Back in the Saddle (in Scotland!)

I made the very last minute decision to travel back to Scotland with my wee brother and his wife, following their 2 week visit to New York. I knew I wanted to bring Kyla home to meet her Grandad and Uncle Innes and a bunch of other UK friends and relatives, and maternity leave seemed like the sensible time to fit that in. Having two such helpful people to assist with the outbound trip was a stroke of genius; international travel with a 6 week old ain't no picnic, let me tell you.

But I've done it, and whizzing around Scotland with the wee one has given my confidence a huge boost - there's nothing stopping me doing absolutely anything with her now! And it's quite exciting for me that Kyla's first stamp in her passport at such a young age is 'Glasgow.'

I've taken this overweight, recovering body of mine on FOUR runs whilst here. Although they are short, slow, and somewhat painful, I'm really quite proud of myself for getting out there. It's wonderful to be back in the saddle again. After months of nightly dreaming about it, my legs are finally on the go for real.

Sad to be missing the New York Marathon this Sunday - though I should be able to catch it on satellite tele. GOOD LUCK to all the many Hellgaters running - especially my old Chicago buddies Suzanne and Janine, as well as my good friends and neighbours Bridget and Andre. I can't wait to hear all about it!

Good Things Come

Last week saw Matt and me celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. And by 'celebrate' I mean, we ate dinner separately while taking turns holding a screaming baby ;-)

But Kyla made it up to us with the wonderful gift of real, honest-to-goodness (non gas-related) smiles. I'm aware of my extreme prejudice, but I can't get over how even more beautiful she is when a smile lights up her eyes.

I am very excited to report that I was given the OK to resume running by my OB this morning. I can't tell you how I've been (quite literally) itching to take those first steps, after my protracted hiatus. I know it's going to be really tough and disheartening at first, but I'm willing to persevere until I'm back on form.

It's a great time for me to don the Brooks again, with my gaining tremendous inspiration from the upcoming New York Marathon and my pal Chelle's recent AWEsome sub-3 marathon achievement. I hope to be able to follow her example in the coming months of running. Patience, tenacity, and incredible hard work pays off in spades.

And on the topic of waiting for good things: can the Mets pull it off??? My husband has faithfully anticipated another Amazing moment by those men at Shea for the entire 20 years. And, after 5 years of fan disspointment for me, I too have found myself on the edge of my sofa seat, glued to the set every night lately. GO METS!

The obligatory baby pics: Sleeping Dad, Granny Damm, and Kyla's handsome Uncle Lewis...