Better Late Than Never

My Dad has always been very much involved in my life. He’s been there for me in many ways, but mostly he has been a great teacher. He has knowledge of so many subjects and is a patient coach. When I was young he showed me how to develop pictures in our basement darkroom. He showed me how to swing a golf club (which I really wish I did more like him). He taught me to fish. He taught me how to play basketball and coached my team every year in grade school. He also helped my mom coach volleyball. He taught me to be competitive while still enjoying myself and to take wins as well as losses in stride. I always enjoyed learning things during the projects he had going around the house, whether it be painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical or yard work. His work ethic is something to behold. Even though he’s retired, the man does not sit down. He ALWAYS has a project going at home or for someone else (he spent hundreds of hours helping Brian and me get our house updated and remodeled). He plays golf several times a week. He helps my great uncle who does not get around well maintain his lake home. He babysits his 5 grandkids lots. He attends sporting events, recitals and school plays. He spends time with his brothers and sisters.
He has taught me that life was not meant to be spent sitting down. It is about doing, going, experiencing, helping, and enjoying every single second. I love you Dad, for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do. Happy Father’s Day.

Potty Party

Yesterday we officially began potty training. We have watched movies, read books, bought a potty, talked about the potty, sat on the potty, but Hattie had never actually had any action on the potty. Yesterday she finally did. I whisked her into the bathroom right when she woke from her nap. Her potty chair plays a song when used, and as soon as she let go and heard the song and saw the look on my face she was so proud! It was really cute. We did a dance, called the grandparents, got lots of hugs, smiles, and yes, m&ms. I’m not above bribery, you know.
She went 3 more times successfully before bed. Woo hoo! Honestly, I’ve been kind of dreading starting all this. We live in a fully carpeted house for one. Secondly, I guess I just wasn’t looking forward to trying to keep track of her bladder’s schedule and telling her a million times a day where we have to go. I am expecting many set-backs, but feel our first day was a big success. My big girl.
On another happy note, I am taking all next week off of work. We’re not going away, so if you need me I will at home blissfully doing nothing. Ahh.

Small Things

Working 40 hours a week, chasing a toddler, cooking dinners, giving baths, doing the shopping, running errands and exercising as often as possible can quickly fill a week. There are some days even if I haven’t spent tons of time with Hattie, I still selfishly can’t wait until her bedtime to enjoy some “me” time. But it happens. Time can just slip away so quickly, and I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy what I’m doing. Raising a child takes open eyes, a warm heart, a playful attitude and loads of patience. You can’t let yourself do it half-heartedly. I must remind myself that there is nothing like Hattie’s soft voice when she wakes from her nap or is lying down to sleep. There is nothing like the way she laughs when tickled or when she tries to tickle back. There is nothing like the way she snuggles so closely when watching her tv show. Or how she holds her blanket to her nose when sleepy. Her questions although many can be so sweet and give so much insight into what is rolling through that brain. Yesterday while we watched the rain fall out the window, she asked if we could take her beach towel outside. When I asked the reason, she replied simply, “to dry everything off”.
Lately we’ve been having some bath time issues. She was very resistant and would cry and throw a fit the last week or so before and during her bath. Asking why gave no insights or clues. Brian and my first instinct was to tell her we could just hop in really quick and get out and play some more. That wasn’t working. So, the other day I mentioned going in and playing with some new toys and she said yes with no tears. We took a nice long bath and played in the water. Now when asked if she wants to take a bath, she says” yes, go slow”. Sometimes it really is about slowing down and enjoying the ride.

40!

Here's the announcement we put in the paper for Mom and Dad on Sunday.

Ken and Mary Mantel were married May 24th, 1969 at St. Peter's Cathedral in Kansas City, KS. Most of their 40 years together were spent in Prairie Village raising their kids Jeff and Amy. Both are retired and enjoy spending time with their five grandchildren: Nicholas, Julia, Lily, Luke (Jeff and Kris Mantel) and Hattie (Amy and Brian Brooks). They have also traveled the US extensively, and are hoping to complete their journey to all 50 states next year. Sending praise and admiration to our wonderful parents. Congratulations on your always inspirational 40 year marriage. We love you! JKNJLLABH

And here's a couple of funny Hattie comments from yesterday:
She noticed a plant on one of the pages in a book we were reading and said it looked like the one in our kitchen. Then she sighed and said, “I love the leaves on that plant.”
Then we were on our way to my parent’s house for a visit. I told her where we were going, but as soon as we got in the car, she asked what we were doing. I said, “Well I’m going to Grammy and Papa’s house. What are you doing?” She answered, “Just sitting here in my car seat.”

Now, where's my shoe?

Hattie has been asking a lot of questions lately. A LOT. And all of them begin with, “now”. For instance, if Brian leaves the room, “Now, where’s Dada going?” “Now, where’s my crayon?” “Now, where did Luna girl go? (neighbor dog)”. Darling, yes. Excessive, YES! I have to remind myself to be patient often – she has only been hearing language and using it for a year. It’s amazing what kids learn in such a short period of time. She has also learned the art of negotiation. She’s going to be a fierce broker someday. If you tell her one more, it’s “How about two?” No, Hattie, just one. “How about two little ones?” Seriously, she’s good. Of course the big innocent eyes, smile and held up fingers (usually 4 fingers when she says 2 or 2 fingers if she says 3!) help her case a lot.
I have been benched from running for the next 4 weeks with a stress fracture in my shin – completely sucks – and I had to drop out of the triathlon. I should heal fine and if I take it slow to start back (which I didn’t for the half-marathon training) I shouldn’t have any lingering issues (fingers crossed). So, I decided to join the gym since I can’t get out and run in the beautiful weather right now. I can do Pilates and swimming. Yesterday HP and I went to the gym and I took her to the childcare area for the first time. She ran off to the toys and didn’t look back. So much for me worrying about her ‘warming up’ to the idea and having to sneak out! She had a ball – I am super jazzed about that, as now I can workout without worrying about her! I guess I worry too much, but that’s my job.
Speaking of my job, Mother’s Day was wonderful. We took my Mom to brunch and then Brian cleaned house, did laundry, cooked dinner and gave Hattie a bath. I sat around and read the paper and my book. Wish I had many more of those leisurely days tucked into my busy schedule. We’ll have to work on that…..Now, when’s Mother’s Day coming again?

My new favorite number -- 2:08

Yesterday was d-day. I’ve been waiting a long time for it – here’s a recap of my day and the official Brooks’ Race Report.
Woke up at 5:30 for coffee, a bagel and banana. Gathered all my gear, showered, and taped up the shin I was worried was going to give me trouble. Left about 6:45 for Lawrence in the pouring rain. I brought a trash bag to wear just in case it didn’t let up before the start. Thankfully, about halfway there it stopped for good. Hooray! About that time, “Running with the Devil” comes on the radio – even though there is a nervous knot in my stomach the size of Texas- I feel this is a good sign. My race number is also “73”, my birth year. Things are good.
Arrived in Lawrence in enough time to hit the porta-potty and warm up at the starting line. Feeling excited, nervous and happy. At 7:30 we’re off. One of my most favorite sounds is of the collective breathing and shuffling of a few hundred runners. It really is something to experience – it always makes me a little giddy – all that energy, solitude yet camaraderie, and some friendly competition. I start off a little too far ahead in the pack, I realize, as I am getting passed by several people. Oops. (Note to self – start back further next time. It is much more fun to pass than be passed.) We hit the one mile mark and I look at my watch – 8:40. Oops again. I am going much faster than my anticipated pace (between 9:30-10:00). That happens to me a lot – I get excited and go out too fast. I try to relax and slow down a bit. I miss the 2 mile sign, but at mile 3 I check my watch again and see 24:24. Still way fast – even for a 5K time – and I still have 10 miles to go! But, the 3 mile mark is at the top of a 2 mile hill and I am barely out of breath. I actually feel wonderful and like I could go even faster. I decide to keep my current pace, and if I run out of gas early, so be it. There is a lot to be said for race day adrenaline! I was in such a zone that miles flew by until about mile 8. Big hill, huge, nasty headwind and a slight rumble in the tummy. Uh-oh. Thank goodness that passes by mile 9. I definitely am slowing down some, but feel really great overall. Make it through mile 9 and on 10 there is a big downhill. Both knees start to ‘talk’ to me, and unfortunately I know exactly what is going to transpire shortly. Remember last year when I had to drop out of the half because of IT band issues? Well, here it is again, only this time it is welcoming me in both knees mid-race. For those of you whom have never had the misfortune of a flare-up, picture someone sliding several short thumbtacks on the outside of your knee so that every time you bend it, the tendon rubs over the tacks. It is really painful. So, at mile marker 11, both knees start to go. I stop and walk a bit, grunt/hobble/run a bit and repeat. I knew I was losing my great time I had going, but I had to finish! The a*holes that designed the course made the finish line at the top of a huge 2 mile hill. Nice, huh? Anyway, my grunt & run routine takes me to the top and I cross the finish line at 2:08. 2:08! I am amazed. Tears well up in my eyes at my accomplishment. My knees take a backseat to my feeling of pure elation. I receive my medal, walk around and stretch a bit, take the bus back to my car, make a couple of happy phone calls (Brian and Hattie drove up and missed my finish – they arrived 15 minutes too late!) and head home. Been walking like an 80 year old woman since then, but it was soooooooo worth it. I did it!!!!

Bert & Ernie

So, I don’t want to be one of those moms that claim her kid is a genius and more advanced than every other kid their age. However, I do have to post this drawing that Hattie did of Bert & Ernie - - I am pretty amazed at how good it is for a kid less than 2 and a half years old! I love how all her people wear hats. Brian and I have drawn her thousands of “Oswalds” upon request, and he wears a hat, so now everyone does.
I am also including a recent pic (unfortunately not of her in her cute Easter dress, since both sets of camera batteries were dead that day, damn it) and another one of her ability to pull off accessories, even in jammies.:-)