Weekend events

This weekend we relaxed by walking around Charleston and taking in the old architecture and art galleries. We truly had a relaxing time and had two full days together. That was the best birthday gift of all.

Inspired by Olympians

Watching the Olympics has been inspirational. Especially, the determination and strength I found in the woman's skiing events. These women were fast and some fell and survived (even got up and walked off the course to compete the next day, and win gold!) In all honesty, when I set out for my run on Saturday, I was not thinking about these women but by the end of the morning, they were my inspiration!

The Saturday was a lovely day. Sunny, clear, and warm (in 50s or low 60s). The birds were out in full force and entertaining me on my run. Five miles is not an easy distance for me and I am working on my endurance for the length. Somewhere around the three mile point, I finally found myself in the "zone" and loving the birds who sang such beautiful songs. In fact, my thoughts on the birds may have been the distraction that took my focus from the uneven pavement.

In adrenaline induced slow motion, my first signal I was falling was my glasses flying off my face along with my visor. Then faster, the pavement was approaching my face! Luckily I was able to stop the impact with my face and not break any bones! However, my sweat pants and knees did not get off uninjured. As I lay on the ground at the end of some one's driveway, just feet from the smooth bike path, the injuries were assessed. No broken bones, but swelling and scrapes. As I lay there wondering if I should get up, I thought back to the Olympics from the last couple of nights. Surely, if the women who crashed could get up and then compete the next day, I should be able to get up and somehow get home. The first few steps were the toughest. My right leg did not like weight on it. So, I pulled out my cell phone and called my husband. As usual, his phone was turned off and in the car. Not sure why I carry a phone when I run!

So, there was no choice but to continue along the path. At first it was a hobble walk, but slowly, I worked back up to a slow jog. Luck would have it there was a dog on the path who let me pet her. That always brings good vibes and strength to continue. I made it home safely with a greater appreciation for the strength and determination of the olympic athletes.

1st Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day morning, Sabrina and I got up, had Cheerios and then surprised Randy! She was his little valentine deliverer in her pink outfit with bow in her hair. After church, we walked around downtown Charleston and found a new restaurant. Sabrina had her first bite of grits and wore her pink sun hat to protect her head from the sunshine. A perfect family day with our favorite guy!

eating Cheerios

Sabrina loves Cheerios! She also was displaying her first tooth. Ironically, she finally let us get a picture of her only tooth and the next morning we noted the second one breaking through the gums.

First Snow!

Charleston usually only gets snow that will stick once in every ten years. Luck would have it that this is the year! Saturday, Feb. 13th we awoke to a couple of inches of snow. It didn't stick around long, but long enough for the children to pack it together and make small snowmen. Sabrina just got to stroll through it as we were not quick to get outside when it was fresh.

Cupid disguised as the Tooth Fairy

This morning in church we discovered that the tooth fairy arrived and brought Sabrina her second tooth which is poking though her gums right next to the first tooth. Her teeth magically appear during church services when she decides to chew on my finger! She used her newly acquired teeth at lunch when we ate in Charleston. She sampled some grits and decided she liked them! Move over rice cereal!

Happy Valentine's Day

We hope all our friends and family have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

These are a few of my favorite things

Sabrina and I like to stroll to the library every week and sometimes several times a week. Mondays are story time. We find all sorts of board books to read and lately we have been checking out CDs. Our latest find was the soundtrack to SOUND OF MUSIC! I absolutely love this as it brings back great times I had with my grandparents. It also was a family favorite to watch on TV. Sabrina and I dance and sing to the songs! Truly a classic! Can't wait to start music traditions with her! She already body wiggles to music!

New hair bows

Sabrina's hair is getting long enough for bows. Today we tried a new one that Grandma Joyce sent. It even stayed in for our walk to the library in "tornado" like wind. Earlier Sabrina helped me make the bed and played Peek A Boo!

Trapped

Sabrina is constantly on the move these days. She loves to stand up and then hold onto something sturdy. Unfortunately, she often crawl to the middle of our dining room, glass topped table and gets caught in the middle by the iron base. She can see out the top but she can't figure out how to move forward and is trapped.

Our favorite swing

Sabrina and I like to go to the park and swing on one of the bench swings that overlooks the river. It is a nice break to take while we are out walking about.

Baby book

Sabrina and I read a book with baby expressions! She loved it and giggled at all her "friends" on the pages.

Tucked behind her ear

This morning during cheerio snack time... which is Sabrina's favorite new food.... I found a piece of half chewed Cheerio tucked behind her ear. Perhaps for later?

She is teething and really likes to chew on cheerios, books, magazines and if she can find one sitting out: shoes! Why she won't chew on teething rings is beyond me. Oh, I wish she would!

Grandpa with his dog

A great shot of Julie's Dad with his dog, Annie, on his 75th birthday!

New toy

Cheerios!

She loves them! Exercising her new tooth is fun!

Photos from the movie

Many people have asked where we drew our inspiration for Sabrina's name. Our favorite classic romantic movie is Sabrina, staring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden.

New sign language

Even though Sabrina does not "official" signs, she is super creative in communicating her needs. Today she crawled to her "high chair" which sits on the ground and started to climb in to sit. This I took as a cue that she wanted to get into the chair and have some Cheerios. This is her new favorite snack. We have to watch her closely to make sure she doesn't "chipmunk" the cheerios in her cheeks! Cheerios with a little milk is the perfect breakfast!

A cold Sunday

We decided to brave the cold weather and go walking downtown. Sabrina wore her polar bear suit and was as happy as a clam! Just north of us, snow and ice hit several cities and set records for cold temperatures. Once again, we found ourselves intrigued with the iron work all over the city.