Merry Christmas - Part I

Today, we celebrated Christmas with the Waltons and the boys had a ball. We really missed Uncle Jay, Aunt Steph, Willie and Ruby but know they were where they needed to be. 

We were blessed with lots of spoiling, a yummy meal (shrimp spaghetti!) and some low-key time with family. What a great day!

Gran surprised the grandkids with a John Deer "traptor."
I love the look of concentration on Riley's face!

Riley is giving Eli a lesson in the art of unwrapping gifts.

Merry 1st Christmas to Eli! Note his new rolling rattle made by Gran.

Riley got a baseball glove from us!
He needs a little practice but seems to be pretty excited!

The boys with Gran and Granny!

One of SEVERAL attempts at a family picture!

We leave Christmas Eve for Arkansas for Christmas - Part II with the Richardsons. This will be the first Christmas my entire family has been together...or the first time ever - Christmas or not. Crazy! Dreading the trip but looking forward to the destination.

Merry Christmas from the Waltons! 

I really did it! St. Jude's Half Marathon

With Jeff, Riley and sweet Molly Mize after the race!

DISCLAIMER: This post has little do with the boys. Sorry!

On December 4, I completed the St. Jude's Half Marathon in Memphis, Tennessee. I hoped to finish in under 2:15 (yes, that's 2 hours and 15 minutes of running) but missed my goal by just a few minutes (2:18:10). I ran the entire thing (pretty slow in some spots), but ran nonetheless. It was a beautiful day - overcast and about 50 degrees at the start of the race; the sun burst through the clouds shortly after I crossed the finish line. I had compiled an amazing play list of some of my favorite praise and worship music - a lot of Third Day with some of my favorites from KLove blended in. That uplifting playlist was HUGE in getting me through the rough moments. Jeff and Riley were stationed about the 1/2 way mark (something for me to look forward to!) and then ready to trek back to Auto Zone Park to see the finish. Knowing I was going to see them kept me pushing toward that mark (although I ended up not seeing them because they were on the opposite side of the road!).

Riley was all about some High 5s for the runners!
Wish I could've gotten one!

To be totally honest, there were a lot moments that I really wanted to quit - just walk the rest of the way and call it good. And each time I felt like stopping, I found the strength to keep moving forward, somehow finding a second (or third or fourth or fifth...) wind. I used the time to express a lot of thankfulness to God for the ability to even be on the course and for the countless blessings in my life. I spent a lot of time reflecting on the people who've encouraged me and helped me along the way - some of whom I'll probably never meet (BIG thanks to my all my Running Tweeps!). I am also blessed to have an incredibly supportive husband to help with the boys because...

Being a runner is a family decision.

The feeling of crossing the finish line was one of the most gratify experiences of my entire life. I started my journey to that finish line five weeks after Eli was born. I weighed about 210 lbs and could barely run 1/2 mile. During the training process, I finished four 5Ks and a 10K. Eight months later, I ran the full 13.1 miles through the streets of Memphis (and weighed about 50 pounds less!). I cried - partly because my body hurt so bad but mostly because I had set out to run those 13 miles not completely believing that I could do it...but I did!

Over the last few months, I've learned a lot of things about myself. Here are just a few things running has taught me:

1. My body will do MORE than my mind tells me it will. 

I cannot tell you how many times my mind has told me that my body wanted to quit. Sometimes, it will be 2 miles into a 6-8 mile run. My mind starts making excuses and trying to convince me that I don't really have to run ALL that distance. But I've found if I just push passed "the fat girl in my head," I can usually go more than I planned and have a great run.

Riley promptly told me, 
"You need a shower, Mommy!"
 after the race!

2. I am a better mommy, wife, teacher, boss, friend when I make time to exercise.

In the beginning, I felt guilty about making time for myself but I've learned that I am a "better me" when I exercise. I am less stressed (which means more patient!) and more flexible when things don't go as planned. I feel better and have more energy. So, while I may still have twinges of guilt at times, I have come to recognize that finding that time for myself has a significant impact on those around me.

3. I am VERY goal oriented.

Having a goal to work toward keeps me going. In the long-term, it's a particular race to prepare for. In the short-term, it can be a particular spot on my route that I want to reach. Without goals, I am a wanderer. This has also played into the weight loss efforts as well. When I am trying to reach a certain milestone (whether numerical on the scale or a "non-scale victory"), I need a destination. This is something I've always known about myself but running has solidified my need to set realistic and attainable goals.


4. I want to help others achieve their goals.

Through various relationships (some formed via social media platforms), I have found others who are on a running and/or weight loss journey. Helping others achieve their goals makes me a better runner; I hope to continue to find ways to encourage others. 

(There's several more things, but I'll save those for another post!)

All in all, my first half marathon was a fabulous experience and one I hope to repeat (soon!). I will definitely participate in the St. Jude's races again! I am in the process of trying to decide whether or not to participate in the MS Blues Half Marathon in Jackson January 8. I think it would be a great race and help keep me going through the holidays. My next race after that will either be the Little Rock Half Marathon or the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville at the end of April. I'll need to do some serious hill training for both!


BIG "Thank you!!" to Jeff, Kathy and Molly Mize for their incredible hospitality race weekend! Riley had a ball playing with sweet Mollie, and I had a personal chauffeur that knew exactly how to get me where I needed to be!


(Eli stayed with Gran and Granny for this race! The weather was being unpredictable and we thought it'd be easier to navigate with just R-man for this one! Thanks, Gran & Granny!)

Some thoughts about my sweet boys...

Over the last few months, I have been incredibly busy at work, so I have truly relished my time  with the boys. They are growing so fast and I wish I could just stop time and enjoy the things they are doing right now. They are so sweet to one another (most of the time) and I want to bottle up their love and save it for about 10 years. Feeling reflective, so thought I'd do just a general update on what they're like and into for those who don't get to see them very often...and for me in a few years when I totally lose it and can't remember anything! :-)

Riley is our funny boy! He is definitely an entertainer and laughter from anyone results in more antics. He's smart and quick to catch on to rhymes and songs. He loves to sing and recently sang his first solo at his daycare program - a rousing rendition of "Grand Ole Flag." He has a great memory and it warms my heart when he tells me the Bible stories he's learning at school and church. Some of his favorites right now are David and Goliath and Jonah and the Whale. He really enjoys books and after a few reads, can usually "read" them back to us. He has recently discovered the joy of hidden pictures and LOVES to do these. He's learning to cut with scissors and his coloring is improving. He'll tell you, "I'm not scribbling." He is independent and very headstrong. Last week, he told me at the door of his daycare, "Bye, Mom. I don't need you to come in with me today." He wants to try things by himself, but is quick to ask for help when he realizes he's in over his head. He eats just about anything...other than meat. He is a big helper - from picking up toys to retrieving things for others, he just enjoys helping others! He loves his baby brother so much and often gets more tickled about Eli's funny moments than Eli!

Eli's personality is really starting to develop. He's not "smiley" all the time like Riley was/is, but when he's really amused or tickled, his smile and laugh are infectious. He's very ticklish, especially under his chin. He's very impatient when things are working like he wants them to and quick to let you know. He's not a big cuddler, but gives the best hugs and kisses - on his terms. He loves music and things that light up. Right now, he's trying to gain the confidence to let go and walk. He will eat just about anything (so far) and has been such a good sleeper for us. He rarely cries or fusses - usually just when he's hungry, hurt or sleepy. I wanted to get him a "first Christmas" outfit but quickly found they don't make these in 24 months size - he's a big boy. He has two teeth on bottom and one on top with another soon to make its appearance. He loves his big brother and typically looks at Riley as though he hung the moon. 

I am so blessed to have two healthy, beautiful boys. As you can see, my boys look nothing alike, but I can definitely see where their personalities will be similar. I hope they will always love each other like they do now. Oh, I'm sure there will be lots of wrestling and fighting...and many broken things (and bones?) as a result, but I am certain God knew exactly what I needed when he made me the mom of two boys...

Mom's (Early Morning) Reflections

It's Sunday morning (4:15 to be exact!) and I'm wide awake. I'm not really sure why but thought it a good opportunity to update the blog (bake some muffins for my boys, clean my floors and upload pictures to Shutterfly...geez!). There are lots of pictures on the camera so that will have to wait for another day...

RILEY

Riley seems to be getting the hang of the whole "playing soccer" thing. Jeff got his "payback" last Thursday for me pushing so hard to sign Riley up this year (and thus, him having to coach!)...I had to coach. The 5-0 record is still intact (thank goodness!) and Riley actually kicked the ball twice in a row. He loves his new "soccer friends" and last Thursday on the way to school we were discussing teamwork in preparation for the night's game.

Me: Tonight, we're going to play soccer! It's going to be great! We'll get to do teamwork!

Riley: Awesome! I like teamwork...I'm going to sit on the wall!

I can appreciate a player who knows his role. ha ha

Today is Halloween! Riley is Buzz Lightyear this year (yes, pictures WILL follow!). He wasn't all that excited about getting to wear his costume to go trick-or-treating tonight, which is so odd because I'm pretty sure I've responded to, "Mom! Can I wear my wings?" no less than 100 times in the last two weeks since they arrived. Nonetheless, Jeff managed to get it on him (with the promise of candy!) and they set out for a trip around the block. Pretty sure the Bulldogs (BEATING KENTUCKY!!) and other fun things in the area trumped trick-or-treating in our neighborhood as they were only able to find four houses to visit. He did leave it on for a bit and helped pass out candy to our visitors. One boy came to the door and held his bag out. Riley held the candy back and said, "Say, 'Trick or Treat!'" That's my rule-following boy!

"To infinity and beyond!"

3 1/2 years

ELI

Happy  NINE months to Eli! Wow! I can't believe it! Eli is now on turbo speed crawling and is pulling up to his knees but not really standing yet (and I'm TOTALLY ok with that!). He's transitioning to table food pretty well and seems to be a big fan of all things Chef Boyardee. He's babbling quite a bit and still things his big brother hung the moon. Just this afternoon, Riley took Eli for a wagon ride; I'm not sure who enjoyed it more (Sweet pictures to follow!)! Then Riley wanted me to pull them both in it, and let me tell you, that's a lot of "boy" to pull around the yard! 

Eli will be an octopus this year (I love hand-me-downs!) and next year, we'll let him be something other than Riley's hand-me-down costume! I mean, unless he wants to be Bob the Tomato, of course! ha ha

We take Eli to see his pediatrician Friday. I'm anxious to see how much he's grown since we haven't been in 3 months!

Eli at 9 months

The Waltons

FUMC Louisville Trunk or Treat

Mom's Journey

I am 33 days from the St. Jude's Half-Marathon and very ready to see that finish line. I had built up to the 10-mile run in preparation for a race in Jackson October 9, but then wasn't able to get all the other "pieces" of my life together to get there. So, I took a week "off" with some shorter runs and now I'm building back up again for the December 4 race. Today was 8.5 miles. While I'm nervous about the race, I'm also ready for it to be over. I'm looking forward to "no pressure" running for a while...just running to run and not feeling "guilty" because I didn't have time to get the distance in I needed. I have a friend who's wanting to run the 1/2 in Little Rock March 6, so we'll see how I feel when this is over. From what I've heard, I'll want to give it a few days...after the aches and pains subside. 

Playing Soccer...or Being on the Team

These are words that I feared I would have to say when Jeff and I discussed Riley playing soccer this fall...

Jeff. Was. Right.

I'm pretty sure we should have waited one more year for Riley to play organized soccer. While it's wildly entertaining (at times), he doesn't quite get the point of the game. You know, the whole scoring-of-points thing and then there's the preventing-the-other-team-from-scoring thing. He does, however, seem to enjoy running around with the other boys!

A few pictures to illustrate...

Listening very closely to Daddy...

"OOOH! Shiny object!" And, he's gone!

So, the second night of practice, Jeff worked in more scrimmage time for the boys to get the feel of things. He instructed Riley to "guard the goal" and Riley took off to the other end of the field to the goal...to guard it, of course.

"Guarding the goal" like he was told. In his defense (no pun intended!),
 it does look a little like a tent.

Soccer seems to exhaust Eli, too!

I'm sure over the next few weeks, there will be lots of soccer stories, pictures and hopefully, some video. Riley's first game is Monday night. We have six weeks to survive...er, play. It's going to be fun. Right?

If you're on Twitter, follow me @LauraRWalton or Jeff @JPWalton if you'd like more frequent updates. 

Eli's Baptism

September 26, we celebrated Eli's baptism at our church, First United Methodist Church in Lousiville. Both sets of grandparents were able to be there and my very special "aunt and uncle," Frank and Chris Davis, were there as well. Bro. Mike Childs made the day very special for us and Eli. Here are a few pictures from the blessed event:

A few pictures before we left for church

Of course he had a "shiner" the day of his baptism!

Our family with Bro. Mike Childs

All the grands and the Davises. What a special day!

Love this one! Totally unprompted and you can see how much they love each other!

Love this one, too...ok. I love them all if either of them is in the picture!

It was truly a blessed day for our family, and I'm so thankful for those who were able to share it with us. 

We're Still Alive!

As I have admitted several times - I am a terrible blogger, especially when classes are in session. My apologies (again!). Here's the latest with the boys...

My sweet boys playing in the yard

RILEY

Riley is doing well in school and is officially potty-trained! He is playing soccer this fall;  tomorrow will be his second practice. His daddy is coaching and there are seven boys (aged 3-6) on his team. He is very excited and now has his own goal in the front yard to practice. He is definitely left-footed and is actually pretty good at controlling the ball as he runs. He  LOVES going to Cherubs at church. Wednesday is his favorite day of the week - he gets to go to school AND church. He thinks riding the church bus from daycare to the church (about 2 blocks) is the berries! He is certainly all boy and full-steam ahead all day long everyday.

Riley enjoying the Birmingham Zoo splash pad.
Labor Day 2010

Tyler and Matt took Riley out in a canoe at the annual church picnic. 
He still talks about the "red boat" weeks later.

ELI

Wow! Eli turned 8 months old last week. He started crawling last month (yet another reason the blog hasn't been updated!) and just yesterday had a tooth come through on the bottom. I'm pretty sure the one next to it is also coming in but you can't feel or see it yet. Tonight, he "met" macaroni and cheese and green beans - his first real table food and he seems to be a fan. He is clapping, shaking his head "no, no" and just in the last few days has started saying "Dada" and "Mama." He LOVES his "Ri Ri" and thinks chasing him around the house is the funniest thing ever. He is the most easy-going little guy! 

Learning to navigate the sippy cup

Enjoying the annual church picnic

While life is certainly busy (and at times, even hectic!), the moments when I am able to just sit and watch Riley and Eli play together make every tired bone in my body feel better. You can SEE how much they love each other - it's in their eyes and you can hear it in their laughter. I love everything about being the mom of two boys!

Mom's Weight-loss Journey

I'm still running. Most days, it's before the sun comes up, but running nonetheless. I had hoped to run my first 1/2 marathon this Saturday in Jackson but all my "moving parts" didn't fall into place to make it happen. I've decided to do a 10K October 16 and then just focus on preparing for the St. Jude's 1/2 marathon scheduled for December 4. I am now down 65 pounds and running about 20 miles in a week. My "short runs" are typically 4-6 miles with longer runs of about 7-9 miles. I feel amazing! I haven't been this fit/healthy (or this size!) in a LONG time. It's much harder to find time now that I'm back at work full-time, but Jeff is very encouraging and supportive on the days I just can't get out of bed at 5 a.m. and have to run later.

I have more pictures to upload from my camera. I will post a few from Riley's soccer practices and Eli's baptism last weekend in the next few days (I hope!).

6 months and 55 pounds!

Happy 6 Months, Eli!

It's hard to believe, but Friday, Eli will be 6 months old! Where has time gone? Just this morning, he mastered a "complete dismount" from his Floor Nanny (a 3'x3' padded square with a lowered center that is supposed to be ideal for him to SIT IN!). As I write this, he's rolling around the living room chasing down whatever happens to catch his fancy for the moment and chuckling at his amazing accomplishments. He's trying to sit up alone, and I'll honestly be shocked if he hasn't converted his scooting/rolling into crawling within the next month or so. We visit the pediatrician Monday for his 6-month check up (and more shots!), so I am anxious to see how much he weighs and how long he is. He also starts full-time care outside our home next week. While I am thrilled about the arrangement, it's still hard to think about how quickly he's learning new things and that we'll be missing some of his "firsts," I'm sure.

I am thankful each day that God has blessed us with two healthy, happy boys - they are truly my pride and joy!

-55 Pounds (and counting!)

I am happy to share that I am now 55 pounds lighter than when I arrived at the hospital to deliver Eli and within 5 pounds of my pre-Riley weight! I still have about 10 more I'd like to lose; as I kick up the training for the St. Jude's 1/2 Marathon in December, I'm sure they'll come off!

I have struggled with my weight since college so two pregnancies in three years didn't exactly help. What I have found to work (for me!) is simply old-fashion math - calories in vs. calories out. A friend recommended a fabulous (and FREE!) app for my iPhone, Lose it!, that allows me to enter calories consumed and calories burned...I really don't even have to DO the math. I also use my Nike+ to track mileage and calories burned.

In the past, I sought the "quick fix" to weight loss - diet pills, drinks, even "fasting" before a big event where I thought I needed to look thin. What I think has made this effort more successful is the lifestyle change. I viewed exercise and eating healthy as "punishment." Now, I want to eat healthy and exercise - not to be thin, but to be "HEALTHY." My work at the SSRC over the last year has increased my awareness of the sad state of the health in MS - especially among children. I really want to be a good example for my boys, not by how thin I am, but by my own healthy lifestyle and making it possible for them to live one, too. Eat This! Not That! has also opened my eyes to a lot of things in my diet that I thought were healthy or "not that bad." Just simple changes to what's in the cabinets and the refrigerator can make a significant difference - not just for me, but for all my boys! So while I'm thrilled with the number on the scale, I'm more thrilled about how I feel! I no longer dread working out and even roasted a red pepper this week to put on a very healthy pizza. Tackled two amazing feats in one - cooking AND eating healthy!

Running with Riley

Saturday morning, I decided to try out my new jogging stroller (compliments of my fabulous sister-in-law, Stephanie!) and take Riley on my run. I had run 6.2 miles Friday and it was 9:30 a.m. when we left (for those of you not in the South, it's already pretty hot by then!); there were no expectations that this would be a long or a fast run.

The time with Riley, however, was priceless!

As we left the neighborhood and I began to run, he immediately shouted, "Whoa, Mom! I need to put my seatbelt on! We're going fast!" A pretty good boost to the confidence, I'll admit. The county roads in Winston County need some attention and it wasn't long before he began "aaaawww"-ing to make his voice vibrate. "Mom, it's bumpy!"

*Note: Here I have to interject and point out that I have recently become "Mom" rather than "Mama." With this change, he also feels he needs to add it to the beginning or end of every sentence.

About 1/2 mile from the neighborhood, he'd already had enough. "Mom, I'm ready to go to the house." When I explained we were going a little further before we turned around, he settled in and began his (almost constant!) chatter.

Some excerpts:

"Mom, are we going to Gran and Granny's?" (That's about 30 miles - I think not!)

"Look! It's a digger....Catch it, Mom! I wanna ride it!" (A truck passed us pulling a backhoe)

"Mom, there's trash on the ground."

With this comment, I knew I had been given the opportunity to teach Riley about litter. I explained that we should NEVER throw things out the window onto the ground because it was God's world and when we did this, it made Him very sad. Throwing trash on the ground made it hard for all of His creatures to eat and breath, so we need to help take care of the beautiful world He gave us by not littering. The solution I provided was that we just keep our trash until we get home and then throw it in the garbage can. Later that evening, Riley began to tell his Daddy about the conversation and got the details a little confused...

"We don't throw God in the garbage can, 'cause that will make Him sad."

Oh, my funny boy!

So, I only made it about 1 1/2 miles running with Riley, but we got in another 1 1/2 miles talking and enjoying the beautiful (although warm!) day! I hope the lesson on litter will stick with him for years to come...it's one of the saddest things I see on my runs.

Summer's coming to an end!

I cannot believe how quickly this summer has passed! It makes me sad that school will be starting in just a few weeks. Lots going on with the boys!

Riley: The potty training progress has reversed. He is no longer pooping on the potty. That's all I'm going to say about that (because anything further will result in tears!). On a positive note, Riley's recognition of letters and their sounds is really progressing. We've found a few shows on MPB, and I've downloaded several apps on my iPhone that he enjoys. I am certain these are a big part of his progress. He's become quite a fan of the hidden objects games, and we found him a great book last weekend that is a must in the bedtime reading rotation. Despite the miserable heat, he still loves being outside!

Eli: It's hard to believe my baby will be 6 months old next week! He's outgrown all of his clothes, and we had to do some shopping for 24-month clothing to get though the rest of the summer. He is rolling all over the place and trying to sit up. He just recently started "fake coughing" and shaking his head "no!" - both of which he thinks are very funny! I think he has some teeth coming in on the bottom, too! He'll start his new daycare August 2; we feel really good about the situation. The lady that will keep him has a daughter Riley's age so Eli should feel right at home. He'll start where Riley is in January (or possibly December!).

Weight loss/Running progress: I'm excited to share that I am down 53 pounds from when I arrived at the hospital to deliver Eli. I am still running - about 15 to 18 miles per week. My goal is to lose 10 more pounds by Labor Day and then maintain. I started "counting calories" a few weeks ago and while I don't know how long I'll continue that (it's a bit of a pain!), it has certainly been an eye-opening experience. I was WAY underestimating the number of calories things had and thus, my daily intake. Whether I continue it or not, it's had a positive impact on the choices I make and has led me to explore healthier options.

The Waltons are all doing well!

We pray the same is true for you and yours!

Happy Fourth of July!

The weather was nearly perfect last weekend for the Fourth of July, so I took advantage of the cooler temps and lower humidity to take a few snapshots of the boys in their red, white and blue! After about 10 minutes, I realized why I pay someone else to do it - WOW! Talk about frustrating! Getting them both to look at the camera was a feat - forget getting them BOTH to smile while looking at the camera.

Regardless, there's some sweet ones. Enjoy!

Riley @ 3 years, 3 months

Eli @ 5 months

Officially a BIG BOY!

It has finally happened! We've been waiting for months (ok, almost a year!) and Riley has finally taken the last step from baby to big boy!

He has POOPED ON THE POTTY (June 28, 2010)!!

We have promised him everything under the sun, so we are slowly fulfilling those promises (to do them all at once would probably break the bank!). The night of the big event, he finally got to play with the talking Mack truck that's been on top of the TV for months AND he selected his Lightning McQueen coloring/sticker book from the other stash of things we have collected as incentives. Tuesday night, we took him to see Toy Story 3; he loved it! He's talked about it all week. We are planning the zoo trip when Jeff returns from the youth trip (and praying for some cooler weather!).

Everyone told us, "Just be patient!" For anyone who knows either of us, you know being patient is not something that we excel at. Needless to say, his daddy and I couldn't be happier!

My Help Comes from the Lord...

So I divert from the typical posts about the boys. This morning (and I mean 6 a.m. "this morning") on my run (about mile 3) I had a God moment and I need to share...

Several months ago when I began running, I included on my route these two "enormous" back-to-back hills (Richardson Road if you're familiar with Louisville). I did this for two reasons: 1) because I wanted to push myself and these hills seemed a good way to do it and 2) because running uphill works different muscles and provides a bit of a "break" in a long run. As the temperatures have crept up, I have begun to dread them. Many mornings I run them at the beginning of the route just to get them out of the way. This morning, they were mid-route. As I was coming to the "valley" before them, I hit the most refreshing blast of cool air. It had to be at least 10 degrees cooler in that low spot. Amazing! It was as if God was refreshing me before I started the climb up what looked (and felt) like two insurmountable obstacles.

It hit me - that's exactly what He does! He gives us exactly what we need to make it through the difficult times. Whether it's physical refreshment when our bodies are tired (the cool air, a few drops of rain, shaded running routes), mental (encouragement from a friend, a new frame of reference) or spiritual (the perfect verse/song, a great sermon), He knows what we need more than we do and always seems to provide at the perfect moment.

As I began to run up the first hill, "My Help Comes from the Lord" came on my iPod...as if I needed one more reminder of His provisions. I tackled both hills with renewed energy...and a new appreciation for His timing in my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11 - 13

Growing big...

May certainly flew by! We've been busy adjusting to new schedules and the wonderful Mississippi heat (AND HUMIDITY!). While I am not exactly a fan of cold weather, it has certainly been more difficult finding the motivation to run in this heat and humidity.

ELI: We took Eli for his four-month check up June 1 and he weighed 19 lbs. 12 oz. and measured 27 1/2 inches long (100th percentile for both!). He's been enjoying fruits with his cereal and we recently started tasting some new veggies. He seemed to enjoy them all so far. He's rolled from his tummy to his back and has just about figured out the back-to-tummy roll. He's smiling and laughing (especially at his big brother!) and seems to be a pretty easy-going guy. Don't get me wrong - he can certainly let us know when something is NOT right. He has recently come to know the joy of the "ball-y" his big brother loves so much (see picture below) and it has been a great comfort as he's learned to go to sleep not swaddled. He spent his first night away from home Tuesday night (Thanks, Gran and Granny!) and we enjoyed a date night and the opportunity to sleep in!

RILEY: Riley is growing so fast and although I know I'm partial, seems to be a pretty smart little guy. He loves school and church and doing anything outside (despite the miserable heat!). He still loves trains and anything train-related. He is quite the little fish in the pool, and I wish we had more ready access to one so he could learn to swim this summer. He still loves his baby brother (most of the time!) and has become a big help with calming Eli when I need to be in more than one place at once.

I'm still running (Jeff seems amazed that I've stuck it out this long...ok, so I am!) and try to get in between 15 - 18 miles a week. My long run is usually about 6 miles. I'm not fast by any means, but I get it done. I am planning to run a 10K June 26 and then I'll probably do much shorter runs for the rest of the summer until the weather cools a bit. The long-term goal is still the 1/2 marathon in Memphis December 4! Jeff has recently re-acquainted himself with the gym. He's doing mostly weights right now and easing into the cardio - he'll lose more in two weeks than I've lost in 3 months, I'm sure.

House is about to come off the market and we are planning to do some renovations (mostly in the kitchen). Start praying now for our marriage! haha

So, that's the gist of what's new with the Waltons. I'll try to find some time to post some additional pictures from last month. I can't believe how quickly Eli's changing - and we're still not exactly sure who he looks like...

The Latest with the Waltons

It's been a few (BUSY) weeks since I've had a chance to blog. Where to begin?

Eli turned three months (April 30) and has "found" his voice. He spends most of his awake time squealing, screeching and laughing. He's trying to turn over - totally not ready for that one! He is about 26 inches long now and I'd guess somewhere around 17 pounds. He's now enjoying a little fruit with his cereal in the morning and at night. He had applesauce last week and his first taste of peaches this morning...seems to be a fan of both. We go back to the pediatrician June 2 so we'll have "official" stats then. Next week, Abbie will start keeping him two days a week so I can work a little more. While I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead with work, I am dreading not being home with him. I know he'll love Abbie and be totally fine, but he's about to start reaching some fun milestones; I just don't want to miss them...

Riley is...well, he's Riley. He's such a funny little boy. Last weekend was Mother's Day and his class got to "shop" for gifts one day at school. He spotted the box with my gift Saturday night...

R: I got you a present, Mama!

Me: You did? I can't wait to open it!

R: It's a neck-a-lace...with a cross.

So much for surprises, right? As I put it on for church the next morning, I knew I had arrived at "motherhood" - it totally didn't match but I was so wearing it because he gave it to me!

On the way to school yesterday, he noticed my rose from church was still on the dashboard...

R: Mama! You didn't put your flower in the water.

Me: I know. I forgot. It was a busy day yesterday.

R: It's ok, Mama. You can try again next time....

Me: Oh, Riley! You're my sweet boy.

R: And you're a sweet girl, too!

I mean, really? How could you not have a great day after that?

Another funny word thing - His Gran and Granny got him a subscription to Highlights magazine and he LOVES it. As he crawls into bed each night, he says, "I want to read my gasoline." Similar sounding, yes, but not quite the same!

Some things he's saying that I don't enjoy hearing:

• "I'm mad at you."
• "You can't come to my house to play."
• "You can't come to my party."

Really? You're 3! What do you know about being mad at your parents yet? Just wait about 10 years and talk to me about being mad at us...

So, Mother's Day was good at the Walton house. Jeff gave me a copy of The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I can't wait to read it, but have been warned not to begin until I am prepared to finish. He also got me a new watch for running. Too cool! Riley got a me a beautiful "neck-a-lace," made me several cards and told me at least 20 times, "Mama, I wuv you." My boys took me to lunch at Oby's and the highlight of my day - a 2-hour nap! I felt sufficiently loved and appreciated.

Running is still going well. I did my second 5K last weekend, and my official time was 32:05. I was a little disappointed as I really wanted to get down to 31 minutes and think I could have if my Nike Plus had cooperated and I had known my time and where I was in the course. Oh, well! There's the next one, right? I've found a 10K in Springdale, Arkansas, at the end of June that I'm trying to work out the logistics of getting there for, so that's the next goal. Registration has opened for the St. Jude's 1/2 marathon (December 4) so I'm working up the courage to fully commit. Can I really run 13.1 miles?

We took family pictures last week! I can't wait to see the proofs and will post a link to our photographer's Web site when they are available.