My First Triathlon!

I know....most of my posts are pictures of Alex. The last 2 have been about me. I just have to share about my newest adventure....the triathlon.

First of all, there are many distances of triathlon. I did a very SHORT triathlon, in the big scheme of things. The most famous, the IRONMAN distance triathlons include a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, followed by a full marathon (26.2 mile) run. There are also much shorter triathlons, like the one I did. It was an indoor triathlon at a local YMCA.

Distances: 500 yards in the pool (1o laps), 6 miles on a stationary bicycle and 2 miles around the indoor track.

Most triathlons are outside. They include open water swims in lakes or oceans, bike rides on highways, and running outside. This was much less intimidating and very good for my first experience. I didn't have to deal with weather variables or getting kicked in the head by a fellow swimmer (one of my big fears of open-water swimming). I got my own half-lane in the pool. While I rode the bike I could chat with my friends that were there cheering me on! The run was good and bad. 28 laps around a small inoor track feels like forever. However, I got to hear the lap-counters and spectators cheer me on 28 times during the run. That was nice.

Overall, I had a great experience. I felt like I worked hard, but accomplished a lot. I finished 45 of 104 overall. I also got 3rd place in my age group! Getting a medal for my first triathlon was more than I ever hoped for. When I started training, my goal was to not come in last. ha ha. I am now hooked on the sport and hope to work on both my running and do an outdoor triathlon in 2009.

Has it been 30 years already!?

I know...30 means different things for everyone. For some, it is far off. For others, it is just the beginning. I would like to think it is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. This has been a crazy, roller coaster of a year for me. 30 definately felt like a "milestone" birthday. I would like to think that this decade will bring me new opportunity, challenges and happiness. I thank my wonderful friends and family for all of their support. I love you all very much!

Here are a couple pics from my birthday bash...

Alex being cute (as always)

"Cheese!"

Since Alex got tubes in his ears back in September, his vocabulary has grown. Of course, the word I love to hear him say the most is "mom." The other day I caught it on video...

Happy Belated Halloween!

Alex enjoyed Halloween this year. As you can see, he was Tigger. He really got the hang of it and enjoyed going from house to house. Brian and I took him to Brian's cul-de-sac and then mine. That was enough for him...he was tired! The last one is a video...check it out!

That's Not a Dog! :)

Alex found the dog door at grandma and grandpa's house....
He's also close to saying "grandma" and "grandpa"....which makes for some pretty happy grandparents. We had a fun day in Halstead today.

Alex Photo Shoot

I can't believe my baby is already 2! Here are his 2-year-old pictures that were taken today. They were taken by Stacy Case. She is a nurse that I know from the hospital that does photography on the side. I love her work and think she did a great job. Those of you with 2 year-olds know how hard it is to get them to sit still in a studio. This setting was great. We went out to Stacy's farm and had a nice, relaxing time. These are just the "preview" shots....I can't wait to see the rest. Remember, if you want to see the picture enlarged, just click on it. I just love the close-up of his face in the picture of the two of us together.

Alex's new train

I got Alex a little train set for his birthday. He loves it! I even got a video, but haven't figured out how to post it yet.

Happy Birthday Alex!

Alex turned 2 today! We had a party at my house with family and friends. It was a great day!

"TWO"

If he wasn't fast enough, the other kids would open his presents for him...

This one is bigger than he is!
Thomas the Train was our theme. He helped pick out the docorations!
Here is his cake...
...blowing out the candle...
Shelby and Cooper Stein
Cooper, Bev, Mike and Shelby Stein came all the way from Kansas City to help us celebrate!

Erika and Audrey Katzenberger...also made the long drive down from KC (with big sister Cora, of course...pics to follow).

Great Grandma and Gramps, Grandpa

Aunt Lindsey and Grandma

Cora and Shelby hangin' out...

Cora Katzenberger...hamming it up for the camera

Alex and Tanner playing teeball

Who says you have to be tall to play basketball?!

Alex Surgery

Alex got tubes in his ears today. He has had fluid behind his eardrums for a while now, and since this can lead to hearing difficulties, they recommended he get tubes. So we went to Cypress Surgery Center at 6:45 this morning. By 7:45, we were headed out the door. It was a quick and relatively painless procedure. However, he was scared, tired, and didn't like wearing the hospital gown. So...a lot of tears were shed. When we got home, he took a 6 hour nap, which seemed to help! Here are pics of his "arm" band...which is on his ankle, a little bear they give kids at the surgery center.

Friends and Fun

For those of you that frequently check out this blog and have reminded me that I haven't posted recently, here you go...!

Alex and I went to Kansas City last weekend for a birthday party. Here he is with Cora Katzenberger (2 1/2) and Shelby Stein (2 - birthday girl). My friends Erika and Bev were both pregnant at the same time I was and these are our 2006 babies...getting big. It is fun to be able to visit and let the kids play.
Since I am usually the camera woman and rarely get into a picture with Alex, i thought I would include this one from the birthday party.

I got Alex these big cardboard blocks recently. He loves them. Here he is building a tower....only to knock it down. Over and over...

He also figured out that he can use the block as a step to get up onto the couch.

My friend Lauren brought her son Tanner over to play. Here they are having fun.

Fingerpainting

Alex got his first try at fingerpainting this week. His attention span was short, but I think he did well. And now I have new art for my frig.

This new little blue chair was a gift from Julie, a friend of mine. Her kids had outgrown it and it is perfect for alex. He loves to sit in it with his dry cereal and watch TV.

I had to throw in this picture of Alex in his plaid shorts. I think they are cute. But what is even funnier is that HE likes them. He will pick them out of his drawer and not want ANY other shorts. This is really the first time he has shown a preference...and a little attitude toward dressing. I have a feeling there will be more of this to come...