HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope you three have a very happy new year! Love you guys! Hope you have fun tonight!

new pictures

still waiting... you have time off so no excuses!

Still waiting on some pictures.........I just checked shutterfly and no Ellie pictures... come on Todd, it is Christmas!!! :P

I just got my Christmas card in the mail...I love it! It made me laugh a lot, Buddy the Elf ROCKS! Thanks so much for the gift cards to iTunes and Target. Sarah, you're an awesome secret santa!!! Very Secrety!

...While you have some time off...

PLEASE TAKE AND POST SOME PICTURES OF ELLIE!!! I want to see pics of all you guys on Christmas... that would be soo nice!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Belated birthday wish...

Happy birthday Sarah! I hope that you enjoy the gift from Derek and me! Only a few more days until Christmas. Hope you are enjoying your break!

8 more sleeps until Christmas!

Only 8 more days until Christmas! Then Ellie can open up her Christmas present from Aunt Tristin and Uncle Derek!

I'm glad that your present arrived, and hope you and Sarah enjoy! Please have Sarah open her present on her birthday... she shouldn't have to wait until Christmas to open a BIRTHDAY present! ;)

Sorry there isn't anything from us to open on Christmas morning, but hey - go ahead and start enjoying the gift now if you want! All our love!!

2 more weeks until Christmas!!!

So I hope that all is going well for your family unit! Derek and I just got back from Vegas (our Christmas gift to each other) and are taking this week to recover from the stress of the pavement.

I do hope that you two have fun plans in place! Derek and I have ordered your Christmas gift, and it should be coming shortly. You'll receive either a phone call (Todd) or an email notification (Todd) for its delivery. I do hope you both enjoy the gift from us - as we do wish you the best this year! Also, Sarah's birthday gift should have shipped and arrive soon... we paid for the gift to be wrapped, so it shouldn't have to stay within the ugly box. It will be coming from Target.

Other than that I do hope you've received the package for Ellie - we shipped that UPS. Anywho, merry christmas to you both - I hope all is well... miss you lots! T&D

3 more weeks!

Christmas is only 3 weeks away! How exciting is this year gonna be now that Ellie will be able to open up her own gifts! I hope the package for Ellie arrives soon, we ended up shipping UPS. Do you have your tree up yet? Please post pictures of how you've decorated your house if and when you get a chance! I love you both, and miss you terribly!

Shedd Aquarium

I love this picture of Ellie at the aquarium

Day after the Turkey Feast!

I hope you three had a nice thanksgiving! I had called mom after our race, and she was getting everything ready. Sounded like Ellie was chit chatting, but being phone shy. Which makes me sad! I miss my little Neice! What a cutie pie! Anywho, I LOVE this picture of you two from Susan's wedding! You both look so nice! All our love, T and D.

Thanksgiving only 3 days away!!!

I hope you guys had a nice time in Chicago! I heard Ellie was the Belle of the Ball during the rehearsal dinner. She is such a little angel. I also heard her outfit was waayy cute! How cool that you put her in the UGG boots that susan and julie got for her! I hope you had a nice time! I also hope that you both are able to enjoy your turkey day! (And possibly load up some pictures from this weekend, if you get a chance!)

Chicago - 1 week away!

Have fun in Chicago! Take lots of pictures, and have a super nice time this weekend!

6 weeks, 4 days until Christmas!

So the countdown begins. I watched Elf yesterday morning, and it always makes me smile, and gets me into that holiday spirit. Yes I know it is early, but it is exciting! Ellie will be old enough to start to possibly unwrap her own gifts.. maybe! I'm super excited!

Haven't talked to you all in awhile, hopefully Sarah is loving her new position, and is still able to work from home on Fridays! Also I hope all is well with Todd... and little Ellie!

3 weeks 3 days until the big turkey... so that is cool too. Ellie will be able to eat her first thanksgiving... and I cannot wait for pictures. I hate being so far away and missing so much, so please keep me posted!!! XOXO! T and D.

Sarah's big day

Sarah just got a promotion at work on Monday! We are both really excited for her as she starts her new position and responsibilities!!!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO~!!!!

I LOVE ELLIE'S COSTUME!!! SHE IS SOO CUTE!!!!!! Gosh Sarah, she looks so much like you! What a lucky little girl... just as cute as a button and as beautiful as her mother! You guys really have a beautiful baby girl!!! What a doll!!!! I wish I was there to hug on her and squeeze her lots!!!!!
Aunt T and Uncle D.

Ellie the Belle

Wow, Grandpa and I are looking at such a beautiful little woodland faerie! I hope she had fun. Thanks for posting the picture.
Grandma Laura

Halloween w/ Ellie

We had a blast for Halloween this year! Sarah, Sara, Curtis, Zach and I all went out for Sushi at Crazy Sushi. We came back to my house just in time for trick or treaters to start coming by. We also dressed Ellie up as a woodland faerie and took her down our street to meet some of our neighbors. Christina also came by and brought some yummy pumpkin pie! All in all it was a fun night, and Ellie was super cute.

Happy Halloween!

Bentley's Frankenstein t-shirt!

10/22/09

Thanks for the card and gift! My birthday was extra special, thanks again!

I love this picture of ellie... she rocks the piggies well. She is soo cute!

10/19/2009

Sorry if you two are getting stressed out. I hardly hear from either one of you so I hope all is going well. Love you both, and have a happy Monday!

Middle of October, weather's changed... and holidays are a-comin'

I'm super excited, the holidays are on their way! Christmas is only 10 weeks and 1 day away! I love Christmas, and the holidays! D and I won't be coming home, and so I hope that you'll take lots of pictures, because I know Ellie will be really into opening her gifts this year! She is such a beautiful little girl. Looks more and more like her mommy every day! ;)

Great seeing you 3!

How wonderful it was to see you all on Sunday! It totally made my month!

It was pretty cool to see Ellie walking, and with such speed! She is an impressive little girl. Very pretty too! I love how she holds on really tight when you hold her. It feels like she is giving you a huge hug! Such a wonderful feeling!

Hope all is well, and that it won't be too long before I see you all again!

~TODAY~

I WANT TO HOLD ELLIE! I'll be in town late tonight, and hope to spend some time with my FAVORITE NIECE!

1 more day!

I cant wait to kiss on that baby!!!!

2 more days!!!

Just 2 more days! I hope that we'll be able to catch up! It is gonna be a whirlwind of a trip! Hope all is well with you both! Plus, don't you two get to see Phantom on Saturday! That should be awesome! I remember seeing that as a kid in Chicago! Have fun!

6 more days!

I'll be in town in only 6 more days! I'm getting ramped up excited! I hope that we'll be able to spend some time together. Del and Diann are having a BBQ at their place Sunday (I'll get your more info as I know it) and you guy and gals are invited! So it could be a lot of fun! I don't expect or anticipate for you two to take off any time off of work, but I'd love to see little Ellie bellie Friday if possible (since I'm free until the BBQ at K's folks)... I guess we can talk about it later. I know you both are busy, and I hope all is well. XOXO! LOVE YOU!

...9 more days!...

Just 9 more days! I'm super excited and cannot wait to see you both!

Todd, I hope your new job is going well. Seems like it is keeping you super busy, though.

Beautiful Ross Family

So Ellie is walking! How cool is that!?!
Dad and I are looking at her beautiful pictures. I love the photo of Ellie sitting on her chair with her hair in the two ponies high on her head; how adorable.

Ellie walking

Yes, Ellie can go about 6 feet without holding onto anything. mom and I will sit on the floor and have her walk back and forth between us!

have a couple cute new pics!

... any unassisted steps? ...

Is Ellie walking yet? I'm not getting any updates, and it is driving me batty!!!!

I'll be in STL in only 15 more days! I hope to see a lot of you three, if possible!

21 days!

I'll be in STL in only 21 days! I'm really looking forward to coming into town, and I know Derek is also. He is really looking forward to seeing little Ellie if possible! I have the wedding rehearsal 10-1 but D wasn't invited, so he'll be hanging out somewhere and would love to see you all. Friday is K's family BBQ - so we're trying to work around her wedding weekend. Sunday we both leave at 5... but we are free before then to visit. I hope you can find some time in your calendar to hang out with your sis and bro-in-law!

Ellie's pretty blue dress

What a pretty baby!!!! Gosh she looks great in that dress!!! She needs to start walking so that it doesn't matter if the dresses are too long! :-D

I can't get enough cake pictures

I just can't get enough of pictures of Ellie covered in cake!

Ellie's Birthday Party

Ellie's Birthday party was a lot of fun. We had a large group over, Ellie ate some cake, and I got to spend some time with my sister!

On a down note, I broke my pinky toe on my right foot.

Tristin is coming to town this weekend!

yay, just a few more days till Tristin is town to see us!

Ellie will be 1 year old on Saturday and we are having cake and snacks to celebrate!

10 days!

10 days! Little Ellie's birthday is coming up, and I'll get to visit! I'm super excited! Is she back in school and feeling better from the hoof and mouth disease? I hope so, sounded painful, poor thing!

Cannot wait to see you all!!!

Grandpa Gerry Visits!

I didn't realize Grandpa came out to visit! How awesome! I'm a little envious that I couldn't be there... but excited that I'll be out soon enough. Ellie is getting so BIG! Look at those chunky calves... she is sooooooooo CUTE!!!! Just 15 more days!!! I'm really excited to be out there too!

hand, foot, and mouth

So, Ellie has Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. we thought that she might over the weekend since a couple kids at her daycare had it and she was showing some signs. We were just hoping it was some diaper rash though... Luckily her case of it isn't very bad, but unfortunately she can't go to daycare all week, because it is very contagious. So I stayed home yesterday, and I'll be home again on Wed and Thurs.

So far it hasn't bothered her at all, which is good. Basically what she has is a viral infection similar to the chicken pox, but instead of itchy bumps the rash is more like little blisters that can be quite painful.

Just 3 more weeks... love the pics!

ONLY 3 more weeks until I get to see you all. Wow, little Ellie has grown so much. It is funny, my hair has grown about 3 inches or so... and she's like almost WALKING. The differences between babes and the elderly. Anywho, I'm sooo excited about coming out!

HUGE HUGS!!!!!!!! Only 18 more days!!!!!

ENVY :-D

You both have such a wonderful life. I am soo incredibly happy for you two. You have a lovely home, are both so supportive of each other, and have a BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL. I am really busting at the seems with happiness for you both, and hope sometime soon, D and I won't be too far away, with a little one of our own. THOSE PLAY DATES LOOK LIKE SO MUCH FUN!

I miss you both! XOXO! Have a super weekend!

Sad News

John Hughes died...

This is a sad day for my childhood.

FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, THE BREAKFAST CLUB, SIXTEEN CANDLES, WEIRD SCIENCE, PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES, UNCLE BUCK, PRETTY IN PINK, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION, THE GREAT OUTDOORS, DUTCH and HOME ALONE.

Fine, new pictures

I've uploaded some new pictures, of her playing with Claire as well as playing with her new toys. She is really close to being able to walk without furniture, toys, and us.

3+ weeks........

So when are you gonna update the pictures? I want to check out little Ellie Bellie! I had my blood drawn today. Stunk. Oh well. Hopefully I'll get some answers soon. Though I am not sure why they were testing me for diabetes. You think with as much cake and candy I eat (when I do) that I'd know if I was a diabetic by now. But they are just testing me for everything... and needed a lot of blood I guess... because I'm about empty!

GOT THE INVITE!!!!!!!

I'm so gonna be at Ellie's first birthday party! I love the invitation, it is sooo cute. The felt stickers are soo cool, and fun to touch! I'm sooo excited and cannot wait to come.

Derek is sad that he cannot make it, and hopes that he'll be able to catch some time with you guys in October when we're out for Kristi's wedding.

Just 28 more days and I'll be in StL! :-D

"I'm so excited! and I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like it... oh yeah!"

176 Pounds!

I am 1 pound away from my goal weight of 175! That means that I have lost 24 pounds in a little over a months time. All my clothes are starting to get a little baggy on me though...

August 29th Is Ellie's First Birthday, YAY! we plan to have a little winnie the pooh and Eeyore themed fiesta and it should be a lot of fun!

Happy 11 months!

I can't believe Ellie is 11 months old already!!!
Only a few more weeks til I'm in the Lou!
I'm really excited too!!! Just 30 more days! YIPPEE!!!!!!!

5 more weeks!

How was your weekend? D and I had a decent time. I can't believe Ellie is 11 months, and so soon will be a year old. It has really flown by so quickly! Of course keeping a training calendar will do that for those w/o babies to watch time rapidly pass. I can't wait to see you all!

Harry Potter 6th movie

YOU LIKED IT! COOL!

I want to see it too! I'm super excited!

(ETA: I DID SEE IT, WEDS NIGHT. IT ROCKED!)

Weekend

Friday night dad and I went to the Cardinals game! It was a lot of fun spending some time with dad. Plus, we kicked the diamondback's butts.

A weird thing happened this weekend... I took a diet vacation, Nachos and beer Friday night, Red Robin and Wendys on Saturday, and White Castle on Sunday. I weighed myself this morning and I lost a pound??? I ended up in Bizarro world.

Sarah and I saw Harry Potter on Saturday night while Sarah's mom watched Ellie. Man, that movie was soo good. I really really liked it! I can't wait for the next two movies now.

6 weeks!

In only 6 short weeks I'll be out for Ellie's birthday bash! I'm super excited!!!!

Harry Potter

I can't wait to see the new harry potter movie this weekend! Sarah's mom is going to watch Ellie for a day so that we can see the movie, and of course, so she can watch Ellie.

October 5k

http://www.209events.com/file/231.doc (this is a 9 week program, to help you achieve a specific time if you wanted.. only after you have a really solid base down.)

I'd use a very slow build-up for your next race to keep you from getting injured. You're cardio (heart and lungs) will be able to last, even though the connective tissues in the body aren't strong enough. That is why overuse injuries are so common... too much too soon. So the beginning will feel very easy, like you can do more... but don't.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090410/running_090412/20090412

Basically what you should do, and I can't really find a good example of this is walk run training. This will help your connective tissue get used to the pounding you'll be asking of them.

EXAMPLE:
Week Run Walk # of cycles
1 1 minute 4 minutes 5
2 2 minutes 3 minutes 5
3 3 minutes 2 minutes 5
4 4 minutes 1 minute 5
5 5 minutes 1 minute 5

Of course, you can take this slower if needed. The most important part about starting out, is that you should take every other day off (or cross train). It was one of the hardest parts for me, is that rest is very important. You should never increase either total weekly miles, or any one run more than 10%. Happy Tuesday! I hope you are enjoying your new bike!

5k results!

I found the 5k results!
http://results.active.com/pages/searchform.jsp?pubID=3&rsID=81091

I ran the race in 39:13 not great, but at least it was under 40 minutes. basically a 12.5 minute mile pace. On the bright side, this leaves plenty of room for improvement!

Mom and dad finished in 41:26... even injured they had great finishing times!

5k run

Here we all are shortly after the race with our Medals! Mom and dad are wearing the t-shirts we got, I wore mine later in the day... I didn't want to wear a cotton t-shirt for a run.

I still haven't found where I can see what our finishing times were... I would really like to know how fast I ran the race so I can set a measure for improvement for my next one in October.

Around 1pm after the race Mom, Dad, and Grandma came over to our house for an AWESOME BBQ. Grandma hadn't seen our house yet so we got to give her the tour. I grilled up a peppered pork loin on my grill, dad grilled up some Brats, Sarah made her famous potato salad, and mom made some corn, cole slaw, and baked beans. Card and Cubbies was on the TV... It was a really great day!

Ellie has some molars coming in, so she has been very sleepy lately. She went to bed Saturday "night" at 4:30pm, slept all night without waking until 8:15am Sunday morning. She even took a nap at 10:30am Sunday and slept for 3 hours. like her dad, she loves her sleep. She has also been in such a great mood lately... she has just been SO MUCH FUN. Oh yeah, Saturday we had a playdate for Ellie with a couple from Sarah's work Matt, Maggie, and little Claire (2 weeks older than Ellie). Those 2 were so cute playing together. We plan on doing it again in a couple weeks, next time we are going over to their house though, since they have a pool!

I can't really tell in these pictures that I've lost 20 pounds. I'm now 180 pounds! 5 more pounds and I won't be overweight any more (according to the army).

The Friday before your 5k!

GOOD LUCK! HAVE FUN! TAKE PICS AND SEND THEM TO ME... you in your bib, and after the race, and other pics of skinny you! HUGS!

Awesomest Child Award

You win the best kid award for being there for mom. I win the most awful kid award for moving so far away....

my night of fyn w/ my supportive son!

todd, you are such a supportive son. thank you for coming to the ER last night. i am sure you didn't want to spend toyr night that way, but it meant so much to me. i was so comforted by your prescence! I AM HAVING A PRETTY GOOD DAY. MY LAP TOP IS MORE DIFFICULT TO TYPE ON THAN A KEYBOARD, SO I WILL ASK DAD to drive me into work tomorrow.
thank you again for your love and support. Sarah, call me or text me and let me knoqw todd does.

Good luck in the race this weekend. Whether you walk or run it, I hope that you enjoy yourself, and stay pain free! The course has some little lollers (rolling hills) but nothing you aren't prepared for. The hills in your neighborhood have a steeper grade, and can aggravate many knee troubles. So I'm hoping the smaller inclines will help to stave off any knee pain. (I'm not sure what your diagnosis is, but runner's knee, pain is worsened running DOWNHILL, ITBAND issues are also associated with pain running down hill, esp at foot impact.)

TOO CUTE!

That was the cutest thing ever! She is soo adorable. Funny that she's banging on your laptop! What a cute baby girl. Derek and I watched this like 5 times! SOO CUTE! MORE MORE MORE!!!

Ellie in my hat

all you have to do is put my colts hat on Ellie's head and she goes into a giggle fit.

6 days till race day

4th of July was a slow weekend for us.

Thursday night Sara, Sarah, and me went to see the proposal and ate at McCormick and Schmicks. it was pretty good, Sarah got Fish and Chips which was awesome... I'm getting that next time when I'm off my diet. Mom and Dad watched Ellie overnight for us which was a nice treat, for them as well as us :)

Mom and Dad dropped Ellie off on Friday morning and we all went to Bread Co for lunch. Nice healthy fast food. For dinner we met up with Sara and Curtis and went to the local Mexican restaurant for my diet holiday, and I ate burritos!

Saturday Jeanne and Gary stopped by for a short while and we went over to mom and dads for dinner. We didn't go out for fireworks because it was past Ellie's bed time and Davey HATES fireworks, they really freak him out.

Sunday was spent playing with Ellie all day on the floor and I made some Chilli mac for dinner.

Monday morning I weighed myself and I have lost a total of 17 pounds so far! I may even hit 180 by the race on Sunday! I'm looking forward to the race this weekend hopefully my knees don't get re-injured from the running.

7/6/09

Did you enjoy your weekend, and get to see the proposal? I hope you did! Just 6 more days until the 5k. I think you get a t-shirt AND a medal! Should be awesome. I am really excited, Todd, and hope you do as well as you are able. Just remember, a race is only a measure of how well you could do ON THAT DAY. Weather, injuries, etc - are factors that play into your final performance! Best wishes!