Family Moments!

We recently had pictures taken as a family for Nolan's 1 year/13 month photos on June 12th, 2009. We hired a photographer and took pictures outside. And I have to say that the reason why I love these pictures is they capture "family moments." We go through day to day life, and experience many moments. And these moments go so quickly, and we are left with the happy memories, so when a picture is able to truly capture these moments, it is amazing and something that will be cherished forever.

I love NOLAN!

Nolan is at such a cute age, I love this 1 year old. I love the smiles, and the little giggles and babbles. I love the unsure steps as he holds onto something. I love the wispy blonde hair. I love the holding my hand, and wanting to be carried all around. I love the check over his shoulder to make sure I am looking. I love the exploring as he climbs into the kitchen cabinet. I love NOLAN.

Balls of FUN!

Nolan loves to play with all his toys, but he loves his toys that are balls! I think it started with the Hasbro busy ball popper, and then he realized he could throw a ball for Wrigley and she would bring it back to him. So I found 200+ balls and put them in the pack n play and made a ball pit. At first he was very hesitant, but I kept putting him into the ball pit for a short period of time. And sure enough, now he absolutely adores his ball pit. His favorite thing is throwing the balls out of the pit onto the floor!

POOL TIME!

It was a crazy Friday here in Chicagoland! The morning started with severe thunderstorms, and tornado sirens--and in the afternoon it was sunny and a very humid 86 degrees. So I decided it was a great opportunity for Nolan to get to play in his baby pool, and of course Wrigley decided to join him! The two had quite the time splashing and getting into and out of the pool.

Batavia Triathlon

This past Sunday I competed in the Batavia Sprint Triathlon. It consisted of a 400 meter swim, 14.7 mile bike, and 4.1 mile run. It was held early in the morning, and of course Chicago has had questionable summer weather lately. So at 6am it was 58 degrees outside, and we had to start the swim. The water temperature was 62 degrees! A little chilly start to the morning, but I was definitely AWAKE, once my head hit the water. The swim was quick which was good since it was cold. Off to the 14 mile bike, and it was a flat course, and luckily there was very little wind. The run was along the Fox Valley River Trail, which was nice and shaded and also a flat course. I did great, and was excited to learn that I finished 6th out of 24 people within my age group.

Of course my two biggest Fans Todd and my little Nolan were present to cheer me on. I saw Nolan and Todd at the start of the run, and it energized me to finish strong. I think Nolan was a little confused, when I gave him a HIGH 5 and ran on by. But he was happy for the hug at the finish, and I of course was thrilled to have my family supporting me.

It feels so good to get back into doing triathlons after having Nolan! And I am looking forward to my next triathlon adventure at the end of June in Palatine, IL.