My current reading list

1. Runner's World magazine
2. The Happiest Toddler on the Block, by Dr. Harvey Karp
3. I'll Mature when I'm Dead, by Dave Barry
4. Peer-reviewed articles about immune system responses to various levels of aerobic exercise intensity

Ally's first birthday party

Last Sunday (Mother's Day), we had a small birthday party for Ally. She shared it with two of her fellow 1-year old friends, Elaina and Miriam, as well as her godparents (Jim, Victoria, and Matt), Miriam's parents Andy and Michelle, and my parents. Since Ally's birthday is the day before Cinqo de Mayo, we served tacos and fajitas with all the fixings, and I made a dulce de leche birthday cake for Ally. A good time was had by all. Here are some pics from the weekend.

The birthday cake

Ally and Grandpa

Ally getting ready to blow out her birthday candle


Ally eating birthday cake.


Ally opens her present from Andy, Michelle, and Miriam-Veggie Tales!

Ally and Elaina


A present from Matt, Victoria, and Elaina-beach/pool toys!


Taking a bath after the big day


Me and Ally


Ally and Grandma

Ally sits at a table and chair set that belonged to me when I was little

Ally is 1 year old!

Today is Ally's first birthday. In some ways, I can't believe the year has already gone by, but in other ways I can't believe that it's ONLY been a year! To do a little "then and now" comparison, here are a few pics from May 4th-ish 2009, and May 4th-ish 2010.

Me, 40 weeks pregnant, and 1 week before Ally was actually born (remember that I was induced at 41 weeks)


Me, this past Easter, 11 months post-partum. I returned to my pre-pregnancy weight fairly quickly (thank you genetics, running, and nursing!), and all my pre-pregnancy clothes fit like they used to

Ally, right after coming home from the hospital

Ally as a 1-year old

Here are some more pics of her opening her first round of birthday cards and presents from her aunts and uncles.