The 12k's of Christmas!

This weekend we participated in the 12k's of Christmas in Gilbert!  It consisted of a 12k run (7.8 miles), which we did, as well as a 6k and 1.5k walk.  This race was to raise money for local dog rescue groups, so dogs and costumes were welcome.  In our gift bag we were given a dog toy and Santa hat, and of course I had to get into the theme with my outfit!  Can't say the same for Matt.  :)

The race started at 10:00am and by then it was in the 70's with the sun shining bright - making it a warm race, especially for those of us in Santa hats!  We brought Clifford with us, where he met with his BFF Athos and Athos' dad and our friend Ricky.  Ricky was nice enough to take Clifford while we ran - he's the best!  I had a great run for 23 weeks pregnant, although I could definitely feel Jack when he moved on top of my bladder!  The pictures say it all......!!

Names!

We've finally chosen a name (well, at least we think so)!  It took a lot of thought, research, and baby boy iPhone apps.  I wanted a name that fell between traditional and trendy, but Matt was not too keen on the "trendy" part of that equation.  In the end, we have decided on.........

Jack Matthew Zernicke

At least, that's what we've been calling him lately!  I can't imagine we'll come up with a name we like better at this point - but you never know!

Happy Anniversary to Us and Half Marathon!

On Saturday, December 4th we celebrated our first Anniversary and what a memorable first year of marriage it was!  We went to the delicious Italian restaurant Marcellino in Scottsdale, where I chowed down on homemade gnocci and a salad.  The food and experience made for a special night.  We came home to dig into the top of our cake from a year ago, and unfortunately it looked better than it tasted!

On Sunday the 5th Matt ran in the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon - which was special because last year a group of us ran the 5k during our wedding weekend!  We brought Clifford and I spent my first race as a spectator and cheerleader.  Not an easy task for me!!  However, I couldn't have been more proud to see Matt cross the finish line at 1:54 - a PR for him and he has now taken over as family half marathon champion!  Now Matt's sister Missy, my sister Carrie and me all have a time to beat to reclaim the title!   Yea for Matt!!!!!

Where have I even been?!?!

Geez, we find out we're having a boy and then disappear off the blog, huh?!?!  Well, it has been a busy holiday season already and I'll share some of the favorite moments.....

We traveled to Seattle for Thanksgiving where we met my parents, sisters, and brother in law.  My mom's side of the family lives in the Northwest, so it's always a tradition for them to do Thanksgiving at my Aunt Janice and Uncle Rick's house.  We were lucky to all be able to join them this year!  The weekend started out with a fun family 5k - since we all love to run/stay active!  Matt and I braved the cold weather and snowy roads - but it was great to get some exercise in before eating!

After lots of yummy food and a walk down to the cove, we had a baby shower that my wonderful Aunt Janice arranged!  Matt and I haven't bought anything for the baby, so it was exciting to get some adorable clothes and cute accessories!  Makes us more excited, that's for sure!

Other weekend highlights included the Underground City tour, shopping downtown, vegan donuts, Pike Place market and a Wisconsin football win!  All in all, a great weekend with lots of my favorite people!

It's a...........

BOY!!!  I'm not sure I can believe it, but as you can see below it was clear as day!  Of course we're super excited!  The ultrasound went great and we got to see lots of little parts.  Afterward we met with the doctor who had no concerns, which is always a good thing.  I've gained 6 lbs too, in case you were curious.  :) 

 

Well, Matt leaves on Friday to work in Alaska for a week or so, which may be the perfect excuse for me to go shopping for some boy clothes!  Feel free to leave us some ideas for names!

Novemberfest and 18 weeks!

Oops, it's been awhile.  What a nice, busy weekend we had!  Saturday was our annual Novemberfest, where we have people over to sample dark beers and eat lots of "fall" food.  This year we had a ton of food......queso, lil smokies, pumpkin bars, puppy chow, homemade chex mix, brats, pigs in a blanket and of course Luis' famous chicken pot pie!  The boys enjoyed some football and beer while I enjoyed holding my favorite baby Cooper, hanging out with the wives, and eating way too much puppy chow! 

 

Sunday morning we were up bright and early for the Phoenix 10k, which was held downtown.  It was a gorgeous morning!  Of course, Matt and I both had to set goals for ourselves at the start.  Matt wanted to do the 6.2 miles in 54 minutes or less, which I had my doubts about because I knew how much he had drank and ate the day before!  I've been running 6 miles several times a week and usually do those around 1:10 (see! I'm taking it slow!) so I was aiming to finish at 1:09.  The course was two loops, which got exciting when I got LAPPED by the top 4 men's finishers as I was starting the second loop and they were finishing at around 30 minutes.  Wowsers! 

I was feeling great on the run and forcing myself to take it easy, but was so happy to finish with a 1:03 - woo hoo!!  Pretty good for being pregnant!  I found Matt at the finish and was so proud of him when he told me he did it in 52 minutes!  Impressive!  Doing these races together certainly has made our relationship stronger, and it's so enjoyable to cheer for and support each other. 

Well, Tuesday is the big day - we have an ultrasound and hopefully find out the sex!  I am 90% sure it's a girl, and I wish I could explain why.  It could be because I have about 5 girl friends that have had babies in the last few months, all of which were boys.  Several of my friends are thinking it's going to be a girl too.  Of course, I don't have a preference and would be thrilled no matter what!  I think Matt hopes it's a boy....but don't all fathers-to-be feel that way deep down?!?!?!  Check back on Tuesday night for an update! 

1/2 Marathon at 15.5 weeks!

What a great race we had through South Mountain park!  We've ran here several times, so we kind of knew what to expect, but it was a HILLY course.  It was a gorgeous, chilly 7:00am start in the high 50's - perfect running weather!

 *Before the start*

Matt wanted to get under 2 hours (like his fast wife and fast older sis) and I knew I'd be a lot slower, so we parted ways at the start.  After several miles, I figured Matt would have a hard time making his goal because it was just so HILLY.  Definitely the hardest course I've done.  It was a nice out and back, so I was able to wave at Matt as he started his trek to the finish and I was approaching the tough hill to the turn around. 

I didn't really have a goal time, but a realistic expectation of around 2:30 - 2:45 based on my recent past runs.  Despite the hills, I felt pretty good until about mile 9 when I was sick of the hills and was ready for a much needed gel.  Once I got the gel at mile 10, my second on the course, I was feeling good!  It's amazing what happens when you don't have any caffeine for 15 weeks and then all of a sudden take gels with some caffeine - wowsers - I was off!  I surprised myself and finished with a 2:29!!  Matt greeted me at the finish, happy with his 2:05.  All in all, I was ecstatic to meet my goal of doing a half marathon while pregnant.  Matt has his under 2 hour sights set on the Fiesta Bowl race December 5th, which some of us did last year after our wedding.  We'll see if I'm up for that one!

 *2:29 Finish!*

*Matt enjoying a massage at the finish*