Mallory family update

Life chez Mallory has been pretty eventful these last couple of weeks. Monday the movers came and took away almost all of our stuff. We still have a few necessities, but the rooms are mostly empty. Sad, sad, sad.

Luckily, the most crucial of our possessions, the jumperoo, is still here for Susannah's enjoyment.
When Peter was packing his uniforms we couldn't help ourselves........

In other news, Susannah has been passing milestones left and right. She can sit up now. (at least for 60 seconds or so)

She really loves to sit up and read her books.

And last week we started solid food. Her first food was a mix of apples and bananas and after the first few attempts which she immediately spit out,


She got the hang of it and really liked it.

She even wanted to use the spoon and feed herself. I guess Mommy wasn't shoveling it in fast enough.


Week two of real food brought our first veggie.....carrots. Susannah was a trooper and ate like a big girl even though she doesn't have a high chair anymore. The car seat is working out okay so far.

She LOVED the carrots.

She is also drinking a bottle every night with a tablespoon of cereal in it so we are so proud of our "big girl." Despite all of these extra calories though, we are still up at 4 am every night for a snack. She will sleep through the night at some point before going off to college, right?

Answered Prayers

Like I mentioned in my birthday post, last weekend I ran the Strasbourg Half Marathon. Even though this race was really just a training run to prepare for the marathon I will run next weekend in Stockholm, it turned out to be one of the most meaningful races I have ever run. For one thing, it was my first race after having Susannah. I have been dreaming about finishing a race and seeing my family there at the end. That dream came true last Sunday.



Secondly, God taught me a lesson during this race. I don't usually talk about my faith on this blog, but I really want to tell this story because it was such an poignant moment for me. Susannah hadn't been sleeping well and I was really tired at the start of the race. I decided to try for my goal time of 1:55 anyway. After the first 5 miles, I was feeling really heavy and tired and starting to doubt that I would break 2 hours when, up ahead of me, I spotted a man who was running with the easiest gait. He didn't seem at all fatigued and he was wearing a shirt that said "Running Gloire a Dieu" on the back. (This means running for the glory of God.) Some of you are going to think I'm crazy, but I felt God telling me that if I just stayed with this guy for the rest of the race, I would accomplish my goal. And I did!! As soon as I started running with this guy, I felt my fatigue lighten and the rest of the race was fun. I finished in 1:54. The reason this was so significant for me though, didn't have anything to do with the race. The race was just a way for God to remind me that if I stick with him and trust his timing and his provision, I can relax and enjoy the crazy ride that is this life. As some of you know, the past month or so have been pretty crazy for our family. And I think it was starting to wear on me. But after the race, I had new assurance that I serve a God that is by my side through the good times and the bad. Okay, I'm finished with my tangent.
Here is my pacer with his cool t-shirt.
This guy totally thought I was insane by the way. He was friendly, but seemed a little overwhelmed by my enthusiasm. I'm pretty sure when he put that t-shirt on that morning, he had no idea what kind of impact it was going to make on this crazy American girl.


Finally, and most importantly, this race was special for me because of the amazing women who have run with me during my time here in Strasbourg. When I left Jacksonville, I left two of my closest friends. They were my running partners, my prayer partners, my friday girl's night out partners, and my shopping partners. I never even thought to pray that God would bring me similar friends in Strasbourg. I thought that finding a church was the most we could hope for. But Christian friends who also ran?? Come on, in France???? Never going to happen! But, like always, God surprised me with his faithful provision. So, this blog entry's main purpose is to tell these women just how much they mean to me and just how much I'm going to miss them.

Here I am with Jill and Pattie, my most faithful training partners. (They even do dreaded speedwork with me!)

And here is the entire group. (Except Louise......why weren't you in there??) From left, Heidi, Pascale, Pattie, Jill, and Danielle.


Danielle, you and Stephanie were always so sweet and patient to let me speak french with you during our runs. And I'm so impressed with the work that you did for the charity in Brazil. I know you will bring so much love and joy to those kids this summer!

Pascale, so beautiful on the inside and out. I should thank you too for your patience with my french. :)

Louise, sorry you aren't in this picture, but I have to thank you for your humor.....it was such a good distraction on those days when I was tired. Don't forget that I'm staying in your apartment in NYC when we run that marathon together.

Heidi, thank you for showing me what it means to trust God with every detail of your life. Can't wait to celebrate your 30th in Cali!!!

Jill, your perseverance, positivity, and strength, especially in the face of adversity, is such an inspiration to me. Without your and Pattie's advice and support, I may not have made it through as a new mom in a foreign country. And, of course, thanks for springing for the cool GPS watch and for letting me borrow it. :)

Pattie, I can't find words, so I'll just say this: You are and will forever be my Alice.

I thank God for each of you and can't wait to get back to Stockholm so we can have our last few "long runs" together.

Olmsted Extravaganza

As our time here in France is drawing to a close, we have been so fortunate to squeeze in several Olmsted visits during these last few months. In March, we were able to meet the Wolfe family for coffee and had such a good conversation, we forgot to take pictures.

Then during the first week of May, we hosted Jen and Brian Hensarling from Belgium. We had such an amazing time and Susannah absolutely loved them.
We spent their first afternoon checking out the Cathedral.
And had an early dinner of the Alsatian "pizza" tarte flambée. The waiter even gave us May Day flowers.

The highlight of their visit, hands down, was our impromptu trip to Europa Park. When I left the dinner conversation to feed Susannah, the topic was public health care. When I returned, it was Europa Park and how we absolutely had to go the next day. As Brian said, "Sometimes the best decisions are made at 10 pm after a few beers." In this case, his theory proved true. Europa Park is the German take on Disney World and Peter and I have been attempting to go for over a year now. But with the pregancy and arrival of Susannah, it hadn't happened. So when Jen and Brian said they loved amusement parks too, we thought, why not? We had a blast. Here we are in front of their princess. (doesn't hold a candle to Cinderella, right?)


The even have a replica of the Epcot Center golf ball.

The coolest thing about this place was its "baby pass." This allowed one couple to wait in line, ride a ride, and then come back with a "baby pass" for the other couple to use to skip the entire line of that ride. It was awesome. And only one ride conductor wanted to see the baby. Everybody else just took our word for it. While Jen and Brian waited in a line, Peter and I entertained ourselves on these balance toys.

What is it about amusement parks that make you think you are 12 again?

Definitely not as cool as Mickey, but fun and friendly none the less.

They wanted to get a look at Susannah, but she was sleeping and not interested.


Susannah was an amazing baby all day at the park. She took two really long naps in her stroller and when she woke up, she still rode along happily.


We did eventually let her stretch her legs and ride around with Daddy and she loved it!



On Jen and Brian's last day, we were lucky enough to have anotherOlmsted couple come through town on their way to Paris. The Reber's from Kiev arrived just in time for a lunch featuring two of the things the French do best; cheese and wine. We had a great afternoon comparing stories and catching up.


Then for Mother's Day weekend, we headed to Munich to visit the Murphy family. They were great hosts. Their children were so sweet to Susannah, even sharing their balloon with her.


We spent our sunny Saturday at "SpringFest" which is the springtime version of Octoberfest. It was perfect.....not very crowded and very family friendly.

We checked out one of the beer halls and got a taste of what the real Octoberfest must be like.

Don't worry......my beer was half lemonade and I only drank part of it.


What better way to digest a liter of beer than to go on the swing ride???

Since the swings made me a little queezy, we decided this ride probably wasn't a good idea.

In Germany, even the carousels have bars......here are Peter, Patrick and sweet Molly simultaneously enjoying a beverage and a ride.

Susan and I watched so we could stay with our napping little ones.


After all the Springfest fun, we were hungry for lunch so we headed for a beer garden for some traditional bavarian fare. It was delicious and Susannah loved sitting outside in the garden.

Sunday Susan cooked us an amazing Mother's Day brunch before we headed home. It was the perfect weekend.

So, we want to say thanks to the Hensarlings, the Rebers, and the Murphys for making our last couple of months so special. We loved getting to know all of you!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Yesterday was possibly one of the happiest days of my life. It was my 30th birthday and the day included so many of my favorite things.......my husband and beautiful daughter, my friends, running, cremant, and lots and lots of dessert. We actually started celebrating on Saturday night with a pre-race pasta party that I hosted for all of my training partners. We were running the Strasbourg half marathon on Sunday morning and we had a great dinner that included home-made chocolate cake covered in 30 birthday candles. Thanks Pattie and Peter!! I was having so much fun that I forgot to take pictures, but we had a great pre-race dinner. Thanks ladies!!
My birthday morning started bright and early at 5:30. (Susannah was just so excited to wish me a happy birthday, she couldn't sleep any longer.) And then at 9:00, I ran my first half-marathon as a mommy. I'll post more about the race later this week. Susannah stayed with Daddy while I ran and.....drum-roll please......drank a bottle after the race. She even held it by herself with her little hands. Best birthday present ever!!

After a quick shower, Susannah and I headed to my friend Jill's house for post-race celebration with dessert and cremant (alsatian sparkling wine.) Once again, having so much fun, forgot to take pictures. It was a great afternoon though. Susannah was a happy camper with all the attention she was getting. And Mommy was a happy camper because of the sweets.....rhubarbe custard pie, chocolate chip cookies, rasberry muffins......ahhh, it was perfect.

Then, when Susannah and I returned home, Peter had a family birthday celebration ready complete with a happy birthday banner, the most beautiful cake I've ever seen, and presents. Meadow was even thoughtful enough to send a present from the US. Here are the pictures that we did manage to take.

The cake was so beautiful and delicious, I barely noticed that my name was misspelled! :)


Susannah helped me open my presents. She liked the ribbons.


Here I am in front of my Joyeux Anniversaire banner:


Susannah wasn't as excited by the cards......


Here I am opening my gift. My shocked face is a result of realizing that I not only got the massage I had been hinting I wanted, but also a pedicure and a special leg massage. The appointments have even been made already by my wonderful husband. The day we get back from Stockholm, those 26.2 miles I ran will be rewarded with some major pampering. Can't wait!!


This picture sums up perfectly why I feel so blessed to be at this stage in my life.

5 Months!

Susannah, I can't believe I am posting a blog entitled 5 months. Where did the time go? How are you already so big and expressive? It excites me beyond words while simultaneously breaking my heart to realize how fast you are growing.
Monday was your 5 month check-up and you passed with flying colors. Weighing in at a whopping 16.5 lbs and measuring 25.5 inches, the doctor has given us the go-ahead to start with solid foods next week. Mommy is hoping this means we can start sleeping through the night. (As of right now, you are still waking up around 4am for a quick 20 minute feeding before going back to sleep until 7ish.)
Here is your official 5 month photo.


You seem to change or do something new every single day. Here are just a few of the things that I have noticed this month. You have officially found your feet and they are often your preferred toys.


You also love playing patty-cake or any other game that involves singing and dancing.



You love being outside. We go to the park everyday and you love it.

You usually take your afternoon naps in the park since you rarely fall asleep during the day without a walk or run in your stroller.

But sometimes you want to be awake so you can show off your fancy sunglasses.


You have really strong legs and love to stand. Your balance is getting better and better. Lately, you only require a little help.


This was a rare afternoon snooze sans stroller. Precious.


You have officially outgrown your borrowed snowsuit. (Thank you Augustant from upstairs!) But it is still a little chilly in the mornings. Luckily Mommy's friend Shannon sent you this adorable sweater. You wear it every morning for our morning run/nap.



It is a good thing that the doctor cleared you for solid foods because you are very interested in our food. You have already grabbed a yougurt and poured it in Mommy's lap. You love looking at the big people food during dinner though.


You love your Daddy as much as ever. He can make you laugh so hard. Watching you guys together is my favorite thing in the world.

Recently you have started sticking your tongue out all the time. Maybe it has to do with teething? I don't know, but lately, your tongue is out more often than not.

Even in pictures when you are trying to smile.....


You still love to talk and squeal and do both all the time. This is the face you make when you are making mommy's favorite sound in the world......your coos.


And of course, your jumperoo is still the biggest hit in the apartment. You have already moved up to level 2 on the height adjustments though. What in the world will we do when you outgrow the thing?


Susannah, you light up my life. Watching you learn and grow is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. Thank you!