The 18th Month - August 2016

August was full of great summer adventures!  First, we'll review the way the adults in Nova's life spend time, then discuss Nova's choices.

First up, Briggs!

On August 7, Team Crush It took on their first spring triathlon!  I was supposed to swim, but the swim was cancelled.  So, instead, I ran .25 miles, then gave my anklet to Natalie, who biked 15 miles like a maniac, and returned to exchange the bracelet one last time for my 5K.  

The "transition" area where Natalie and I did our anklet exchanges.  Luckily, neither of us are out on parole, so we didn't get any flack for taking off our anklets. 

Team Crush It, in the flesh! We arrived around 4:30 am for an 8 am race.  A bit overexcited!

Finally, the sun joins us!

I ran the 5K in just over 29 minutes (though my goal was to beat 27 minutes) and was so mad at myself, I pouted like an 8 year old.  

Thanks for putting up with me, Natalie and Deb!  I actually had a great time, despite the pouting!

While I was out getting my triathlon on, Lynn spent a lot of his time drinking in the pool.  

No further explanation needed.  Briggs rules, Lynn drools.

(Lynn really had a great time in Minnesota with his pal, Chris, pictured here.  Thanks for putting up with him!)

On August 20, Lynn and I hired our first official babysitter and headed to Maryland's Eastern Shore for the beautiful wedding of Emily and Ant.  I took a moment's break from my constant worrying about Nova to take this photo.  I look deceivingly relaxed.

Nova's August!

Nova got to spend time with friends this August.  Above is the most awkward photo ever taken of me, Nova, Megan and Audrey.  :)

Nova and Jack, tolerating each other at the butterfly garden. 

Nova, Jack, Suresh and Audrey, refusing to tolerate each other at the butterfly garden.

Now, on to Nova's other best friend: shoes.

"This shoe will do."

"Nova, those are mommy's shoes."

"Mommy, who cares? They're so stylish, I must wear them!" 

"Fine, if you won't let me wear your stylish shoes, I guess I'll settle for these hideous things."

"Or a plastic bag."

 For about a week in August, when I asked Nova to smile, she'd lean in an give me a funny expression

Napping with Cat.

Hurling boxes of toys (including the beloved Cat) down the stairs.

Running at the baseball field.

Snuggling with Clean Cat (meant for the crib) and Dirty Cat (meant for everywhere else).  When she gets her hands on both at the same time, she's elated.

Distracting Mommy from her run with ridiculous cuteness!

We took a few trips in August, too.

Here, we are shown in line for the Natural History Museum.

And Nova had a blast at IKEA. 

Finally, my Facebook page has blown up with back to school photos.  Nova isn't quite old enough, but for the occasion, she's wearing a DIY backpack (and mismatched socks...com'on mom!) before heading out to Miss Fran's Loving Daycare.  

Happy Back to School everyone!