L & L Printing vs. Coopersville Dental

Kyle's soccer team, L & L Printing, played their third game this past Saturday. They played the Coopersville Dental team, and they were very good! Kyle's team trailed throughout most of the game, but somehow managed to tie them in the end, with a score of 4 to 4. Kyle did not score any goals this week, but he got to play goalee for the very first time. He did very well, and blocked several attempted shots. However, there were times when the action was at the other end of the field and you could tell Kyle was bored. In fact, a plane flew overhead at one point and I noticed that Kyle was more interested it watching it fly by then the game. He is definitely better suited to be in the action. Hopefully there will be lots of action next week because Grandma Kat, Cam, Dria, Payton and Taylor are planning to come and watch. Go Kyle!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! My mother's day celebration actually started a few weeks ago when I went to the Michael Buble concert at the VanAndel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids. It was a great concert that I will never forget.

Then, yesterday . . . . my mom surprised me by showing up at our house just minutes before we left for a wedding. Anyway, she stopped by to personally give me a beautiful azalea shrub (see picture) for mother's day. It is gorgeous, and we can't wait to find a special place for it in our yard.

This morning, I slept in until 7:30 and Craig and Kyle made me my favorite breakfast - pancakes. They even made me one in the shape of a heart to show me how much they love me. :) Kyle and Clara gave me mother's day cards that they made at daycare, and Kyle also made me a beautiful picture frame (see picture). I feel blessed to have such a loving family.

Finally, we want to wish all of our moms (Connie, Kathy & Marilynn) a Happy Mother's Day! We love you and appreciate all you have done for us over the years.

Future Triathlete!

Kyle thought it was pretty funny to wear Craig's swimming goggles today. We thought it was pretty funny, too. :)

Wedding

Following the Riverbank Run and Kyle's soccer game, we attended a wedding and reception. It was for a friend of mine at work. Tracey and I had a great time.

Riverbank Run

Yesterday, I ran in my tenth straight Fifth Third Riverbank Run - the largest 25K in the world. I wasn't sure how it was going to go given that I have taken a new approach to training this year. Unlike years past, I used a heart rate monitor and have been following a relatively intense training plan geared for the Ironman in September. I made a few modifications for the plan to accommodate the 25K race in May, but it still limited me to 3 runs per week so I could fit in swimming and biking. In the past, I would typically run 5-6 times per week in preparation for a race like this.

As for the race, it ended up being a great day. The weather was perfect - about 45 degrees and sunny at the start. I started the race going out slightly faster than normal - about 5:55 per mile for the first 3 miles. Then, I backed off a touch and held about a 6:05-6:10 pace until the hills located from mile 10 to mile 12. There, I hit a few in the 6:15-6:20 range and held that until the end (15.5 miles). According to my heart rate monitor, I had more to give during the race, but my legs were quite fatigued when I went through the hills. I think this is due to only running 3 times per week. In the end, I finished with a 1:36:06, which was my second best time ever. This was good for 70th overall (out of 4,412) and 10th in my age group (out of 324). Click here for the results. I will post the pictures when they become available.

Today, I am taking the day off from training as I am super sore. I am looking forward to using the jacuzzi tub.

GOOOOAAAAAALLLLL

Kyle had his second soccer game today. His team, the Panthers and their opponent, Arby's, tied 4-4. The most exciting part of the game for us was when Kyle scored his first goal!!! He drove the ball down, kicked it hard into the corner of the net, and threw his little arms up into the air when he knew it was good! Then, a few minutes later, he scored a second goal. After that, the Coach switched him to defense. We are super proud of him and are looking forward to his upcoming games.

Feeding Clinic

This morning I (Tracey) took Clara to the doctor, to discuss her eating habits with our pediatrician. As you may know, Clara does not eat well, to put it simply. In fact, this has been an ongoing issue with her since she turned one. We thought she was just a picky eater, but lately I have been thinking otherwise. She turns two in one month, and there hasn't been a lot of progress over the past year. So, I decided it was time to talk to the doctor again. Our pediatrician evaluated her, and although she is progressing somewhat with her weight and length (which is now 20.7 pounds and 31 inches), our doctor is going to do some additional bloodwork on her. Also, she is referring Clara to a feeding clinic (program) at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. They will evaluate her, run some tests, and help us determine what the problem is. I think she has sensory (or texture) aversions, but we shall wait and see.

In preparation for our appointment this morning (and out of frustration), I put together a list of foods that Clara will eat, which includes:
-Banana, poppy seed or pumpkin bread
-Yogurt (custard style)
-Peanut butter (creamy)
-Yogurt covered raisins
-Cereal bars
-Oatmeal with mashed up carrots mixed in
-Cookies
-Milk
-Water
-Pudding
-Dry cereal
-Crackers/chips/pretzels
-Brownies (with carrots mixed in)

These are the ONLY foods Clara will eat. Other foods we have tried, but she will NOT eat are:
-Pancakes (plain, banana & bunny shaped)
-Waffles (plain, chocolate chip & animal shaped)
-Scrambled eggs
-Sausage
-Bread (whole wheat)
-Cheese (cubed, string & fun shapes)
-Fruit (apples, bananas, grapes, mandarin oranges, pears & strawberries)
-Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, corn & green beans)
-Meat sticks (mashed up in yogurt)
-Macaroni and cheese
-Grilled cheese
-Chicken nuggets
-Spaghettios
-Hot dogs (plain & cheese)
-Jelly (strawberry)
-French fries
-Ham
-Mashed potatoes
-Biscuits
-Chicken
-Pasta (plain & cheese tortellini)
-Sandwich meat (bologna, ham & turkey)
-Ice cream (vanilla & vanilla with chocolate)
-Juice (apple & orange)
-Pediasure (alone, mixed with milk & mixed with ice cream)
-Carnation Instant Breakfast (full packet & partial packet to minimize taste difference)

Craig and I have tried everything we can think of to get Clara to eat, but have been unsuccessful. We don't know what to do with her! Hopefully, the staff at Mary Free Bed will be able to help us.