whoozit cake topper! It was SO MUCH FUN to make :)

If you have any questions let me know!

saying goodbye

9.5 years is more than a chapter, it feels like a volume in my life 'series' is coming to a close.

I remember back in 2001 the excitement I felt at the opportunity to move back to Blacksburg. (I'd only been gone 2 months and I really didn't want to live in Northern Virginia.) My dad was a little worried I was taking a job with such a small company – but the risk was worth it – web development... in Blacksburg... plus it was my only offer :) I often joke God lights my path by only opening one door at a time. He's knows I can't handle more than that. He definitely had his and in this.

I accepted a 'job' – but what I got was a family. I can't put into words how blessed I've felt to work for Internet Databases these past 9.5 years. Barry has been a boss, mentor, role model, and friend. He took me under his wing as a fresh college graduate and has guided me through my career. He's seen me through some major life changes – my dad losing his battle with cancer – getting married – becoming a mom. He's put up with my craziness and creative vacation scheduling :)

Jeff is a second big brother. Always having time to 'help' me with a question or project. Hitting the town together in our single days. Trading gardening stories. Football tailgates. Nashville. Coming to my rescue when I run a query that crashes the database. Irish car bombs :) A super smart, fun, compassionate friend – I know he'll always be there for me!

ColdFusion Conferences, Army User Groups, High Point Markets, Las Vegas Markets, Payday Lunches, Birthday Lunches, Christmas Celebrations, Founder's Day Celebrations, D Day!, Ultimate Frisbee, Running, Biking, Basketball, FurnishWEB, Good Clients, Bad Clients, Foosball, the Bunker, I'll cherish all my ID memories! “You're going to have to cut your vacation short, the Colonel needs you back in the office NOW.”

I wish you the best and look forward to following along as you continue to grow FurnishWEB!! I'll truly miss being a part of the ID Team. Thanks for everything :)

Spring/Summer Race Schedule

Now that I'm actually getting into shape - my mind is starting the think crazy thoughts. "If I can run 10 miles on April 3rd - why not do a half marathon in May - I'm practically there!" Etc etc.

These are the races/events that are on my radar. Trying to figure out which ones I can realistically do. Training wise AND budget wise! It's ambitious for sure.

April 3, DC - Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. I'm really excited to run through Washington and check out all the sites! Hopefully the trees will be in bloom.

April 30, Marion, VA - Mountain Do Triathlon. 10K Run, 3K Canoe/Kayak, 20K Mountain Bike. This is a somewhat local race and I've wanted to do it for years - but it's always the same weekend as the Nashville Rock N Roll half. I wonder how serious the mountain biking is? That will be my weakness!

May 1, Cincinnati, OH - Flying Pig Half Marathon. I've had friends run this one and they have nothing but good stuff to say. I'd rather find a half the 2nd or 3rd weekend in May - but I don't know of any. I like to run large 1/2 marathons so there are lots of runners and fans :) (Possible alternatives the Capital City Half in Columbus, OH on May 7th or Two Rivers Heritage Half Marathon in Harper's Ferry, WV on May 14th?)

May 28, Radford, VA - Wilderness Road Ride. A local event for the cycling community. Probably the 58 mile distance. Maybe the 78 depending on how much biking I can get in. (Might not be much if I do the 1/2.)

June 18, Warm Springs, VA - Bath County Triathlon. 750 Meter Swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run.

June 24 - 29, New River Valley, VA - Bike Virginia. Between 50 and 60 miles/day for 5 days. This is one of those things on my bucket list. Not sure if this will be the year - but I WILL DO IT one of these days.

Obviously I won't be training to WIN any of these :) Just a little challenge that adds some fun to working out. I'm just focused on crossing the finish line.

Anyone want to join in the fun??

Operation: 10 miler (week 6)

Is it really March in 2 days? A little over a month til the race!

I was able to make time for 2 runs and the final indoor soccer game of the year this week. No swimming :( (Remember this was an abbreviated week because Week 5 rolled over into Monday :) So technically I ran 13 miles!)

Wednesday's 4 mile run was outside. I underestimated how cool it was, wish I had worn gloves. It wasn't a great run - but wasn't bad either. 43 minutes. The most important thing was I DID IT. Check.

Thursday's soccer game felt good. We didn't have subs and I didn't die. I've been a little rough around the edges since I haven't touched a soccer ball in over a year - and all my leg muscles went to pot during pregnancy. Finally I feel like I have a bit of my touch back. Looking forward to the Spring season!

Most surprising was how well Saturday's run went! It's been a long time since I've been past mile 1 on the Huckleberry. I can't say I missed the hills - but it was also strangely comforting. Like being home. I forgot the Garmin - but that's not so bad. It's freeing to run without a clock. BUT the run went pretty well and I felt strong - so now I wonder how my pace was :) I love runs were I don't have the mind battle - constantly thinking 'I can't make it' and having to psyche myself up. The weather was beautiful, my body felt good, lots of traffic on the trail, I focused on 1/2 mile at a time and the hour flew by!

That being said... I'm still glad there's two weeks before my next long run! And only 2 long runs left before race day!!

generations

My mom (who is AWESOME) drove over 1000 miles in 4 days last weekend to pick up her dad and drive him to see all the great grandkids! Fairfax, VA (F) --> Burlington, NC (E) --> Charlotte, NC (C) --> Blacksburg, VA (D) --> Burlington, NC (E) --> Fairfax, VA (F).

Even though the visit was short I know my Grandpa loved getting a chance to love on WT!

The 'generations' photo shoot was a must! (With the lovely baby shower decorations/craft background leftover from the day before! More on that soon!)

Grandpa, Betty, and Renny Roo!

A solo shot. He was being so cooperative :)

Thanks again Gramie for making this happen! I know she was happy to get her 'Roo Fix' as well. And she'll be back in just 2 days for a week of playing with Roo while T & I head off for some playtime of our own!

February Firsts

It's been an exciting month!

Roo is all about some food. He even likes to help us shove the spoon in his mouth :) We started with the rice cereal and moved quickly to veggies. So far he's had carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Next up will be butternut squash, peas, and avocado.

With the additional of solids his face that had really slimmed down is plumping back up :) He's gained almost a pound in 2 weeks. Also makes for more exciting diaper changes. Motivates me to keep up with ECing!!

On our trip to Snowshoe we got a chance to check out their Split Rocks Pool. Luckily it was heated! He really didn't have much reaction. Stomped his feet, stared at all the action around him, and chewed on his toy just like he does when he's not in the water. We went down the slide and he was just chill. Didn't really get into splashing. Just kinda hung out :)

His biggest adventure was probably the road trip to Charlottesville to see Yonder Mountain String Band. Thanks to a friends recommendation we purchased these earmuffs to protect his ears. They worked great! Of course he was very into the people watching when we first got there. About 30 minutes into the show I was able to soothe him to sleep and he slept for the remainder. It was a fun family trip. Daddy REALLY enjoyed it :) (Mommy is the one who barely made it to 12:30AM when the show ended!)

tough february

The not so fun stuff.

Until this month we've been lucky with a happy healthy baby. He's still mostly happy despite these not fun issues:

Thrush

Pretty sure this is a result of the antibiotic I was on in early January. Did my best to eat probiotics - but I didn't realize this could show up weeks later! I can't help but think this has been the culprit of some of our nursing/sleeping issues - but it really doesn't seem to bother him. Throw in a grow spurt and possibly the start of teething you have a baby boy who's been a bit more high maintenance than usual :) The prescription from the doc did absolutely nothing. I've been swabbing his mouth with apple cider vinegar and seen a HUGE improvement. I also started giving him yogurt yesterday. Tonight you could barely see it. After 3/4 weeks I'm REALLY hoping we've killed this yeast!

Pink Eye

Sunday night was probably his worst night sleeping. He was up at 11 for about an hour - then again at 2 to eat and up for good around 5:30. I assumed it was teething or constipation BUT he awoke with pink eye. Poor little guy. Call me crazy but I'm treating this with breast milk. (many uses) (healing power) I figured it was worth a shot. This photo is from morning #2. It was still oozing the infection but the white of the eye was much less pink and the eye itself is less swollen. Throughout the day it has continued to look better. Go magic milk!

Last night he slept 11.5 hours... so maybe Sunday nights misery was constipation after all. Who knows :) Here's to hoping for a healed Roo this week!

toes

Check it out. I can eat my toes!

Operation: 10 miler (weeks 4 & 5)

Boy am I glad I have a race planned. Otherwise I would not have gotten in a single run over the past two weeks. Knowing I have to run 10 miles in April really helps me dig down deep to find motivation. Life is busy :)

My training plan builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - etc. Week 4 had two 2 mile runs on the agenda. I skipped both. Life was crazy preparing for our annual Snowshoe trip and I knew missing these runs wouldn't throw my training off. Instead I spent 5 hours snowboarding on Thursday and I'd say my legs got plenty of exercise. I also hit the slopes Friday and Saturday but not for as long. I was shocked at how well my legs held up. Usually after a couple runs down Cupp or Shay's my legs are burning. We did 8 or 9 runs over there in a row and I felt great! I hope I feel this way in Utah next week :)

Last week wasn't much easier on my schedule. I did play indoor Thursday night - which went well until my shoe stuck and I ate it hard with 3 minutes left. My back has been aching ever since and I have sweet bruise on my elbow. I wasn't sure how the runs were going to happen. I squeezed in 4 miles Saturday evening between hosting a baby shower and drinks with the girls. I thought it best not to run my two longest distances back to back so ran the 5 miles Monday night. Technically rolling into the week 6 but I just want to get the miles in.

Both were treadmill runs and felt relatively easy - until the last 15 minutes or so. I have a little interval technique I use that makes the time fly. The first mile I run at a 10 minute pace to get warmed up - then I tackle 5 minutes at a time doing a 1 - 1 - 2 - 1 interval. I can do anything for one or two minutes :) Last night I ran 1 min at 6.1 (9:50), 1 min at 6.2 (9:40), 2 min at 6.4 (9.22), 1 min at 6.0 (10:00) - then repeated 8 times. My time for the final 4 miles was 38:30 - which for a 10 minute miler felt great! I'm even more impressed I was able to drag myself to the gym at 8pm. I look forward to the day when I can get back to watch the sunrise during my morning runs :)

Wow - I'm halfway through training!

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