Keeping the Dream Alive

Well, I've run the Maywood 5K every year that I've lived here except 2: once because I did a half in NYC instead and last year because I was preggers. Every year that I've run it I've placed in the top three. I ran it today as my big "comeback" race.

I was pretty laidback, especially compared to my former runner self. We (Dan & Maclaren stroller James came to cheer) didn't arrive on the scene until about half an hour before the race. Former Runner Self always got to races an hour ahead of time. I only ran about a mile to warm up and did just a few strides; mostly I was walking around with Dan & James. Former Runner Self was much more neurotic before the race, and did more miles and strides. I wasn't really scoping out the competition and getting all nervous like Former Runner Self did either. Again, just hanging with my baby instead.

Well, when the race was about to begin, I did go to the front. Then, when he said "Go," (and, yes, he actually said it! No gun. No horn.) I found myself turning into Former Runner Self. I jockeyed for position and scoped out where all the other ladies were. I stayed in the mix and went from 5th to 4th to 2nd many times within the first mile. Meanwhile, there was a woman wearing an iPod AND a long leash as belt. Yes, folks. She had a BIG dog pulling her through the race. Not only is this probably some form of assistance for her pace, but it is a BIG problem for the rest of us. This leash was pretty long, so the dog had lots of leeway. I was SUPER annoyed (can't you tell what with all my caps?), and picked up the pace just to stay away from the canine.

I also enjoyed flying on every downhill, no matter the grade. It is a habit I've picked up from running with Baby Jogger James, it appears. This helped me pass many a runner and get a lead on many ladies. Nice. I started to realize I could keep my top three streak alive.

I happily sprinted through the finish in 21 minutes. I almost made it under 21. Former Runner Self would have been annoyed with that time because Former Runner Self always wanted to break 20. New Runner Self literally danced a jig in the street with the joy of coming in third just five months after having the cutest lil' baby ever.

More proof I'm not Former Runner Self: no cool down-- just walking with the Maclaren full of cute baby.

Fun with the Baby Name Advisor

OK, I just played with the "Baby Name Advisor" on a baby website. You put in the first, middle & last name, and it gives you feedback based on numerology. Whatevs...

First I did James:

The name promotes optimism, inspiration, and enthusiasm. It feels cheerful, outgoing, and charming. This name represents self-expression and communication skills. Its upward energy is a sign of tremendous creativity and all artistic endeavors are empowered by its vibration. The name attracts just about everyone. It carries great public relation and communication skills, and an innate ability to charm the most cynical folks.

However, it lacks focus and discipline, can be a "happy-go-lucky spendthrift", and can give the impression of flightiness and instability.

most positive characteristics: Upbeat, creative, capable communicator, inspiring, uplifting. Has sense of humor, draws creative and passionate people.

most negative characteristics: Scattered energy, difficulty in finishing projects, unreliable.

Next was my (maiden) name:

Responsible, caring, loving, nurturing, healing and comforting, the name is warm and makes one feel loved and special. Harmonious and peaceful, the name feels good to anyone, but doesn't call up any particular feeling strongly. It is neutral, suitable for those for whom stability and harmony are high priorities.

Good sense of business, but slow and not particularly adaptable. Strong sense of beauty, but not passionate. Idealistic, with a strong sense of justice.

The name makes one feel like a home away from home. It offers protection and love. It takes away anxiety and fears, and heals the broken-hearted. If you want others to feel like this is their home, this is their safe haven, then this is an excellent name.

The name attracts money slowly, predictably, the result of effort and common sense.

most positive characteristics: Protective, harmonious, comfortable to all.

most negative characteristics: Stick-in-the-mud. No passion.

Lastly, I did Dan's name...sound familiar?

Responsible, caring, loving, nurturing, healing and comforting, the name is warm and makes one feel loved and special. Harmonious and peaceful, the name feels good to anyone, but doesn't call up any particular feeling strongly. It is neutral, suitable for those for whom stability and harmony are high priorities.

Good sense of business, but slow and not particularly adaptable. Strong sense of beauty, but not passionate. Idealistic, with a strong sense of justice.

The name makes one feel like a home away from home. It offers protection and love. It takes away anxiety and fears, and heals the broken-hearted. If you want others to feel like this is their home, this is their safe haven, then this is an excellent name.

The name attracts money slowly, predictably, the result of effort and common sense.

most positive characteristics: Protective, harmonious, comfortable to all.

most negative characteristics: Stick-in-the-mud. No passion.

So Far, So Good

Well, I went back to work yesterday. Of course, I'm only working 6.5 weeks, then taking all of next school year off, so that makes it ridiculously manageable. Nevertheless, it has gone quite well thus far. Cutie Pie has been waking up a bit earlier these two days, so that is actually good. It allows me to not only get his first meal in him with no rushing or stress, but we also get to spend some time together.

Let it be known: Dan is doing a crazy good job as stay-at-home-Dad. I'm praying that he either slows down or at least somehow manages to keep from completely burning out and getting sick. He's cleaned, done laundry, gone shopping and still managed to get James to eat and take some (short) naps!

It was a little rough leaving yesterday morning. I got choked up and had a hard time walking out the door. By the time I got down the road, I was fine. I haven't called home either day. I figure that if Dan really needs me, he can call me. By calling, I'm just bothering him, plus I don't want to hear James cry over the phone. That would break my heart. I just stay in school mode while there (aside from pumping), and eat James up while I'm home.

Pumping has been going pretty well thus far. Of course, I have recess duty this week (nice timing), so I've spent my lunch time pumping these first two days. I managed to sneak some fruit for lunch while at recess yesterday. Today I had lunch while my students were at PE in the afternoon. I think that eating lunch won't be an issue anymore. On Wed.-Fri. I won't have to pump at lunchtime because I have both morning and afternoon specials on those three days. Thus I can pump then rather than lunch. [Mondays, I have PE in the morning, and nothing in the afternoon, so I need to pump at lunch; Tuesdays I teach from 8:40 until 12:10, so I'm dying to pump by then!] Anywhim, I won't have recess duty again on a Mon or Tues after today (I think), so I'll have enough to eat and pump midday.

Oh, so one super great thing about returning to work this week is that it's Teacher Appreciation Week which means that there are all sorts of great festivities going on at school. I love the traditions that our school observes. For one, the doors are decorated by the students. My door is pretty cute: "Welcome Back, Mrs. Lepori! Thanks for running back to us!" The students all posted welcome back notes on the door, and there are pictures of running shoes. The PTO is giving us breakfast tomorrow and lunch on Friday. Our principal gives us a treat in our mailbox each day and has coffee and treats in the office as well. Older students often stop by with letters of appreciation as well. It is just lovely. Of course, I'm getting extra-special showers of appreciation upon my return, such as my principal popping in and leading my students in "three cheers for Mrs. Lepori, hip! hip! hooray!" Seriously, I love this class!

I realize that this is, quite possibly, the most poorly written entry of all time, but that's what my dual personality gets you these days. Alas.

I Figured It Out... for now...

So, just in time for my return to school (on Monday!), I have kind of figured out James's schedule. He gets up between 7 and 8 for the day, and wants to eat. He's ready for a nap about an hour and a half later. Usually this nap takes place in the stroller whilst I run. He'll sleep for the entire run (cutely, he stays awake during my walking warm-up)-- usually 45 min.-an hour.

He wakes up and is hungry around 10 or 10:30. After he eats, he likes to play. We do tummy time, jumpy seat, activity mat, book reading, piano playing.... He's ready for another nap around noon.

That nap lasts about an hour and a half, then we repeat: eat, play, nap. He eats again around 4ish then stays awake (reading, playing, bathing) until bedtime which happens between 7:30 and 8:30.

He only sleeps in the car if he's tired now. Otherwise he's looking out the windows. Cute.

Also, this all gets screwy if he misses or is late going down for a nap. For instance, this morning he got tired (fussy) around 8:30, but didn't fall asleep until 9:30. He woke up a bit after 10. As I told Dan, "Hungry trumps sleepy every time." He ate, but now he's still tired. However, he wants to play, so he's playing fussily. We'll see how the day goes from here.

Dan has the next two weeks off for paternity leave. After that the grands take over until school gets out June 18th. Then I'm home until Sept. 2009!

Photos

You will find I've added some photos to the running post of James in his sweet ride. I tried to add photos of our trip to SC in that post, but it didn't work, so here they are!

You'll see James with Pop, the birthday boy; James with each of his great-grandparents; and James looking super-cute in his shorts.