Friday, September 23, 2011

Here's the video!

I got a few shots in our video.

and yes...this is the last time you'll see this. I'll post about Jack this weekend.

Fight Gone Bad 6 at CrossFit Cedar Park from Running Bull Media on Vimeo.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Jack supporting mommy at FGB6

On September 17th, 2011, CrossFitters from around the world will come together to endure 17 minutes of one of our most grueling workouts in honor of those men and women who have given a lifetime of service and sacrifice. For 17 minutes, we will push ourselves further, challenge ourselves deeper, feel the doubt and wonder what the hell we got ourselves... into, and if we can make it, but then remember why we are there and appreciate fully those who we wish to honor. We turn to our community of friends and family, asking them to join us by donating what they are inspired to give to our two phenomenal organizations. Our goal this year is to raise $3 million dollars. Our beneficiaries are The Special Operations Warrior Foundation and The CrossFit Foundation.

As many of you know Jay and I are active crossfitters. We love the exercises and we love what they stand for. It's not a gym, it's a family. Each crossfit affiliat is it's own gym but it's still one big family no matter where you go. Are you a member in New York? Great...are you visiting Austin? Want to drop in and get a workout in? You're welcome to join any other crossfit gym and are welcomed like you'd been there every day for the last year. I have never once been called by any member of Golds gym asking where I am and why I haven't been in and what's going on. I have never been pushed beyond my limits like a "normal" workout will do.

At 8am on Saturday September 17th I hade the honor to participate in one of the many charity events that crossfit supports. Jay and Jack were there to support me.

The workout was three rounds of:
Wall-ball, 20 pound ball, 10 ft target
Sumo deadlift high-pull, 75 pounds
Box Jump, 20″ box
Push-press, 75 pounds
Row (Calories)

In this workout you move from each of five stations after a minute.The clock does not reset or stop between exercises. This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed before repeating. On call of “rotate”, the athletes must move to next station immediately for best score. One point is given for each rep, except on the rower where each calorie is one point.

Here we are picking up our shirts:
From Fight Gone Bad 6


He was all smiles:
From Fight Gone Bad 6


The shirt is less than flattering and I had no idea I had on that necklace....ya'll know I am not a morning person.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


Getting ready....and you see the girl in front of me? That's Cheryl and we went to high school together, small world right? She's a physical therapist at my gym and has nursed me through every sore muscle I've ever had. She looks much better at 8am than I do.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


Getting ready.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


And we're off...
From Fight Gone Bad 6


During the push press...with good form.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


and with bad form.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


If it looks like I'm about to throw up it's because I wanted to.....
From Fight Gone Bad 6


Everybody hates wallballs...
From Fight Gone Bad 6


Sumo deadlifts....
From Fight Gone Bad 6


See the arch in my back? Yeah the pinched sciatica nerve I'd been nursing for two weeks and thought was healed, it didn't stay that that way.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


And now I'm almost done.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


Last deadlift...
From Fight Gone Bad 6


The hard workout and all the picture taking wore Jack out. He was such a good sport.
From Fight Gone Bad 6


I love my little man.
From Fight Gone Bad 6

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Jack showing his team spirit

Ever since Gina told me that she was pregnant using a Notre Dame onesie, I've been looking forward to the day that we could get Jack his own Notre Dame football jersey. He's now walking and ready for his first tackle and looking especially handsome in his 2T #3 Notre Dame jersey!

Dear Coach Kelly, We're willing to host a dinner whenever you'd like to come recruit Jack. He's already got a high rating compared to peers, he's got a ton of energy, is smart as a whip, and loves destroying everything (including Wolverines). We're pretty confident he'd make a great running back or linebacker. We'll be looking for that #1 rating in the Rivals class of 2028!

Jack lining up to make the tackle


Practicing to Cheer, Cheer


Practicing his run out the tunnel

Monday, August 15, 2011

Jack's first birthday and cake!

This week we celebrated a huge milestone in Jack's life (and let's be honest, his parents' lives as well). We all made it a year. All of those late nights and early mornings early on have paid off in droves for the three of us.

Last August, we knew of parenting from books and friends, but it's a whole new ballgame truly living that life day in and day out. Jack has grown so much and still astounds us every day with how much he's learning and growing. It's funny to think back on some of the mini-milestones throughout the year and now looking back and remembering how excited we were that he was able to push himself up to a crawling position. Now he's running all over the house, chasing the cat and dog!

We also celebrated the first time Jack had sugar as he got to enjoy his smash cake. He is Jay's son after all, so it's no surprise he dove in like a champ. On his birthday, Gina got him a cake to prep for the coming weekend party and get his first taste of chocolate. He loved it, and made bathtime that night especially fun.

Jack began the evening with his tribute to Mickey Mouse (but the ears didn't last long)


The obligatory "before" shot so you can see what the birthday cake looked like


About halfway through, Jack made his solute to chocolate


The obligatory "after" shot


"Hey dad, is there any more?"


"Thank you for the yummy cake mommy!"

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Look who's walking

Jack has decided that it's time to give mom and dad another heart attack. It's walking time!!

I took him to a playgroup on Saturday morning and just like he'd been doing it for weeks let go of a standing toy and took a few steps. I about died. Seriously? THIS is where he picks to take his first steps??? I didn't have my camera, my phone was across the room and Jay wasn't there. The girls all cheered and he smiled so we've decided that since he was the only boy in a room filled with a dozen girls and their moms that he was just showing off.

I got home and told Jay so we kept our phones around just to see if he would do it again. I just happen to get this on video, it's not that great and it's only a couple of steps but it's still considered walking.


I know it looks like we never have him fully clothed but I promise you we do. Around the house it's easier for him to just wear whatever or just a diaper. He's a very messy eater so his shirt comes off during food time and sometimes it doesn't get put back on. We've also had the hottest summer on record so we try and keep him as cool and comfortable as we can.

He's still building his confidence so he only gets a couple of steps but he's coming along quickly.

Today I get home from work and walk in the door only to be greated by Jack holding Jays hand and walking like a big little man. I quickly put my stuff down and had to get in on the action. Can you tell that Jay dressed him for daycare?

I love how he reaches for Dexter at the end. They are going to be best buddies as they both grow.

If I keep pushing him down will he stop walking? I'm not ready for him to grow up. I love my wonderful happy baby. Babies don't walk.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Splash park fun!

We took Jack to the splash park for the first time and he had a ball!

First he and Kensington played some.

From 4th of July Splash Pad


He crawled around for a while and found the drain.
From 4th of July Splash Pad


Then he discovered the water spouts and it was all over.
From 4th of July Splash Pad


From 4th of July Splash Pad


He just loves the way it feels on his hands.
From 4th of July Splash Pad


From 4th of July Splash Pad


He gets so excited he takes his hat off.
From 4th of July Splash Pad


Then he stole this bucket from some other kid. Don't worry we gave it back and he even played with the little boy some.
From 4th of July Splash Pad


Then he went and played with more spouts.
From 4th of July Splash Pad


It was a good day and after we went and had dinner and he took a very long nap the second we got into the car. He slept well that night.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Jack at the beach

Every year a bunch of friends and I head to Port A for a long weekend. We go the weekend after Father's Day and I've been going for about 5 years. It's funny to see how it's changed and grown over time. This year there were about 50 people who went. Jay and I stayed away from or "normal" place but I think we'll have to get closer to everybody next year.

Jack had a blast. We stopped about half way at Jack in the Box to eat but I think Jack was just ready to be there.

From First trip to the beach


The first day out he was amazed by everything. He was such a good sport and never cried once while we were out there. First he played with the sand.
From First trip to the beach


Then he tried to eat it but it didn't taste very good.
From First trip to the beach


This was the first year that Jack's Godfather didn't go. We missed him but he bought Jack a very special present. He loved it and felt like a big boy sitting in it all weekend. It was his special chair and if you couldn't tell Josh is an LSU fan and slowly trying to convert Jack.
From First trip to the beach


The first night we went to a shrimp broil with some friends and he got to try Cheetos for the first time. Jay and I don't allow any junk food yet so this was a real treat.
From First trip to the beach


He was such a fan that even when he fell out of his chair he saved his Cheeto.
From First trip to the beach


He did get lots of cuddles from Ms. Haley.
From First trip to the beach


Since they kept putting Cheetos in his cup holder he keeps checking all cup holders for more.
From First trip to the beach


He did get some cuddle time in with Aunt Melody (his Godmother)the next day so it was all good.
From First trip to the beach


He also got Doritos for the first time too.
From First trip to the beach


He kept tasting the sand hoping it would taste better but it never did.
From First trip to the beach


He got some more play time with Aunt Melody.
From First trip to the beach


He even got buried in the sand a few times. Haley and Rena made him a mermaid.
From First trip to the beach


He was able to grab a couple of quick naps on the beach.
From First trip to the beach


The last day on the beach he got washed off and a new diaper so he slept for a bit longer.
From First trip to the beach


After he woke up he had snacks with dad.
From First trip to the beach


He also had sugar free Jello for the first time. He was in LOVE!
From First trip to the beach


We played in the water some more.
From First trip to the beach


He mainly wanted to hang out with the girls.
From First trip to the beach


Yup, he's already checking out girls too.
From First trip to the beach


We did make sure he got something healthy in when we got back to the condo. He loves blueberries and strawberries.
From First trip to the beach


The next morning we told him we were going home and he made a break for the beach again.
From First trip to the beach


From First trip to the beach


Not 5 mintues after we got in the car he was fast asleep.
From First trip to the beach


He only slept for about 45 mintues then he "talked" to us the entire way home. He's so easy to travel with and so well behaved, he was the hit of the beach and everybody loved playing with him. He just takes everything in stride and observes.