Something tells me I won't win blogger of the year.

Ok, I know I'm not super great about keeping this blog up, but I am going to try and be better!

Things are going very well here. We are continuing to love our lives in California as we explore and make new friends. Todd is busy with the residency application process. I can' believe that this crazy medical school journey is coming to an end soon. It seems like just yesterday we were moving in to our teeny furnished apartment in Tower House, Newcastle.

Anyway, I could write about 40 pages of things that have happened over the summer, so I'll share a few pictures and let them do most of the talking.


My baby sister graduated from high school!





The kids continued to be adorable


Noah and I got to travel to Portland for a weekend to see my cousin Melissa get married! It was so fun seeing everyone and being able to hang out with my family.



The heat has allowed for a lot of playtime inside, which makes for a couple of crazy kids (and mom). But not all of the craziness is bad. Here is one of my favorite videos of the kids goofing around :)

California Lovin!

We're here!! The move was stressful, to say the very least, but we are here and getting settled in to Bakersfield. We love it so far! Everyone is so friendly and the neighborhood is so comfortable. Jackson loves the park that's a short walk from our house, and his very own backyard to explore and run in. I think this is going to be a great year!

Totally unrelated, my oldest is a little music lover. Top 40 to be more specific. It gets on my nerves to no end, but it's so darn cute when he sings along to his favorite songs. Here I caught him rocking out to Usher's OMG. Enjoy!!

It's OVER!

Phew! I did it! Two days later and my legs are still useless. I don't really get it because I had been running 12 miles without being sore the next day, but I guess 13 at a faster pace will put your body over the edge.

Early on Sunday morning, I woke up, gulped my coffee and headed out the door for the big race. I made myself some oatmeal but was so nervous I took one bite and could take no more. I was out the door and realized that it was pouring down rain. Great... this was definitely not ideal, especially since I didn't have a rain poncho and was wearing a long sleeved cotton shirt. What was I thinking? I made it to the subway and was able to force a power bar down as I waited for my stop. I looked around the train and there were several other women going to the race. Why did they look so relaxed? Didn't they realize what we were about to do?

I got off at 57th street and had to walk a few blocks to the park, then over to the start. It was still raining, and by raining, I mean pouring. I saw countless women with umbrellas and ponchos talking and laughing and enjoying themselves. I, on the other hand, was already soaked to the bone! A few women even asked if I was OK. haha. I made my way to my seeded corral and prepared to begin the race!

The start siren finally went off and everyone crowded around and went for it! It took me a few minutes to get to the start and off I went! I couldn't believe how different it was from running alone. Women were elbowing each other and cutting each other off. It was crazy. One woman cut me off and fell right in front of me. I had to pull an Apollo and basically jump over her!

Up to mile 8, I felt SO good. I don't know if it was the competition or the rain keeping me cool or what, but I actually thought, you know I think I could do a FULL marathon. This is a cinch! That was until mile 11 when I hit a wall... my legs wanted to give up but I dug deep and told myself TWO more miles... I could do it! I kept my pace up and was even able to go a little faster to the finish. My time ended up being 2:06, which I think is pretty darn good for my first ever half marathon. As miserable as I was after (being completely soaked, freezing, hypoglycemic, etc), I knew immediately that I would want to do another one of these things! I think I am hooked.

I don't usually say this, but I am proud of myself. Being a stay at home mom is the most wonderful thing ever, but I miss the aspect of working where you set goals for yourself, and when you achieve them, everyone congratulates you and thanks you for your efforts. Now, as we all know, being a mom is a thankless job, which is fine, but after I had Noah I was determined to set a goal for myself and reach it. I am so happy that 3 months post baby, I was not only able to reach it, but exceed it. Yes, I am proud of myself. Now off to change a poopy diaper. I love my life :)

It's almost here!

After I had Noah, I went through a hard time. My baby is the sweetest, most wonderful baby that exists, but in conjunction with it being winter, not having family nearby, and those pesky hormones, it was a challenging time for me. I decided that I needed a goal, something to work toward and be proud of myself when I accomplished it. I was on my facebook one day and a friend from high school posted that she had just signed up for a half marathon in NYC on April 24. I didn't even think, I just got the info from her and signed up! Of course right after, I had doubts... would I even be ready for a half marathon 3 months post partum? It sounded like a challenge, but also exactly what I needed. The training started out slow, but gradually I regained my strength and endurance and got my "running mojo" back :)

Part of my training was to run two 12 mile runs back to back weeks. I couldn't believe it when I finished the first time... I did it! Only one mile more for the half marathon distance...

When I signed up for this race, it seemed so far off in the distance, and now it's just a week from today! To be honest, I thought I might back out and find some excuse (kids, etc) not to do it, but now I can't wait! The race takes place in Central Park and I feel really happy that this will be one of my last Manhattan experiences while we're here. I can't wait to do this! Wish me luck! :)

Still alive...

Well it's been a very long time since I've posted so I thought I'd put a post up to prove that we are still alive :) We have been so busy the past few months enjoying so many events from St Patty's day, to a visit from my sisters, a visit from Todd's parents, and Easter. Jackson and Noah have had so much fun getting to know their extended family better and mom certainly enjoyed the extra buddies for Jackson!

We also recently found out that Todd will be completing his 4th year of rotations at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, CA so we are packing up (once again... didn't we JUST do this?) and moving to California on May 13th! I can't believe how fast a year has gone by in NY and I really am going to miss a lot about it, but I am so excited to be moving back to the West Coast and to be closer to family. Hopefully this will be our last big move across the country. I think my two little blonde boys will fit in just fine as California boys :)

Here's a pic of my sisters and I on my balcony. We had such nice weather while they were here!


Here's a pic of J coloring Easter eggs. What a cutie!


My sweet Noah on Easter


The boys together :)

Jackson's 2nd bday!! (a little late I know...)

We've been pretty busy around here so I haven't had time to put up the pictures from Jackson's second bday yet! This boy has grown up so much the past year, it's truly remarkable. He's especially grown up since we've brought his little brother home. I am so proud of him! He speaks in full sentences now, can count to 20, knows all of his ABC's, and knows most top 40 songs better than I do! One of his favorite things to do is go in his room and turn on his radio. haha.

Here are some pics from his big bday party! It was pretty low key since we had just brought Noah home, but we had a blast with friends and we were fortunate enough to have my parents here as well!

Noah Abram

On January 20th at 1225pm, little Noah Abram Curtis made his way in to the world. At 8 lbs 1oz and 21 and 1/4 inches, he was a little bigger than his older brother!







He is such a sweet little guy! He sleeps most of the time, and is a champ at eating :) He is very mild mannered and only wakes up once or twice each night to eat and poop, which mom and dad are very thankful for!

His older brother is getting used to him. If he wakes up before Noah in the morning, he will ask where he is, and if he is sleeping or crying. haha. Jackson does a pretty good impression already :) I think, in time, they will wind up being best buddies!