Race for the Cure

This past weekend, Rachel and I were very fortunate to be able to participate in Portland's Race for the Cure. It was my first time participating and it was a wonderful experience! We did the 5K walk and at times it was a little challenging trying to manuver the jogging stroller around all the people there! I unfortunately did "tap" a few folks...oops.

I was invited to join the team of a former employer of mine. She was diagnosed with breast cancer a little over a year ago but is doing great these days!! She ran the 5K!! I was honored to be there supporting her and all the people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

For me, the most moving and inspiring part of the experience came at the end of the race. They had a special "path" for all the survivors to walk down. Everyone else veered towards the right-all the survivors went to the left and walked / ran down this single lane right next to all the people on the sidelines. It was such a great way to honor all the survivors participating and it was so incredibly inspiring to see all of them trek down their path.

We had to wait around for a while before our walk started and of course Rachel became antsy. But not too bad and once we got started walking, she conked out and slept for about the first half. Before I knew it, we were done walking and it was time to go home!

We had a great time and it was fun to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen in a while. But the best part was seeing so many people there supporting such a wonderful cause! I definitely plan to participate next year-but my goal will be to run the 5K!

Here are a few pics from the race:

Doodlebug hanging about in her stroller while we were waiting for the walk to start.

Me along with a few other team members just before the walk started.

And here are just some cute, random shots of Doodlebug:

Crazy hair in the bathtub!

Playing peek-a-boo during bathtime with Daddy

Her cute, toothy smile!

Doodle talking with Montgomery....

Until next time...

10 Months Old

Yep, we are now in the double digits and only 2 months left until the big b-day. My mind is filled with all sorts of ideas and plans for her party....I just need to get focused and start putting those plans into action.

As summer comes to an end, it's a little sad but I must say that I am looking forward to what the next few months will bring. Of course, her birthday...but we also have her first Halloween, Thanksgiving to celebrate, and a visit with Santa in December. It's important to us to begin establishing holiday traditions...and although she won't have her own memories of these first few holidays, we will be sure to capture it all through photos, video, and journals. I have such fond memories of the holiday season when I was a child and I want Rachel to have the same feelings when she reflects on her childhood.

Rachel is all over the place these days! She has recently learned to pull herself up on objects so anything she sees, she attempts to pull herself up. Most of the time, its fine but other times, its a little scary...She loves to pull things out of boxes and such. And when everything is pulled out, she is done and moves on. I am anxious for the day when she will start to put those things back....

She has four teeth and is working on the next two. I believe these new "tools" she has in her mouth have allowed her to try more types of foods. She currently really likes cheese, cheerios, and yogurt. I am still offering her all sorts of other foods but so far she seems to be a little picky in the food department...it takes her a long while to warm up to new foods.

I think she is getting close to saying "dada"....right now, its something closer to "jaja"...if that makes any sense. And she loves testing out her volume level....mainly in public places of course. As soon as she can understand the concept, we will definitely be teaching the difference between inside voice and outside voice.

Brent has recently started a new position within the same company and is really enjoying it so far. I think its refreshing for him to have this new career challenge. He also will be starting school in a few weeks so our lives will be busy!!! I am so proud of him for all that he takes on while also being a great husband and father.

Rachel and I are still doing Baby Boot Camp three days per week-we love it! Well, I probably enjoy it a little bit more than she does....especially the end of class-she is ready to be out of that stroller! But I love the great workout and the comrade of the other moms who are trying to be fit also. I am also still doing my walking / book club group two times per week. We are currently reading Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. It's been a while since I have read a classic so it definitely takes some focus.

Some pics of Doodle...

Look Ma, one hand!

Proof that baby proofing works!

Beautiful blue eyes

Until next time...