Playdate, planespotting, 5K run, and weekend house guests

Have we been completely M.I.A. or what? Many apologies.  This weekend was full of fun activities so let's play major catch up.  Here it goes....

Friday we met the Chantilly Moms MeetUp Group for a playdate at the local YMCA.  It was a pool playdate so we can't pass those up. Not with this crazy water baby of ours (and the heat to boot).  So we packed our bags and off we went, swimming.  This particular Y has always been packed. I've never been to it but just driving by the million and one times I've gone past, I've always been amazed at how large the community college like campus is, and also the hundreds of cars (I'm not making this up) that are always parked outside at any given time of the day, any day of the week.  Therefore, I knew we were in for it but I was eager to check it out nonetheless.  Side note, our neighborhood does not have a community pool. Some how we lucked out with a cool playground but I think that's a fluke. After going to a few playdates this summer I've learned from the neighbor moms that they either belong to the Y for its pool or they are on the wait list of a local swim and racquet club. Interesting.  Mike and I are currently doing neither so I like to poll the other moms and see what they think.

Ok, back to the story.  We met at the pool at 10:30am. I was officially a "guest" and so I needed to wait for the other moms to arrive and let me in. Two arrived with babies in tow shortly there after and the playdate that was supposed to 6 moms and 6 kids ended up being 3 of each. No biggie. Anyway, we the rookie guests follow the experts (members) on down to the pool(s), which consisted of a giant lap pool that may have even had a dive pool but we didn't go over there. A kiddie pool that was maybe 15 inches deep and then a full on baby pool that was just about 4 inches deep and had all of the gadgets and doo dads that most of these kiddo pools have.  We quickly got settled and began exploring. 

Let me say first and foremost, this place was full on mayhem. Summer Camp Gone Wild is more like it. There were kids and counselors everywhere. It was loud and crazy. Kids were having a good ole time but finding a spot to sit and enjoy the water with your little one was difficult at best.  We did finally find a place in the 15 inch pool and Eloise was immediately a hit with the 7-8 year old girl set.  They were very cute and loved asking questions about the Monkey.  And the Monkey is amazed by big kids in general so these girls entertained her for a good 15 minutes.  Next we headed over to the 4 inch pool and immediately got kicked out. Apparently for 10 minutes every hour it's "adult swim, which means no kids in the pool. After further questioning, that means in the 4 inch pool too. Strange. I was a little shocked by this but what can you do?  A rule's a rule and we were guests. So we parked our hineys pool side and counted down the minutes. Literally. There were several of us (kids) doing so. Then back in the water we went and the Monkey was full on. Like if I let her, she'd run full force to the pool and just fall in. She scares me this way, especially around water. She's completely fearless, which makes me entirely too fearfull.  Anyway, I'm on to her so I keep a very close handle on her at all times.  We were at the pool for maybe an hour and then we split. It was pretty hot out so it was nice to get a dip and then get going. I have no pics of this playdate and just a forewarning, I'll never have pool side pics of the Monkey unless Mike is with me. (or unless they are pics of the Monkey at the pool but not near it.) Like I said before, she's fearless around the water. I can't stop following her or watching her for even a second to snap a pic. Swim lessons can't come soon enough for this one.

Saturday was Planespotting Round 2 day. Round 2?? Ah, yes. Idiot me couldn't find the planespotting location on Friday and therefore, the Monkey and I had to abort the mission.  But the excursion wasn't all for not because the Monkey and I instead took ourselves right on over to "Run for Your Life" store in Dilworth and filled out our James K. Polk 5K entry form for Saturday morning. Nice segue, huh?

The 5K race was Saturday morning at 8am and this was to be our second jogging stroller race. I was pretty excited to get back out there and give this another whirl. We had the first race under our belt, learned a little bit about where to be when and all that good stuff. This race was to be equally as small as the last so my jogging stroller wasn't going to be in the way and although I didn't know the course, I knew I wanted to go out much faster and try to keep a much quicker pace.  And that's what we did. The Monkey and I took off at the start. We even ran the first mile in 6:54. Slightly too fast but it was perfect because it got us away from the crowd and into a good groove for the rest of the race. Mile 2 was insane with hills so we slowed down due 100% to terrain. I like some hills, actually. Up hills are easier for me than down hills but these hills were killers and add in the Monkey stroller and it'll set you back a little.  Mile 3 settled back down to a normal elevation:) and we cruised on into to the finish in 23:07. Nearly 1 minute faster than our last race. And this is after a finish that literally had speed bumps in the way. Picture this - I'm cruising into the finish line trying to push it in on a good finish. I'm feeling great and ready to pass one last girl on the way in. But just as I'm about too I hit a speed bump, literally, that was within 10 feet of the finish line. Oh and that one speed bump wasn't enough, there was another. Now for a normal runner, this was probably not a big deal. Lengthen your stride and get yourself to the finish line unscathed. Me, on the other hand, was about to launch my daughter into the timing officiant.  Awesome. Made for a very interesting ride for the Monkey I will say. And no, I didn't beat that girl after all. I had to slow up so not to hurl my child into the finish line and also to make it into the narrow shoot they had at the finish. She ran a 23:06, one second faster. Whatever. No biggie. But mental note - speed bumps at the finish line is not a good idea. Who would put a finish line there??

So the Monkey and I split immediately following per usual. I'm not into sticking around post race. We grabbed some water and made our way back to the car. Later that morning I checked online to see the results and once again, we are not counted as running as a "Baby Jogger" during the race. For the second time in a row, I've completed the application accruately by X-ing the box that says "Baby Jogger" and for the second time in a row, it's completely disregarded. The organization that hosts these races is so totally out to lunch it doesn't even surprise me. But they have a monopoly on the racing market around here so I either show up to their runs or I don't.  Regardless, all is not lost because as I'm scanning the results I quickly realized that the Monkey and I finished in 3rd place for the females. Not my age group but overall - 3rd place. Seriously?? LOL!  Now I said it before so let me emphasize this again, these races I go to are extremely small. The fast people aren't interested in going to these piddly races.  But 3rd overall?? Come on already.  And I was pushing a jogging stroller! The winner - she ran 22:13. And get this.... she was 14 years old. Does this not get funnier by the minute?? Hilarious. And the girl who edged me out over the speed bump finish?? She was 15. What a trip! I'm more than twice their age. Wow. And I really don't feel old but that's something to sit and think about. Anyway, our jogging stroller races will continue. The Monkey is doing really well with them and I'm having a really good time. I love being back out there at these races again. It's really exhilarating. Our next race is set for 7/24. A 4 miler.

Now, back to Planespotting. After the Monkey and I got back from the race, she took a nap and then it was off to the correct locale for planespotting - this time we had Mike on board. He knew exactly where the spot was and so it was mucho helpful that he was going to be our chauffer.  Let me just tell you, planespotting was a HUGE success. The Monkey went crazy. Each time a plane took off she squealed with her heart's content and was waving her hands around like I've never seen before. It was by the far the coolest thing she's ever seen or done and the sheer excitement and amazement in her eyes and screams was so much fun. Trucks are still a big deal around here but airplanes?? Forget it. This girl goes bananas for an airplane. This was definitely an "out of this world" experience for Miss Eloise.

Planespotting logistics - the look out was directly between 2 runways. On one runway planes were landing and on the other runway they were taking off.  Then in the distance was another runway where additional planes were taking off.  I'm sure there is a better day/time to go to the airport and see planes leave but CLT is busy enough that it seems like any time you show up will be a good one.  The place was packed too. The parking lot was pretty full and the park benches were cram packed with other excited kiddos. Pics?? Don't worry, I have pics of this one.

Then after planespotting, our friends Kerry and Sean arrived from Charleston. The cram packed full day led right into a super fun evening of cornhole, cocktails and delicious snacks. It was so great to see them and to catch up. Kerry used to live in Vail, CO but now we've got her back on the east coast (and only 3 hours away in Charleston!) and I could not be happier!!

Phew. Today made for a pretty lazy day as I'm sure you can understand (and likely encourage.) One Target trip was about all I had in me.  And a perfect day to relax and enjoy time together as a family because today the Monkey is 13 months old. I contemplated whether or not I'd keep the "orange chair" pics going. How long do people typically do this?  I couldn't decide so I went ahead and got some quick shots and decided I'd figure that out by her 14 month birthday. Lol. Too much pressure, you know??

One quick update about the Monkey so I don't forget....she's officially a size 4. That is in diapers and shoes. How coincidental?  My Target trip was 100% for the Monkey (other than a new pair of sunglasses that I was dying for. my old ones are seriously sad.) and it was all about size 4 for her today. More diapers - new size. New shoes - all because she needed a new size. Her little nubby toes were pushed right on out over the edge of her sandals so I had to get her some new ones. She also got a new pair of play shoes perfect for dirt, mulch and the like.  So there you have it, our 13 month old baby is a perfect 4. (well, to be exact - the size 4 diapers and shoes are too big for her but 3's are done....too small. it'll be interesting to see how quickly she grows into and out of these next ones.)

And here's our 13 month old Monkey girl....

Weekend recap

The Vail visit was really fun. Despite the crazy hot weather, we got out and about (just a little but better than not at all) and fared the humidity and heat index and had a good time. 

Let's start off with my favorite picture of the weekend entitled "cousins."  How cute is this?? Frame, please!

I broke my "no swimmers" rule and we ventured over to the spraygrounds for a couple of hours. The Monkey was lathered up in Desitin and ready to go.

Then the ice cream truck arrived and Grandma Vail hooked everyone up!

And the Monkey asked that I share....Thank you for my ice cream, Grandma. (and also for giving me my very first ice cream sandwich when I fell and hurt my lip.) I also really like the birdies on your shirt. Birds fly way up in the sky!

And Daddy and Grandpa....thanks for putting your beer in the door of the refrigerator. Sometimes Mommy lets me look in there and I was really excited to find these fun cans to play with.

Thanks for coming to see me Grandma and Grandpa Vail, Cousin Maddie and Aunt Liz. I love you and hope you got home safe and sound!

Friday's update

TGIF!  Mike is back and the Grandma and Grandpa Vail, Aunt Liz and Cousin Maddie are in town for the weekend. We're glad it's Friday! For updates, the Monkey is my little parrot at this stage. She can't exactly say each word but if I ask her, she will try. "Eloise, say Duck."  "Duh."  "Eloise, what does a kitty say?" "Ooo."  So obviously, she's not exactly there but A+ for effort.

The weather has been truly insane lately. It's nothing anymore for the heat index to peak over 100 and seriously sizzle us Southerners. I'm not complaining but honestly, it's a bit much - even for my "almost Southern" blooded self. I'm hoping my in-laws don't melt this weekend. I hate to say it but we'll likely be spending the entire time inside. It's just too crazy out there. The Monkey and I have been resorting to very early morning runs (when we're excited that it's 81. wow.), and I've put a ban on swim diapers until this rash clears up so that kind of eliminates a lot that we can do other than stay put. We could head out to Discovery Place on Sunday for their grand re-opening since their renovation but I'm afraid all of CLT will be doing the same and that could make for a mob scene that I'm not interested in.  Regardless, I've grocery shopped, the fridge is stocked with lots of cold beverages, and so a weekend inside for the Lakewood and CLT Vails may be in order.

The diaper rash is maybe getting better. Maybe. Honestly, I think I'm just willing it to be better but it's probably not. It looks like it's covering less area but it still just as red. I feel so bad for the Monkey. She's being a trooper over the entire situation. She only fusses when her pee pee burns her (happened when she was having diaper free time. nearly broke my heart. poor thing.) otherwise she's been great with the cool hair dryer, multiple applications of crazy concoctions, twice daily baths, and what seems like 100 diaper changes a day.  All for not though because I really don't see it getting much better. I drove around today looking for Calmoseptine, per my friend's recommendation, and both Target pharmacy and CVS didn't have it. Serious bummer. I'm going to place a call into Rite Aid otherwise Target can order it for me and have it by Monday afternoon. If that's the best they can do, that's fine. I'll take it late vs. never. I'm looking for a miracle at this point so maybe that miracle will come on Monday. And per Graham, in honor of the Monkey's sore bum, this week's song is "Rumpshaker." Shake your sore tush, Eloise!

Ok, short and sweet Friday's update for this week. For pics, I found these old ones that crack me up. These are from September when Eloise was 3 months old and Brody was in town. He gave her the monkey lovey and I'll tell you, that is still a serious life saver to this day.  The Monkey LOVES her monkey lovey, which means Mommy LOVES it as well:)

A Great weekend and a great day ahead

Aunt Liz, Uncle George and Cousin Maddie were here Saturday through today and we had a great time. As I mentioned before, they're on their Spring Break and heading further south. Lucky for us, we're in route! 

I was curious if Eloise would consider Maddie a kid (Maddie's almost 11) or if she'd see her as an "adult". Of course she's not an adult but to a 10 month old, I didn't know if she'd do her typical staring contest as she does with most kiddos or if she'd want Maddie to pick her up and snuggle her.  Eloise went with choice A.  She stared at her the entire time and was completely mesmerized with her big Cousin Maddie. It was so cute.  And Maddie came with tons of gifts for the Monkey! It was like Christmas all over again. Thanks Liz, George and Maddie!!  It was great seeing you and you brought too much!

Mesmerized. See what I mean?!

She loved her new books....see Maddie reading to her. And also, she received a new stroller/walker and let me tell you, it was a big hit.  Very scary to us to actually see her "walking" but she had a blast pushing around Elmo is her new stroller (we put Elmo in after these pics were taken.). I'm pleased to report that she still has a way to go until she's officially walking (check out those shaky legs -hilarious!) but seeing her walk at all is a little crazy for us rookie parents to watch. She's on her way! Here are some pics and you can watch her in these 2 videos - part 1 and part 2. (Mike's a pinch Blair Witch in these videos - sorry in advance if you get vertigo watching them:)

As far as our great day ahead, we are meeting up with Jen and Chris Hunt tomorrow am for our "9 month" photo shoot - at 10 1/2 months but we'll keep that detail to ourselves:).  And get this, we need to do the photo shoot at 7am.  Yikes.  Why 7am??  Because sadly Mike has to leave town again tomorrow afternoon so we can't do the typical 6pm photo shoot that the Hunts always schedule.  But that's OK.  We're going to work with it.  The only interesting challenge upon us.....it'll be a brisk 42 degrees at 7am. I've had to do some major reworking of the costumes I'm going to put her in. Oh and Eloise usually gets up at 7:30am so I'll also need to do some tweaking of our typical morning routine in order to pull this off.  I've mastered photo shoots with a baby in the past. I will succeed again!  Lol! Pics to come as they are posted on her blog. 

Post photo shoot, the Monkey and I are heading to Ray's Splash Planet tomorrow with the Chantilly Mom's Group. Another great idea that I had no idea was for kids as young as the Monkey. I will have to report back on how this went. Stay tuned.

Have a great week! 

Friday's update

Big week with baby news as Cousin Chloe made her debut on Tuesday. Then yesterday, my friend Megan announce nugget #2 is coming in mid-October. I love baby debuts and baby news!!  As far as Monkey updates - I only have just a few.  She continues to crawl head down and I actually got it on video. Here she is zooming across the kitchen and back and then at the end she has a complete meltdown for no apparent reason. That's my girl!

We've added some new things to her diet - she's now regularly eating grilled cheese sandwiches and also couscous either plain or added with one of her "meat mixes", as the baby whisperer and I call the foreign jars of ground meat that I select from the organic aisle. Organic or not, that stuff is Gross - capital G.  Sorry Monkey. But you love it and it's good for you.

Tomorrow Aunt Liz, Uncle George and Cousin Maddie come from NY.  We're super excited for them to see Eloise again. She'll have to show them all of her latest tricks. She's developed many since they last saw her. They are on their way south for Spring Break and are passing through so we can all get together. We're all looking forward to seeing them!

We missed music class today but when I tell you why, you'll be as happy as I was.  The Monkey was still napping!  Yes, I know these 75 minute naps are few and far between and yes, I know we paid for music class and should not be skipping it but in this house, we don't wake the baby from good naps.  Or really, we don't wake the baby from any nap.  If she's sleeping, we leave her be.  And with that, it meant we missed music class.  I put her down at 9:45am and she didn't get up until 11:01am. (music class starts at 11am.)  To make up for it, we went to a playdate across the street and had a really fun time. The mom group in this neighborhood continues to impress me. I feel really lucky to have this group of girlfriends and babies so close by. It's something I had no idea we had and now that I know we do, I'm so thankful!

Ok, enough yammer from me. Happy Friday! Mike is sadly traveling for business until tomorrow - who works on the weekends???  Mike does. But it's because he's super dedicated and because he's the best Dad and Husband he could ever be. Thanks honey!! We miss you and love you!

Check out this super sweet picture of Todd and Chloe. Ahhhh.....I could eat her up!

Major catch-up session

We've been crazy busy and sadly, the blog has taken a backseat - again. For the second week in a row!  Here's my solemn promise. I promise to get back into blogging as regularly (or nearly as regularly) as I have done in the past. With guests and work, by the time the day is done, my pillow looks more attractive than the laptop. But as you know, I do love chronicling the Monkey so you heard it here first. I'm back in the saddle!

Ok, let's first start off with the Monkey's 10 month birthday. She turned on Sunday and I got some orange chair pics. These are particularly funny because she's completely slicked up with sun tan lotion. Has food on her face and had just finished enjoying some fun playtime with Brody.  And I hate to say it, I'm not sure the 11 and 12 month pics are going to be taken in the orange chair. These might explain why....

Here is a video of her on her birthday. At 10 months, the Monkey is on the move in a big way. And her latest is to crawl as fast as she can, head down. Yes, that means she's smashing into cabinets, the furniture and walls. I don't know where this came from but she seems to not be bothered by the crashes and keeps right on going. Luckily she's not bopping her head too terribly hard. And I also step in and divert her if I see a crash test in the works.

She's also changed her eating habits a pinch. As of late, she'd rather wave her hands around like a crazy person, thus whipping the spoon of snacks her Mom is about to feed her and spraying the entire kitchen with baby food. Um, not good.  I didn't anticipate this coming. She's always been a really great eater but now it's become a little bit of a game for her and she'd rather grab at the spoon than allow me to feed her.  Let's just say, both she and I now wear bibs. And the floors around here are getting cleaned even more often than they were before. Oh and she's getting more finger food because that she'll feed herself, and therefore no spoon slinging.

She continues to pull up and is doing it with great confindence. She'll pull herself up on anything and anyone at any time. Also cruising continues but has yet to pick up some speed.  Her hair is mildly out of control but I'll leave it be. I'd like to give her bangs a trim but that's it.

And with much anticipation, I love sharing all of the fun pics we got of Brody and Eloise from the Larson's visit this weekend.  We had a really fun time and Eloise was completely enamoured with her BF Brody. (BF = boyfriend) We went to the park a few times, played in the pool, lots of parking garage/car time, ate delicious snacks and much more!

And a video of Brody and Eloise doing their first dance.