Epidural legs and 2 bikes on his back.

Now that's a title. During the course of our marriage, Mark has supported, encouraged, inspired, taught, entertained, motivated and provided for me. But along with these great things, he has also provided many occasions when I feel more than one emotion strongly.

The first one that comes into mind is my labor with Ethan. If you have ever had an epidural you know that sometimes it can make your entire lower half go numb. While in labor with Ethan, my legs kept sliding off the bed. I had NO control over what was going on down there. I guess this was a hilarious sight for Mark and my Mother, because they pointed and laughed for like, hours. As I welcomed the distraction from labor, I was laughing, but the same time furious with him. I hated him playing with my dead epidural leg, but I couldn't stop giggling like it was the funniest thing I had seen EVER.

The latest crazy duel emotion onset was just yesterday during our bike ride with the kids. We were so motivated to go on our first bike ride as a family, we didn't think for one minute that 8 miles might be a little long for our 8, 5, and 3 year old children. Nooooo, we said- they go at least that many miles around our cauldesac every night!
So we set off, the first 5 miles were GREAT; sunny day, birds chirping, happy kids....and at one point, Mark even leaned over and held my hand while we were both riding. (Which if you ever do that, make sure when you let go, you just let go- NEVER pull away.) It was a movie-moment.


Then the first whine happened. Then the second. Then the third. Until it was a full blown- we need to stop or all the kids will DIE whining. So we stopped, and the older two decided they were done. So the following conversation happened-

Mark: "OK, if you guys are done, get in the trailer." "Manda, help me strap these bikes to my backpack."


Me: "Are you sure that is going to work?" (Really saying- "That is the stupidest idea I have ever heard, let's just make the kids ride it out...we can go slow.")

Mark: "Can you just help me?"

Me: "Alright." (Really saying- "I still think this is dumb, but I think it's kind of hot how you want to adapt and overcome.")

Mark: (strapping the bikes on his back) "Yeah....er...this is going to work...we just have to go quickly...(grunt).....(curse word)......ok, let's go."

So this has to be, hands down, the HOTTEST and STUPIDEST thing ever.



I'm happy I married a Marine- Mark refuses to say "I can't." If it was just the kids and myself, you couldn't have paid me enough to even ATTEMPT that.

Bye-Bye Stroller, Hello Bikes!

Dear Stroller,
We have had a great relationship. You have been there for me in times of need and distress. You have been strong enough to hold my purse, diaper bag, smallest child, and usually a jacket or two. Your straps have been a saving grace to hold down the kicking and screaming 2 yr old. You have had juice spilt on you, crackers crumbled into your fabric, and never said a word. You have traveled through many states, amusement parks, zoos, malls, State fairs, and MANY walks with us. Thanks for your unconditional support. It's been real, but the time has come to let you go.
Your grateful friend.

This will be the first stroller-free Spring, and I have to tell you- Mark and I are so excited to move into the phase where we can go biking! The kids are LOVING this time together. We took off Ethan's training wheels, and he needed no help at ALL! We are headed to Western MD rail trail tomorrow to go for a long family ride!