Streaking through the Mud Run

Today to keep my streak alive I completed the Hoppin Mad Mud Run up in Amesbury, MA.  I'm happy to report that I made it in one piece but I will be feeling it tomorrow!  Definitely nowhere near the shape I was in before having Noah but it felt great to get out there and finish my first race as a Mommy.  I love doing races and I think that is one of the biggest things I missed last summer when I was pregnant.  Good to start the season off with a fun race that included amazing teammates (thanks Elise, Rachel, and Amy!), a beautiful course, lots of obstacles, and even a swim through a nice cold mud pit!

As usual my number one supporter was there cheering me on.  Brad always comes along for these crazy races-no matter how long they may take me, how ridiculous they are (this is the 3rd mud pit race), how far away they may be, or what the weather is like- he is always there.  He can usually be found cheering me on along the sidelines and then waiting for me at the finish in the beer tent.  Today was no different except for the added bonus of a second supporter-Noah!  It looked like he enjoyed himself despite the cold weather and he got his first taste of of the race scene.  I have a lot of fond memories of doing various runs with my family-the annual Turkey Trot, the Elk's Father's Day run, my first ever triathlon- and hope that someday if he's able Noah will want to do some crazy races with me and we can make some memories of our own. 

In addition to experiencing his first run  Noah also got his first taste of pizza.  Not sure how he managed to do it but when I wasn't looking he swiped the piece of pizza from my hand, immediately shoved it in his mouth and took a bite.  He seemed really proud of himself and I think he loved it!  Noah also had a good day with his right hand which we always love to see.  At dinner tonight I put a spoon into his right hand while I was holding him and gently held down his left arm.  He started moving his arm around and then was able to bring the spoon up to his mouth.  Later as I was putting him to bed and giving him his bottle I massaged his right hand.  I have been trying to do this right before bed as this is when he is most relaxed and doesn't object. Tonight I did it for about 5 minutes and then just let him finish his bottle.  A couple minutes after I finished massaging it he placed his OPEN hand around the bottle and kept it there for about a minute!  This was the first time I had seen this and I was so excited.  Baby steps but definitely steps in the right direction!

Here are a few pics from the race today as well as the "screaming" video.

Noah and Mommy after the race

Noah looking intently at Aunty Elise's burrito-I think he wants a bite of that too!