To Run or Not to Run?

This is the question I wake up asking myself lately. Julia and I have really enjoyed running in the mornings the past several months. But now that the air is so much crisper - especially before the sun comes up - I just don't know if we can continue this. I mean, I love running in the cold. Julia, however, doesn't work up the sweat that I do. I have been thinking about going early in the morning - before she wakes up and while Jonny is still home. But man, that might require more will power than I currently possess! I suppose if I had the money and space, I'd invest in a treadmill. Then there's always the rec center track. But the AF rec charges $1.25 just to run on their tiny track! Hmmm, I just don't know. Perhaps I will have to retire my running shoes until the weather is nice again? What do you other moms do to get your exercise in?

Here is Julia all bundled up for our run. Yeah, she doesn't look too thrilled.

Oh man, it was really good...

About a month ago, my sister Cami posted about her intense craving for pastrami burgers. She wrote, "Is it really too much to ask? I just want a big fat burger piled high on top with more pastrami than you can fit in your mouth at one time. Oh, and I want to dip it in REAL fry sauce. Got that?"Out and about, Jonny and I were hungry for something warm and substantial. We opted against Olive Garden-though we had a gift card. We needed some fries. Then Jonny suggested somewhere I would hardly think of going: Apollo Burger. I know their burgers are good, but I usually think more along the lines of salads or wraps for lunch. Not today. We went all out with fries, drinks, burgers, and plenty of ketchup, mustard, and fry sauce. With each bite, I was in grease heaven. I rarely order a burger, so when I do it better be good. And this pastrami burger was soooooo good. Sorry Cam, I hate to rub it in. But it was the best think I have eaten since the nachos Em made last Friday. Sorry you weren't here - I'm sure I could've spared a bite for you. Well, maybe.

P.S. I never knew there were so many choices at Apollo Burger. I was torn - Should I get a Reuben, patty melt, Philly cheese steak, the classic Apollo Burger, or any of the other sandwiches that sounded amazing? Obviously, I went with the burger, but it was a toughy. Has anyone had anything else there that is blogworthy? Next time I have a craving of this nature, maybe I'll try something else. But that burger was soooo good. (Yes, it deserves all the o's again.) I only want to invest in the calories of another menu item if it will be that delicious.

Let's get together, yeah yeah yeah...

If you've read Emily's blog, you have been thoroughly filled in on the great time Julia and I had in Maryland this past week. And since Em did such a wonderful, detailed job of it, I will go a slightly different route with my post concerning the birthday trip. Being with Em always reminds me of how lucky I am to be her twin. Growing up, I loved having Emily for my best friend and twin sister. We have countless memories of those happy years. (Don't get me wrong, we did have our bouts. We are probably all the better friends because of our silly fights!) It breaks my heart to think our memories together have lessened these past four and a half years that she's been in Maryland. But that just makes the times we do share together even more meaningful. Anyway, we returned home yesterday and I already miss Emily, KC, and the Turpins. I'm so glad I was able to visit - a weekend in Maryland is a perfect way to celebrate a birthday. Here are a few of the reasons why...

Top Ten Reasons to Spend your 23rd Birthday Weekend in Maryland:

1. You are privileged to stay under the roof and care of this delightful, hospitable couple. Throughout your stay, they hold, hug and kiss your baby often.
2. You get to visit two silly boys who also smother your baby with kisses.

3. You are lucky enough to walk the gorgeous paths outlined with towering trees that are older than this country.4. You get a free professional baking tutorial, complete with the use of a colorful Hawaiian apron.
You get to bake this cake and eat it too.
5. Your baby may learn to fly.
6. After relaxing in the arms of her aunt, your baby enjoys the sweet tropical serenade of the talented Kenneth Clark.
7. Bath time amenities are included in your stay.8. You get to tour the surrounding cities and have lots of big fun.
9. You get to introduce your baby to her fun family that she lives too far away from.
10. You leave with a few more priceless memories of good times with your favorite twin sister.
Thanks for a great time. We love you Maryland people!

Oh, I guess there are 11 reasons. The last one is that after all that fun you get to come home and be kissed by this handsome man who you have missed like crazy.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful!

Can't believe that you left only 36 hours ago,
cause it seems like it's been a whole lot mo'.
When I woke up this morning there was no one to snuggle,
I missed you, my favorite Muggle.
Yes I said Muggle, though I don't read Harry Potter
I learned about it from your Dad's youngest daughter.
Anyway back to you, my beautiful birthday chica,
I love you more than Costa loves Rica.
I need you more than Big Buddah needs attention,
I love you more than Emily loves the kitchen.
I miss you and that is for real,
now go enjoy some birthday cerealWell love, I miss you. Hope your bday was just wonderful. See you soon.

I'm Pooped Out

Behind Julia's scrumptious face and silly giggles lies so much more. Man, she has pooped out too many outfits to count in the last week. Yeah, I can get the yellow junk out by hand washing and really scrubbing each item then putting them through a wash cycle. But this can get very old. Not to mention scrubbing out her car seat when it happens en route! I do not wish to complain; I am more than happy she is so healthy. I just need some advice concerning two questions I have...

Question #1: I know every baby is different, but perhaps I can still get a little help from you friends and family. I realize all diapers aren't created equally, but she has pooped out the pricey Pampers swaddlers and the Parent's Choice Wal-Mart brand all the same. I have been using the WM brand because they seem to work as well as the others. But is there a diaper out there that will do a better job of holding it in? I know that nothing can hold in a blow-out, but is there a diaper that does a sufficient job most of the time!??

Question #2: Supposing Julia is just an explosive pooper and no diaper can keep it all in, then let's talk about the clean-up. I am tired of scrubbing each little onesie, pair of pants, and the car seat insert. Is there a cleaning solution that you've had success with? A mom in the mother's lounge at church gave an Oxiclean testimonial. Anyone second that? Any other tips? I would love to know what you know that I would really benefit from knowing! Thanks!

Goodnight Baby?

Jonny is putting Julia to sleep tonight and I am taking a break out here in the living room. But I don't hear lullabies and the rocking of the chair - I hear Julia giggling. What is going on in there?? We'll see if those two can calm down and get some sleep tonight. Anyway, since I am posting here is a pictures of the sillies. I like how it looks like Julia is "riding" Jonny, holding on to his hair like reins. Oh, now she is crying. The fun is done and perhaps they are getting down to business. Out.

A day of bargains...

I just have to write a quick note about the bargains that were had yesterday. I take pride in finding a good deal and yesterday was a triple whammy!

1: I bought 37 items of clothing for Julia for $50 (onesies, pants, shirts, sweaters, darling jumpers, and dresses). It was a garage sell type thing I found on Craigslist. This nice lady was selling her gently used name brand baby clothes for 1 and 2 dollars. Deluxe!

2: Busy at preschool, Amber got a call from her friend telling her to leave me with the preschool kids (and Julia) and get down to Old Navy where there were racks and racks of 97 cent items. (Mind you, this friend's child attends the preschool! These ladies love a good deal.) Amber resisted the urge to leave immediately and we headed down together when preschool was over. Julia slept like an angel while we tried on dozens of items. In the end, I bought 15 things for $22. (Shirts, sweaters, capris - oh, some were $1.97 - yeah, a splurge!) The only downside: Now not only will Amber and I be wearing the same striped polos, so will tons of other women around here. Oh well, what can you do when it's less than a dollar?!

3: I love when I come home to a package on my porch. Yesterday I received one from ebay. I had ordered two hardback books for Julia's growing library- $7 after shipping. We can't wait to read Click, Clack, Moo and Giggle, Giggle, Quack.

Anyway, that was fun but I best not leave off without posting a picture or two of Julia. She is so hilarious these days. I love when she squeals while laughing.