A Dream Come True

When I was just out of college and babysitting regularly for a family with two girls, I got the chance to take my first run with a baby jogger. The baby was somewhere between one and two years old and the day happened to be a sunny 85 degrees. I just remember it was unseasonable hot and very challenging. I was also on suburban sidewalks with perilous obstacles like monstrous cracks, annoying curbs, and the occasional tree branch. I think I went about 3 or 4 miles and called it a day. My only other experiences running with a baby jogger have been with my friends' kids: JH and baby W and L of Team Stick and Baby R.

But now it's MY turn. After years of dreaming about it, I finally took Baby out in the Bob yesterday. Not only was it the most gorgeous day imaginable, it was also very meaningful because it was a family run. That's right, my husband came too. I could not have asked for a more perfect way to take Baby out on her first run. Besides the fact that I was running with my favorite people, Chicago also provided us with a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop. Every time I run on that Lakeshore Path I am just amazed by the beauty of the city. I love looking at the skyline and hearing the lake splash around (though sometimes it splashes around more angrily than is desirable). It almost reminds me of the Caribbean with its bright turquoise tint, but the skyscrapers add a stunning contrast to the miles of surrounding solid blue water.

But let's cut to the chase. This was Baby's first time "running" with her parents. I got the thumbs up from both my old and new pediatricians to take her jogging; they just suggested I make sure she is secure in there since she is so tiny. To my surprise, she fit quite nicely in there.

I used an additional head support to ensure her safety and comfort, and we were ready to go. Yesterday's run was 4 miles long, but we did stop for pictures ;)

                            

In another post I'll go on and on about the sailboats I get to see ALL THE TIME and how awesome it is to watch them in action while running. But for now, I'll say that I'm pretty excited to have the option to run this way. Special thanks to my siblings-in-law for providing me with this awesome baby shower present - they obviously know me quite well ;) 

Besides this special run, I've been doing what I can when I can. I got out for a 5.5 miler last Saturday and did two mid-week runs of 4.5 and 5 miles Wednesday and Thursday. It's far from impressive and and barely an acceptable frequency, but I have been completely immersed with unpacking, getting settled, learning a new city, taking care of baby, and trying to have fun. I honestly don't know where the days go. I cannot believe we are two weeks away from October. Huh?! But it's a good kind of busy..and I'm enjoying every minute with my sweet baby girl.