A new PB!

Today was race day and all the while leading up to it, I wasn't nervous at all until yesterday. I was watching the 5k race start and all the runners going super fast and as I stood there, I could feel my heart pounding and butterflies in my stomach. I wasn't at all nervous until that moment, because I don't like to set a time for a goal. That being said, I tend to say that when I am training, thinking I can't run that fast and thinking that I am not really that competitive, but I think deep down, I am a little bit. My last race, I said the same thing. No set time, just completion as my goal, but like the last time, the last couple of days before race day, I always seem to say, "well, if I could only do it in such a such a time, I'd be happy." I completed my first half marathon in 2:05 and so after having a baby, I thought that I may be a bit slower this time around. To my surprise, I was actually faster. Even if it was only by 2 minutes, I am very happy that I now have a new PB. I kept repeating, "I can do this, I feel good. I'm going to make it!" An old friend had given me the advice that I am prepared physically for the race, but now just need to focus on the mental part. Going into the race this morning, I kept that in mind and sure enough, it worked! I am already thinking about my next race; and I hope to make it in under 2 hours. Should be some good training. Anyway, I should get to bed as I am completely exhausted and haven't stopped to take a break all day, but first here are some pics from after the race with my training buddy, Erin. We're just missing our other training buddy, Gail though. We all did amazing, so congrats to all the runners this weekend!

 

Working woman

It's been two and a half weeks since I started back to work and I must say it really does feel good. I knew it would be hard and a quite the adjustment after being off for the year, but everyday seems to get better and a little easier. I know there are going to be slip ups, like today, we were running a bit late. Cam got his first year needles and was a bit more clingy than he has been so it was a little bit of a challenge to get ready this morning with a baby attached to your leg at all times and the moment you put him aside, he starts to cry. Anyway, I am slowly starting to become more organized and have things ready to get out the door in good time. I am also back to walking to work and with that, I am pleased to say that almost all my old jeans are now fitting me again! It took awhile and I still have another five pounds to go before reaching my old weight, but I am almost there! It feels good and I am starting to feel like my old self again. With being back to work, I have this new feeling or sense of empowerment. I'm not sure if that's exactly how to describe it, but it just feels different. Maybe I feel more confidence. Before I would feel as though I couldn't do some things or feel the lack of knowledge or skills and I would also think that I wasn't good enough for some things at work. Coming back into the workforce, I no longer feel that way. Is it because I'm a mom now and I have had or have the hardest job ever of raising a child? Possibly, but maybe I'm just maturing or growing. Whatever it is, I like it. I no longer go into work dreading the workload or wondering if I am able to do what is asked of me. I am enjoying the projects being handed to me and I am trying to treat everything as a learning opportunity. One of my old coordinator's at college once gave us all a piece of sponge and told us to hold onto it and to make sure that we take everything that we learn in; soaking it all up like a sponge. This is what I want to do. I am going to have a new attitude towards not only work, but in life. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and once again, a working woman. It feels good; and life is good. Now if only I could conquer my addiction to sweets! ;D

Birthday bonanza

Yesterday we celebrated Cameron's first birthday and I must say it was a success. I don't know what I was thinking when I thought hosting two parties in one day would be a good idea, but in the end, it turned out to be such a wonderful day all around. The first party started at 11am and was for all Cam's friends, along with both James and mine as well. Who knew that hosting a one year old's birthday could be so complicated? Maybe it's because I'm not the greatest in being organized for hosting such a thing, but you live and learn, right?! I was scrambling around trying to finish decorating, making coffee and putting out food once everyone arrived. I suppose it didn't help that I had broken the glass of a frame as I was putting the artwork I created for Cam in the morning and had to run to Ikea to get another one and then drive all the way to St. Laurent to get the balloons I had ordered that I forgot to tell James to get the night before. All that to say, I was running behind, but everyone that arrived had graciously offered to help out and didn't seem to care too much that I was completely unorganized and a bit frazzled. It was quite the experience having over 30 adults and close to 15 babies all in one room. A bit chaotic at times, but exciting nonetheless. Earlier in the morning, James and I sat with Cam as we watched his photo and birthday message be aired on the 'A' Channel morning news. It honestly brought tears to my eyes. This day is so special and I can't believe it's been one year since Cam was born. It has been the best year of our lives so far and every day gets better and better as Cam never ceases to amaze us with all that he is learning and doing. I've mentioned that his first word was 'car' and now he is always saying 'hi'. It is the cutest thing. As the party came to an end, Erin wanted to get a photo of Mia and the birthday boy and as we sat them on the couch I told Cam to give Mia a hug and a kiss and to our amazement, he actually did it! I couldn't believe it. He kept doing it over and over and really pursing his lips and giving her kisses. What a doll! We were able to capture it all on camera, so I'll post a pic below. 

At our family party late afternoon, everyone was in good cheer and we had such a yummy dinner with everyone. When it came time to sing happy birthday and the blowing of the candle, Cam wondered what was going once all the singing began. We showed him how to blow out the candle and then he dove right into the cake, grabbing one of the huge icing balloons. By the time he finished smearing the icing all over his face as he attempted to eat it, the more he looked like a smurf. His whole face was blue. As if that was enough, because as James gave him a piece of cake he made a mess of eating that with more cake all over his face, shirt, pants, hands and floor. He then proceeded to lift the plate up and lick it. Apparently this kid loves cake! He must take after his mother. ;D

So all in all, the birthday bonanza was a success and Cam held it together like a champ. My little boy is now one and every day we can't help but smile as we are so proud to call him our son. Here are some pics from the family party. 

Happy 1st birthday Cameron! Love momma!

 

Momma's day

Today was my first Mother's day and I must say, I had a great day. James, Cam and I went to the golf course for lunch. I know I swore I wouldn't take Cam to any more restaurants for awhile, but today had to be an exception, but he did really well! He sat contently in the high chair and ate away and was in an incredible mood. He is now walking like a champ, but didn't want to showcase his skills too much at the course. I think he was holding back so that his dad wouldn't see how good he is cause he knows that one day soon he will have to caddy for him. lol

After lunch we headed to my parents' house. Cam met his younger cousin, Maxwell for the first time. He is adorable and has way more hair than Cam and weighs the same too. Cam, you have some catching up to do, little guy! It was a very nice visit with grandma and grandpa, cause we don't get to see them too often. Cam was super excited to play with all the toys and was walking like crazy, cruising from one room to the next. I think the highlight of our day was when I turned on the CD player in the living room to show Cam that it lights up and all the buttons are fun to press. My mom had a country CD in the player and once the music began to play, Cam just started dancing up a storm. Could he be a closet country music fan?! I've never seen him so hyper and excited about dancing to music before. My mom grabbed Cam's hands and they were dancing together and when my mom started moving and tapping her feet, so did Cam and then he began to lead her in the dance. We couldn't stop laughing. I wish I had a video camera to capture the moment; it was classic. It's times like these, that you realize this is a special moment and that this is what life is all about; this is what it should be like. The laughter, the dancing, the bonding and the innocence of it all. I miss that. I know my mom and I have had some rough bumps in the road lately, but this day turned out to be a special one with a wonderful memory to hold dear in my heart and to hope there will be many more happy moments like this one to come for Cameron to experience as he continues to grow. :)