Training Day Begins

In 286 days, May 11th, I will be participating in my very first triathlon at Disney World.  A few teachers at my school asked me to join with them to run for a Mom at the school who passed away from breast cancer last year.  I have always wanted to do something like this, but never had enough discipline to train for one.   There are 5 of my friends doing it so far and we will all hold each other accountable each week.

I have been learning a lot this year about discipline and accountability.  I have never been very good with disciplining my life in the area of working out - actually, I am not good with discipline in most areas honestly!  The biggest challenge that I had set for myself this year was to read through the Bible in a year.  I have found this takes A TON of discipline, accountability and time management.  I should be halfway through the Bible, however, due to my lack in this area I am behind.  This makes me sick.  It should not be such a "chore" to want to read my Bible every day.  And another thing that is baffling to me...I have been a Christian pretty much my whole life.  I confess that I love the Lord with all my heart, however, I have NEVER read the entire Bible.  In fact, there are books, not just chapters, but books that I have never read!  That is just unacceptable.  

I know it might sound absurd to take on yet another challenge when I cannot even manage what I have now.  I have faith that I will be able to conquer the horrible character trait and turn into a disciplined woman. =) I need lots of work! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"  I not only want to learn to be disciplined with working out, but I also want to become more disciplined in my devotion life.  

So, I ask all of you who read this blog to please hold me accountable.  Ask me if I have been reading my Bible, and please get specific and ask "every" day.  You could even go the extra step and ask what I learned from my reading! =)   And now with my new endeavor, my goal is to work out 2 times per week.  As you can see I am putting a lot on my plate.  I like a challenge and I know I can beat this yucky undisciplined lifestyle I have been living out for the past 10 or so years.  My new motto "BRING IT ON"  =)

Sleepy Head

Norah has so many adorable pictures of her sleeping I just had to do a slide show so you can see!  There are a few old ones that you probably have seen already, but keep watching, there are some really cute new ones.  One of my favorites is of her sleeping on Seth's side...

A tribute to DiPaolo wine!

Thank you guys so much!

Thank you Nana and Nonna!

THANK YOU NANA AND NONNA!  This is a post to thank our Mom's for coming and providing our new family with TONS of help after the arrival of little Norah.   We are so blessed to have such amazing and caring families!  Our Mothers so graciously took the time out of their schedules to come and help us with the not so fun task of cleaning, cooking and caring for our needs as first time parents.  Not to mention the grueling task of staring, hugging and kissing Norah.  Oh and don't forget all those dirty diapers!  =)

Nana (Debi Walter) arrived the day we came home from the hospital and stayed for 1 week.  And then Nonna (Susan Lytle) traveled from Atlanta, GA exactly 1 week after Norah was born and stayed for almost 2 weeks.  Our Mom's were such a tremendous help!  They truly were servants as they attended to our needs.  They went over and above what we anticipated or even expected.  It was wonderful to have a constant resource to answer any questions we had regarding Norah...  "Is this supposed to look like that?" or "How long can she possibly sleep without eating!"  I know we made some lasting memories during their stay with us here in Sanford, FL.  We took several pictures so we can show Norah when she gets older.  We want her and everyone else to know what a blessing her Nana and Nonna were to her parents when she was born.

Thank you Mom for giving up your time and even money to help us start our new lives as parents.  We pray we can demonstrate the same love and servanthood to our own children!  Your examples are worth praising!  THANK YOU!

I love being a Mom!

My Norah is now 1 month old.  Time goes by so quickly!  It seems like I just gave birth a few days ago.  I am sure this is how most Mom's feel... even when they are looking at their 18 year old!  How quickly the time has passed.  My prayer is that I take each day and cherish it.  I have loved every second of being a Mom!

Last night Norah took her first bottle from Seth. I will be returning to work in about 2 1/2 weeks so we decided it was time to introduce Norah to taking a bottle.  At first I was all excited and thought, "this will be great!   Seth can help me out with feedings!"  But as soon as she grasped the bottle into her mouth and start sucking my whole mind set changed.  A wave of emotions rushed over me and I started crying.  I cannot even explain what I was thinking, I just know I did not like it.  She was staring up at Seth with such a confused look on her face.  She did a great job and adapted to the change better than I did!   Last night as I woke up in the early hours of the morning I cherished it!  I loved picking up my Daughter and feeding her, I loved hearing the little noises she makes as she is sucking, I love how her tiny hand plays with her ear as she nurses.  I loved every minute of being a Mom.

4th of July

So adorable

Norah's first 3 weeks!