New Year Resolutions

For those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, you might remember that one of the things Mommy resolved to accomplish in 2007 was to compete in a triathlon. Mommy was well into her training for an Iron Girl (sprint distance) triathlon this coming August, but those plans were obviously deferred to 2008 once we learned we are expecting a new arrival in November (riding a bicycle at high speeds is generally not recommended when 6+ months pregnant!)

Mommy's hopes of achieving her goal were renewed, however, when she learned that our gym would be hosting a "mini-sprint triathlon" (400 meter swim, 10K stationary bicycle ride, 5K run around the lake outside of our gym). The triathlon was early enough in the season (today), and Mommy is still sufficiently trained to make it feasible- and safe- to actually accomplish her goal of competing in a triathlon. So, she did exactly that. And won (overall- out of men AND women). Official times: 9:01 for the swim (rather slow, but time was made up in the other two events); 13:55 for the bike; 21:11 for the run (total time of 44:07). So anyone who thinks that an almost four-month pregnant woman can't get out there and kick some tushie, Mommy would like to have a word with you.

OK, enough about Mommy. More importantly, what are Alex and Ari up to these days? This week we attended music class, met the Director of Alex and Ari's new school (where Alex refused to sit still, instead running up and down the halls, poking his head into every different office up and down the hallway while Mommy ran after him), spent lots of time at the playground, and visited with Aunt Lori. Last night before Shabbat dinner at Miri and Opa's, Nana and Poppy came by for a visit so that Poppy and Daddy could go pick up a new toy for the backyard:

Alex and Ari are changing and growing so much every day. Alex is a ball of energy, running in every direction and getting his little hands on anything within reach. He enjoys sneaking into places he shouldn't be (the dining room, mud room, behind the couch) and has become quite the dancer (we'll have to get some video up on the blog). Both Alex an Ari are imitating many more sounds and words, and this week even said "mailman," "car," "buckle," and other random words. Ari is becoming the total charmer, giving lots of hugs and smiles when asked (and even unsolicited). She LOVES Elmo (how she developed such an affinity we're not sure, because she only has two books featuring Elmo...no toys or dolls of the red furry creature). For a former baldy, her (curly!) hair is now growing very fast...she has enough now that Mommy can pin it back with a barrette:

Ari also knows what to do when we say "Night, Night!"Life is certainly a lot of fun these days.