A nice, nice day

Mack always says the word "nice" in duplicate - "nice, nice boy" "nice, nice warm" - we don't really know why he says this but it's really cute.

And today was a nice, nice day. We slept in a bit (until almost 8:00 - woo hoo!) and then went for a hike along the Eno River. Today wasn't quite as warm as past days but the signs of spring were everywhere. There was green grass popping up, little buds starting to show on the trees, birds tweeting, and we saw the first butterflies of the year! We had a little picnic by the river and we discovered that Mack will thankfully still ride in the backpack...for a little while at least. Here are some fun shots of the day:

After the fun hike, it was back to the house for naps and then we went out for dinner - and Mack didn't throw anything or run around the restaurant like a crazy hooligan! It was a really relaxing and fun day. I love spending time with my boys.

What does mommy say?

A couple of weeks ago, we were riding in the car and playing "What does the _____ say?" Mack is very wise and was correctly answering with all of the animal sounds. Just to be funny, Richard asked Mack, "What does mommy say?" Mack looked a little puzzled so Richard asked again, "What does mommy say?" And Mackey finally said, "I love you."

Down & Out

Meet my new nemisis, my pelvis:
The Tuesday after my half marathon in December, I started having major pain along my pubic arch. The pain basically rendered me incapable of running (or walking well, or carrying Mack around) until the very end of December when I finally went to see a physical therapist. Apparently, the right side of my pelvis has decided to come out of alignment and it tilts forward. A very simple exercise will put it back in place...but it easily comes right back out of place, too. In early-ish January, I decided I was ready to start running again and did a few short treadmill runs at the gym. Then I really went all out and ran 10 miles with a group. I should have stopped early because at the end of the run, my left foot really started hurting. I think I maybe had a small stress fracture? That put me out of commission for another few weeks. Then came the two and half week-long cold that left me exhausted and cruddy feeling. Sigh. My foot is now feeling better and my cold is over...but I ran about 4 miles today after church and was huffing and puffing along the trail with my sore hip. It's one week from the marathon I was planning to run and I've finally given in to the fact that I cannot run it...or even run the half instead :-(

I am really really bummed because the marathon down in New Orleans would have been the PERFECT birthday celebration. It just wasn't meant to be though. Three things culminated to take me out and I've conceded defeat. So I've decided to get healthy, get my skeleton straight, and postpone my 30th birthday. Yes, you heard me right. My birthday is officially postponed until further notice. I'll let you know when it's back on...

(And a big shout-out and Good Luck to Katie and Brennan who ARE healthy and will be kicking some tail down in New Orleans. Goooooooooooo Krankin!!!!!!!!!!)