Walk it off...

100 miles in 10 weeks: that's the challenge.

The other day, Ryan and I got a flier in the mail from his company that said they were participating in Delaware's "Walk it off" challenge. They set up their group within the challenge and encouraged employees to join.

Since Ryan and I are looking for ways to get in shape, this seemed like something we'd be interested in. The actual program doesn't start until the beginning of March, but I'll be sure to fill you in as we get closer and find out more.

Hullabaloo Amusement Center

This afternoon, I took Jude to the Hullabaloo Amusement Center in Fox Run. I was itching to get out and do something different and this place had been tossed around in a few mom-conversations I've had recently. I wasn't really sure what to expect as Jude is only barely 9 months old and can't walk. I wasn't sure if there was a baby area, I wasn't sure how much I'd be allowed IN the play area and I wasn't sure how rough the other kids would be...

I went mostly with the intention of checking the place out, but really I had the whole afternoon free, so figured if it struck my fancy, we'd spend a little time there. All in all, I'd say it is totally work the $8 dollar entry fee.

There are two separate areas. One area is large and for kids of all ages. Zero to how-ever-many-years-old (I really didn't pay attention to the max age, as it was nothing I had to concern myself with). The other area was specifically for toddlers. There was a sign posted that said children 0-3 only. When we got there, kids WELL over the age of 3 were in there, but their parents all made them get out when they saw Jude come. Personally I would have rather they stayed, Jude loves little kids... but whatever. I'd say total I saw about 7-8 kids there the whole time (which wasn't very long). Most of them were probably at least 2+, but mostly in the 3-4 range. Since I was hoping Jude would be able to play with some little kids his age, it was kind of a disappointment in that area... but what can you expect?

I did not venture into the big kid zone, but from where I was sitting (on the floor of the small kid zone) it looked pretty cool. The small kid zone was also pretty neat and what I was hoping for. There was a cushy floor, some climbing toys on inclines, a small ball pit, a slide and that was pretty much it. I feel like at home, Jude is on a very flat surface all day every day, so I was hoping to let him crawl around on things with a little dimension.

It took him a few minutes to get the hang of it, but he really seemed to enjoy himself. He loved the balls from the ball pit and so I kind of got him going by putting a few on top of the climbing toys to see if he'd go after them (and he did). He liked the yellow netting that acted as a cage to keep him in, and he kept trying to climb on the stationary cushion-block that blocks the entrance to the toddler zone to see the other kids. I think he was more concerned with what they were doing then with playing on his own.

When I could keep him focused on the actual toys, he did a good job of pulling himself up on this move-able slide, tumbled around in the ball pit and and tinkered with some of the other little toys floating around.

As with most kid zone-type places, there were no shoes allowed and you were required to wear socks. it appeared pretty clean and well maintained. There were nicely maintained bathrooms, a snack bar and tables for parents. On my way out, I saw a room with chalk boards and tables... I'm not sure if it was the party room or another area for kids to play in... while I was there, it was empty though. There's an option to become a member which basically means you get 10% off entry fees, parties, snack bar, etc. I believe the receptionist said it was $20, which (if you go regularly) could be worth it.

I definitely think it's something we'll try again in the near future - at least until the weather breaks a little more. I think it would be much more fun for Jude though if other little guys were there.

Community Day

This past weekend was "community day" at UD. I must say I've never heard of this... but in the online ad I saw, there were pictures of previous community days... so maybe I just missed it? Which is amazing considering I've lived in the Newark area and attended UD...

BUT - on with the details.

Ryan and I decided that we'd love to attend and that UD is not THAT far from our house, so we'd just walk. Our decision to walk spawned from the assumption that if there would be a lot of people, then parking would be limited. I must admit that about 1/2 way there, we both looked at each other and thought "this was probably a bad idea". Regardless we kept on going and before we knew it we had arrived.

The UD Green was COVERED in vendors. There was everything from Mary Kay and Tupperware to people collecting money for a cause to crafters selling their homemade goods - and you can't forget the food (oh fresh squeezed lemonade, how I love you)!

Being that we didn't know exactly what to expect we arrived and just did some wandering around. There were a handful of people who told us they'd be there, so we were of course on the look our for friends to stop and chat with.

Perhaps the most disappointing part of the day was realizing we had finished browsing and still had at least a two mile walk home - with baby (Ryan assumed it was two miles - I personally think it was longer...). But we made it up the West Chestnut Hill and into our house with just enough time to pass out before a birthday dinner for my mom-mom.

It was a lovely day and some much needed time spent with my little family.

Little Lady

Tonight after I got off work we were invited to a little baseball practice. Ryan's niece Kennedy joined a baseball team and she had one of her first practices tonight. It was adorable! She is the only little girl on the team full of boys.

As with most kids their age, they only seemed so interested in playing. They had very little "umph" when swinging at the ball and cared more about the dandelions and clovers at their feet than the person at bat. But, she did a good job!

We got a copy of the game schedule and I can't wait to go watch one of her first games!

Cookies and A Hike

Today was glorious!

First Jude slept until 10:30 this morning! Well, he woke up to eat and went right back to sleep - but still 10:30!

Afterwards, I bustled around the house and got ready for my tiny little cookie party. Judging from the number of people who responded, I didn't expect a big turn out but I was fine with that. In the end, Michele and Katy showed up with ingredients and recipes and Meghan came around later for company. We got snicker-doodles, russian tea cakes (aka butter balls?) and chocolate chip cookies. This was probably the second time in the last year that I've really taken advantage of our double oven and again I'm not sure what I would do without it!

Ryan was recently telling me how they might be doing a "cash-for-clunkers" type program for appliances. While I would love to get a more attractive/energy efficient stove, I'm not sure I'm willing to sacrifice my 50 year old double oven... perhaps I'll have to talk Ryan into a counter top stove and in-wall double oven like I've always wanted???

But anyway! On with the rest of the day. After tons of mixing, baking and chatting I did a quick clean up and was done. Of course since I'm not a fan of exact measurements (and I just love cookie dough) I was constantly dipping in and 'tasting' the batter. The batter and cookies mixed with a few glasses of Kool-Aide made me feel about as large as a house. So, I convinced Ryan, Bryan and Katy to go for a walk. I snuggled Jude into his carrier and was off.

Originally we planned to go to the rt. 40 walking park and decided instead to take a walk through the neighborhood. We conveniently live right next to Rittenhouse Park and so while taking our normal path through the neighborhood we decided to detour onto the path to Rittenhouse Park.

It was a much longer walk than I think I/we had expected, but we all felt good in the end! The path ended up taking us up along the creek all the way to the main park entrance. Jude slept in my arms about 90% of the time. Also! While walking we passed by a pavilion and playground that I couldn't help but think would be great for a little party. I'm not at all thinking about Jude's first birthday (we still have 8 months to go!) but I couldn't help but think it could be an adorable spot!

A Hidden Gem

Last night Ryan and a couple of guys got together for a very small game of baseball. Basically it was three guys (including Ryan) - one at bat, one pitching and one 'playing the field'. In the past most of Ryan's catches have taken place around our neighborhood in the front yard or our itty bitty park. Sometimes I go, other times I stay home and tell Ryan to make sure he's home before the street lights come on (kidding...).

Well, anyway - last night they played at Salem Woods park. I spent a pretty significant chunk of my childhood in Aspen Woods. When my mom and dad got divorced, after a little bit of bouncing around from one temporary home to another with my dad, he finally bought a town home in Aspen Woods and we lived there basically until he and Mary decided to have a second child of their own - at which point we would have out grown the town home. ANYWAY - that basically means I was there from about the age of 6 or 7ish until my freshman year of high school. Aspen Woods is connected to Salem Woods and so we spent many summer afternoons at the park.

It had been years since I had been there (at least since the time I moved), but it really is a pretty nice park! They have a number of basketball, soccer, street hockey, baseball and tennis courts. Not to mention a large walking/fitness trail weaving all around, a couple of play sets for kids and a pavilion for BBQ's. While Ryan was playing baseball, I took Jude for a little stroll around. I must say I won't mind Ryan's frequent batting practice if I tag along and have an enjoyable place to get some exercise myself.

runnin' runnin' and runnin' runnin'

I've been thinking about getting out and running for a couple of weeks now. However, it seemed like there was always something new going on that kept me from getting out there.

Tonight, Ryan got home and we had nothing to do all evening. After eating dinner and Ryan finished grouting the tiles in the bathroom (finally!!) we were sitting around and I decided to get out and go for a run.

Ryan and Jude were passed out on the couch so I took Buddy with me. Unfortunately I didn't get very far. My large and "in your face" boobies were bouncing all over the place. I continued with a light jog and wrapped it up with a brisk walk (which Buddy seemed to appreciate). Next time I'll be sure to increase my support.

Even though I didn't get very it still felt good to get back out there!

A Walk in the Park - Getting Out in the Sun!

Since the Monday after we were discharged from the hospital, Jude and I have been making trips out of the house. Going into all of this, I had no idea what to expect as far as how quickly I'd be off the couch and driving around, so I was very pleased that I was good to go in less than a week!

Typically we do pretty low key things. Doctor's appointments, lunches with Uncle Bryan, quick trips to random stores, etc. Since he's officially been off his bili-blanket, I don't think we've had one full day of just sitting around the house. While I enjoyed driving around in the lovely weather I honestly hadn't really been taking advantage of it! I kept telling myself "when we get home we'll go for a walk!". Then I'd get home it'd be time to feed Jude and then Ryan was getting home and before I knew it, it was too late.

Today, I ran a few errands and decided I WILL go for a walk (not just to get outside, but to get some exercise)! I first loaded up some recycling to take to the recycling center in People's Plaza and then we headed for the walking park on route 40.

It was surprisingly very warm so about half way through I was about to die. I was wearing long pants and a black shirt and just was not very well prepared. Either way we trucked on through and I feel much better about myself for getting out there!

Jude on the other hand didn't even notice. He slept through the whole thing as he typically does when he's strapped in his car seat :(

In the next couple of weeks I have a couple of other out door activities I want to do: Strawberry picking and cherry picking and yardwork! Both of these items (the picking) are on my "101" list and so I'll be keeping myself occupied and crossing some more things off! If there's anyone interested in going, let me know! I plan to do at least one of these during the week and perhaps another on the weekend (strawberries next weekend? cherries early in June during the week sometime?). Let me know if if you're interested!