Running Again

I'm back bitches! 

That's how it feels anyway. The dark clouds that has been looming over me clouding every moment seems to be parting and allowing some of the suns rays to poke through and warm me.

Last Monday I laced my running shoes up and met my dad for our first run together in weeks. We started slow. My left ankle was hurting, I didn't know from what, but I couldn't bare another day without feeling the cool air on my face. Legs carrying me forward, arms pumping, heart beating strong, mind clearing. 

That is just how it felt. I ran just over a mile and a quarter. The plan is to add a quarter more at time. Yesterday I ran a mile and a half. Still feeling good, more and more like myself again. No pain in my foot. I realized the other day it's time for new shoes, but that's no big deal. Soon.

The Tall Guy came with me this weekend and yesterday morning (my running partners out of town). He wants to do a 5K. I would love to help him get there. It will help me too. To help someone else always helps you.

This week on The Walking Dead, Hershel said, "A sad soul will kill you faster than a germ", and even though I'm not in the thick of a zombie apocalypse I would argue that is a true statement. My sad soul was killing me. Now that I can run again, I can shake that sad soul and get back to living in the sunshine. One mile at a time.

Candles Lit, Warm Wishes

Last night we, a few women, lit a candle. It was a candle for a woman who had begun her labor. 

We lit them in hopes it's light and our wishes for her and her babe would reach them and give them both strength.

Last night as it's light flickered I thought about my own beautiful delivery and baby boy. I wished for her the same love I had surrounding me that night. I went to bed trying to send, across all those miles all the strength I could muster for this new mama. 

I fell asleep smiling. Thanking God for all our blessings. Remembering the weight of my baby boy the first time he was in my arms. I slept so soundly and peacefully.

In the morning I checked my phone, no news.  I watched the candle and hoped all was well. 

My son is two now, life is so different than when he was an infant. 

I planned my day and went about my business. Still waiting.

Tomorrow I'll get to spend time with a good friend who is awaiting the birth of her little girl. When she goes into labor I will light another candle, and send her all my love and prayers. I'll spend lots of time thinking of my own baby. Funny how pregnant women and newborn babies always flood us with memories of ourselves and our own children (0r is that just me?). It's a beautiful reminder of how connected we truly are as women.

When I got the news that her son had been born this morning at 10:16 am, 8 lbs 10 oz, 21.5 inches. I was so happy for her. I celebrated by blowing out the candle, wishing them the best and then drinking a great bottle of wine and some outstanding brie. Just two of the things I missed most during my pregnancy (and the wine for much longer). 

Women thank you. Thank you for your beauty, strength and grace. Mommies, sisters, friends and fellow humans. Without you we would all suffer.

What We Are Reading: Spot Goes To School

Two weeks ago we were getting Animal ready for his first day of school. We started with a visit to his classroom, and then we started reading books about starting preschool. We don't always read books that are timely with real life events, but I couldn't think of a good way to introduce the idea of school to a boy with limited life experience.

His favorite by far was: Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill. Spot is a lovable puppy (who you have probably already met if you have a toddler) with simple, fun stories that let children relate and enjoy real life experiences in a whimsical way, he (Spot) fast becomes a toddler favorite.

We have read this story a minimum of three times a day for the last  two weeks. This book is a lift the flaps book, which are very popular for the two and under crowd.

The first few times we read he couldn't help but look under the flaps as soon as I turned the page. Now with thirty plus times having heard the story, he patiently waits, little fingers itching to lift the flap, until I read the page. He's picked up a new word and laughs as he shows me what's under the flap. It's fun for both of us. Some books really benefit from you making silly voices, but the Spot books are very engaging with only a little enthusiasm from you.

There's also a website where you can have FUN WITH SPOT. Check it out, lots of information about the author, other titles, games for fun and learning and of course you can buy Spot books there.