Without Losing it...

I've always enjoyed a good book. I tend to go through spurts of reading a ton or having my only read be the recipe of the night. Lately, I'm addicted to reading--- really. I finished a book and went through withdrawl- constantly telling Dave I was upset I had nothing to read. Now, in reality, I have a whole bookshelf full of books I could have picked up to read again, but what fun is that?
That led me to the library. Tyler loves it there, as do I. We found a few books for him to borrow and I set him down in a big comfy chair to read them while I searched for a book for me. Success! Ben on the other hand, is a bit tough since he's not really moving around on his own yet and it's winter so we're all bundled up and I'm NOT pushing a stroller through the snowy parking lots. A few times, he just hung out on the floor nearby.
That book I found was Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah. At first I wasn't loving it because of the fairytale the mother tells. It just didn't suck me in until it started to hold some power in the book. There were a few places I thought I could cry. Good book and a recommend from me.
Tyler got the books: Tap Tap Bang Bang (a book about tools) and Dinosaur Train (a book about a boy who loves dinosaurs and trains) Both were great books for Tyler and he didn't want to return them.

Yesterday was library visit number 2. I just joined a Book Club and was on the hunt for The Help by Kathryn Stockett. All libraries were out of it, except for one which had 1 copy in LARGE PRINT. We tried this (bigger) library nearby and Tyler fell in love. They had miniture couches and such for him to sit and read (or rearrange!). Tyler picked 3 books: Chicka Chicka 1-2-3, In the Diner, and The Bicklebee's Bird Bath. So far, he likes all three.

*If anyone reads this, and has a good recommendation for some books- both adult and kids- I'd love them!

I'll do a review of the books I read and list the books Tyler reads too after our visits to the library.

It's On!

So far, I've run twice. Once a couple weeks ago, and then again last night. I took my dog out with me both times, something I will not do again. Who would have thought I would be in better shape than my dog! I had to practically drag him while running. The only time he was in front of me was when we ran into the driveway and he realized where we were. He took off straight for the pond. Guess he likes swimming better than running. I've forgotten how much I like to run. It feels good and I feel like I've done something good- just for me, something I don't get a lot of time to do daily.
Dave and I have figured out that we will alternate days of running. So the days I run, he'll stay home with the kids and encourage me to run. The days he runs, I encourage him to run and stay home with the kids.
I still have hopes to run a 5k this year. I had plans to run multiple, but I don't know if I can do that. I'll try though! My work is hosting a 5k again this year to support the at risk/placed out of home kids and the programs we run for them. I'm definately doing that race in October. Maybe one in September too. In fact- goal for today: register for a race in September. Why the heck not, right? Who cares if I don't run the whole race, at least I'll complete it!

And for a quick update on our day to day stuff:
Ben is sleeping through the night more and more, so that's helping me catch up on some much needed rest. He still will only nap in his swing, but at this point, I'm ok with it. I figure he sleeps well and it's probably pretty good for his reflux. Yup, I said that nasty "R" word. The doctor thinks he has it too and offered medication for it, if I thought he was in a lot of pain. I'm leary on giving infants medication so I turned it down with the agreement that we could call for medication in the future.
Tyler is doing awesome at home with us. It's allowing me to focus more on his potty training. He's going #1 pretty regularly now. He's still not up for #2 in there though. We'll continue to work on it. He's enjoying playing outside and going to the playground during the day. He's a big help to daddy in the fix it area of our home. He's always carrying a tool around with him "fixin' stuff". We've only had one accident this summer, so far. A scray and potentially devastating accident. Fortunately, Dave was right there and reacted quicker than I could imagine. Tyler was playing out on the deck and fell in the pool when he bent over to get a ball he kicked in there. He was unharmed and unphased by the ordeal, thankfully.

"There are only 2 choices; make progress or make excuses" --Ellen Mikesell