The Stud-man

We went to Myrtle Beach over Valentine's weekend for Quay's first marathon. He's been doing triathlons for almost two years now, but only sprint triathlons. Those last for about an hour. He's planning on doing his first ironman this November in Florida. That will last 11-12 hours. The swim will be two miles, the bike 112 miles, and then a marathon. So Quay, being the smart guy he is, decided maybe he should at least do a few marathons before the big ironman. His plan was to be under 3:30 and he ended up having a chip time of 2:39:47. He made it by 13 seconds! Quay said the first twenty miles were very easy, the next four were pretty bad and the last two were almost unbearable. He almost quit running during the last two but decided that if he had ran 24 miles, he could run two more. Personally, I don't know how he did it--I can barely run half a mile without hyperventilating! I think people who do ironmans and triathlons, and even marathons, have to have something inside them that doesn't mind putting themself through terrible pain. It's just not in me. I'm planning on trying to start running again after Sam gets here, but I hate it everytime I do it. Maybe if I keep at it, it won't be so bad.

It was pretty interesting traveling with an almost two year old. It's just funny to stop and take a step back and realize how different your days are when you have a toddler. I mean, everything we planned on doing revolved around Ava's schedule--when she needed to eat, her nap time, getting back to the hotel in time for bath to keep her on her schedule. We had a great time, and Ava was wonderful, with the exceptions of a few little tantrums. But she's hitting the terrible twos, so I guess that comes with her age. My parents went with us to Myrtle Beach--I wouldn't have been able to do it without them there. They helped us out so much--not to mention Ava loves having them around! Too bad Emily and Joe couldn't come.

Speaking of those tantrums, Ava has started having them more frequently now. I think she's at the point where she thinks she's telling us what she wants, but we don't understand her. She's getting to the point where she starts crying, then will either throw what's in her hands or will try to hit us if we pick her up or lead her away from where she's standing. Part of me feels really bad for her because she really thinks she's telling us what she wants, but the other part of me knows that we have to stop her if she's throwing things or hitting us. Poor Ava, I guess we'll get through this time together. :)

Oh the joys of pregnancy...

I am writing this post at 3:14 am. No, that's not a typo--I can't sleep. I woke up last night at 1:30 am with a cold, but was able to go back to sleep. Not tonight. I was hoping I'd make it through this pregnancy without catching a cold. I had one with Ava that lingered for a while and I was miserable. I pray this one doesn't stay around for too long. So, since I can't sleep, I'm playing on the computer while watching Sportscenter on ESPN to check the Clemson score. (They won by the way!!! Woo hoo go Tigers!!!)

I have also started to swell a little bit. I have 5.5 weeks to go, and I think I started swelling with Ava around this same time. Not bad swelling, just enough in my legs that I can tell they're a little bigger than normal. Oh fun fun. Five weeks can't come fast enough!!!

I've heard people say before that every stage in your child's life becomes your favorite stage. I have caught myself saying the same thing. But honestly, I'm not sure if I could enjoy any other stage in Ava's growth and development like I do this one. She's so funny right now! She's putting little sentences together, she dances all the time, and she'll do anything you ask her to do. She also loves to sing with us and will finish lines in Twinkle Twinkle, the ABC's, and Itsy Bitsy Spider. It seems like everyday she remembers a little more of each of the songs, and it's so fun to sing along with her. The only thing I think I look forward to is when we can understand her a little better. She gets frustrated when she tries to tell us something she wants and we can't understand her words. She'll say the same thing over and over, so she knows what she's saying, but we don't.

My aunt and sister have also taught her the wonderful art of sticking her tongue out. Great. My mom and I decided when Ava has to go to time out because she sticks her tongue out, we're putting them in time out, too! But Ava knows she's not supposed to do it, because she'll call me, and when I look at her she'll stick her tongue out and say "Not nice." It's so darn cute that I have to smile, but I try to make sure she doesn't see that too much so she won't think it's a good thing to do.

We're working on Sam's room and it's coming together slowly but surely. The crib will be in Friday morning and I'm taking the quilt to be monogrammed this weekend. I'll get pictures up soon, but for now just enjoy this cute one of Ava.