The excitement was palpable as we prepared to watch Charlie compete in his (and Texas') first ever Ironman competition on May 21. The Ironman is the grandaddy of all triathlon races with a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run (I am pretty sure you have to be just a little bit crazy to willingly submit yourself to something so physically grueling!). Truthfully, the race participants are incredibly inspiring, and Charlie is no exception. He trained for this event for nearly a year, and all of his hard work and determination helped him complete the challenge of a lifetime.
(This video about the race is a few minutes long but definitely worth the time.)
I think Jason might have been just as excited to be there as support as Charlie was to participate! Jason and my dad spent the day tracking Charlie's progress and moving to wherever they could along the course to see him and encourage him as he passed by.
(That is actually Charlie in the middle of the picture...I'm still not sure how Jason managed to find him among all those swimmers!)
Charlie's A&M triathlon team friends made sure he crossed the finish line in style — ha!
We are so incredibly proud of you, Charlie, for your amazing accomplishment! We love you!
About three weeks ago Jason competed in his first Olympic distance triathlon, the TexasMan. He did an awesome job, especially considering that life with a newborn doesn't allow for much training —or sleep! Charlie drove up to be Jason's cheering section and took lots of great pictures so that Luke, Nathan, and I could see him in action...
I should have known saying aloud that things are going smoothly would mean that an epically challenging day would be just around the corner. Deep breaths...
I am grateful to report that my first few days alone with both boys have been good (though I may or may not have still been in my pajamas when Jason got home tonight — don't judge). I am learning to just take a deep breath during those inevitable moments when Nathan needs me while I am feeding Luke and the phone is ringing in the background. Sometimes chaos cannot be avoided, but those moments pass. We are making strides in the three-year-old department, which is a great relief. Having several simple activities ready for Nathan seems to help the day go more smoothly. He had a great time playing with a bowl of flour and sprinkles this morning, and any mess that was made was more than worth it...
Sweet Luke has been really wakeful (up for more than three straight hours this morning at just three weeks old). He is such a relaxed, precious little guy...
Nathan is constantly wanting to give his brother hugs and kisses. He tells Luke, "You are just the cutest baby I have ever seen!"
