Month: April 2018

Nonna and Grandpa Come to Visit

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

Despite having an awful weather weekend (40s and rain), it was a GREAT weekend. Why? Because my parents (Nonna and Grandpa to FW) came to visit.

Friday, they got in earlyish, so they were able to join me for daycare pickup! We picked up FW and then got some pizza from our favorite place, Marotta’s.

FW even ate a whole slice!

Then it was time for some reading and relaxing before they put him to bed. I love how when my parents come to visit, they take the lead on most diaper changes and bedtime. 

Saturday morning, we hit up the Zoo and Rainforest! It was cruddy and cold and wet, so we spent most of the time indoors.

FW probably watched this baby orangutan for at least 5 minutes.  It was playing around with its mom and swinging around. 

We then met up with B for lunch at a local deli/diner. I got some GREAT matzo ball soup and a HUGE corned beef sandwich. 

This was the half sandwich. There was like 5 lb of meat on here.

That afternoon, while FW napped, my mom and I got pedicures!

Then, it was time for more reading.

Sunday was pretty low key. We enjoyed some breakfast at Luna with my parents before they got on the road back to NY.

My go-to at Luna…love their yogurt and granola!

And then in the afternoon, we did some work on the house (it’s never ending!). By we, I mean B did, while I entertained FW.

Oh, and FW took a nap in HIS BED, which never happens so I was pretty happy with that. He loves napping in the stroller and in the car, but barely in his bed (especially since he can just get up and get out of it, which is what he did at first).

AND while FW slept, the CAVS won! I’m hoping we get another great series in this year with a better ending than last season. Who’s with me?

That night we enjoyed dinner with B’s family. FW got in some good cousin time, as usual. I love that he loves hanging out with them!

Some questions for you:

  • Was it cold near you again? Or did it feel like spring?
  • Do you like matzo ball soup?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

GIVEAWAY: Cleveland Marathon (or half, 5k, 10k, etc.) Registration!

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 14 Comments

You guys – guess what?! I’m so excited to be doing a giveaway for one of my favorite events coming up – the Cleveland Marathon!

As a Cleveland Marathon Ambassador, I get to give away a race entry to one of you! You could receive one complimentary race code for any of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon events! That includes the Kids’ Run, 1 mile, 5k, 8k, 10K, Half or Full Marathon events that will be the weekend of May 20, 2018.

I have participated in the Cleveland Marathon for more years than I can remember. While pregnant, before baby, post baby, etc. Through different parts of my life, the race has been with me!

I think this was 2014 – I ran it with my sister-in-law!

If you’re looking for a great race with a great course, amazing history, great spectators and relatively flat terrain (note relatively), I highly recommend you check out the race!

Mary and I last year during the race – the crowds around W 65th were some of my favorite!

AND If you haven’t registered, you can win registration. 

Here’s how to enter – these are all worthy of separate entries so – please leave a separate comment for each way you choose to participate!

  1. Leave a comment on this post. You can explain why you want to run the race OR if you’ve run before, your favorite part of the race. OR just tell me your favorite running mantra. What keeps you going?
  2. Follow @koskim (me!) on Twitter and leave comment telling me you did.
  3. Like I Crashed The Web on Facebook.
  4. Follow @koskim (me!) on Instagram and leave a comment telling me you did.
  5. Follow @clevemarathon on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you did
  6. Tweet the following: “I want to run the @clevemarathon with @koskim!  http://bit.ly/2HUNAoJ #runcle #clemarathon” and leave a comment telling me you did. You can do this once a day for the entire giveaway time, just remember to leave comments for each time you do it!

The giveaway will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 27.

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Me – this past weekend … the reason I’m hobbling instead of running

 

Day Off, A Shower, A First Communion, A Party and SPRING

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

This was definitely one of those weekends that felt like 3 weekends in one. We did quite a bit of fun things, that it felt like we packed a few different weekends in – which was fine with me! I’m trying to get as much in before baby #2 shows up in a month or so!

Friday ended up being a partially work-from-home day and partially watch-my-toddler-whose-daycare-is-closed-but-I-forgot day. Whoops. It’s okay – I was able to get a super early start on the day (hellllllllo third trimester not being able to sleep late but also being so tired all the time) and start working at the crack of down so that I was able to also spend some time in the afternoon with FW.

Thankfully, the day included some homemade bagels. This breakfast sandwich is from Cleveland Vegan and it’s pretty amazing – who knew I’d love vegan eggs and bacon?

We are members of the history museum, so around 4 p.m., we headed over there to check out their new dinosaur exhibit before they closed. LOVE being a member – we were able to get there 1 hr before they closed and explore for as little time as we want!

One of FW’s favorite part of the museum? Staring outside at the waterfall!

He’s also a big fan of the stegosaurus out front.  a

And since were only a few blocks away, we hit up Little Italy for dinner! Mama Santa’s pizza, salad and mozzarella sticks FTW. FW even had a few bites of the pizza and mozzarella sticks. 

Saturday morning, we spent some time outside. It was sunny and in the 40s, which felt so good compared to the weather we have been having. Dare I say it felt springlike?

That afternoon, it was time for my sister-in-law’s wedding shower. I can’t believe Mary is getting married this summer!

It was Parisian themed and my amazingly talented mother-in-law made tons of delicious desserts, including cream puffs and macarons. 

Aren’t they adorable?

That afternoon, we spent some more time outside. FW got chalk in his Easter basket, so we finally pulled it out and got to work on the driveway while B did some yard work.

B also made dinner – taking advantage of the springlike weather, he decided to grill. It was the perfect meal for the weather!

Sunday morning started with FW’s cousin’s First Communion! It was a gorgeous day for the Mass.

AND the celebration that followed – my sister-in-law had an amazing spread, and we spent the afternoon with family enjoying the nice weather and what finally felt like spring.

The party lasted all afternoon, and then it was time for FW to get in a late nap while we strolled him somewhat outside. We did some more chalk playing (anything to stay outside!) while B did yard work. Hooray for spring! I hope it stays this way.

Some questions for you:

  • Did it finally turn to spring for you?
  • Did you get in some good outdoor time this weekend?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Sprinkle, Sick and Spring?

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

Happy Monday! We had a schizophrenic weekend in terms of weather. We started off with some sunny and 70 degree weather and ended with 30s and rain. Thus is Cleveland’s spring!

With the warm weather on Friday, it was the perfect day to enjoy a brightly colored smoothie.

Our carefree Friday ended early though, with a call from daycare to pick up a sick FW. So we spent time on the porch with a sick toddler — at least we spent the afternoon outside enjoying the warm weather.

We continued with pizza for dinner on the porch.

Saturday morning started with a trip to the lake to watch the fish and the geese. FW seemed to be feeling a little better.

FW loved looking at the fish, but here’s a picture of the geese.

Then, it was time for brunch for me!

My friends are the best; they threw me a little sprinkle to celebrate baby #2, and I am so grateful.

That afternoon, we had plans to go to an Indians game. B and I were going to drop off FW and go out, just the 2 (or 2.5) of us. But things changed when FW’s fever turned into a stomach flu when he threw up while sitting on my lap. Toddler sick with a stomach virus and fever does not make for a good combo. We hung out with him the rest of the afternoon and he seemed to be feeling a little better by nighttime.

Since B’s mom already had plans to watch FW she came over after we put him to bed and B and I went out to dinner. It was our first grown up date in a while and it was fun! We had a pretty good meal at Trentina, followed by some ice cream.

This was our dinner – see that candle? It was made of beef – so when it melted you dipped your bread in it!

Of course, I had room for dessert. Cookie butter ice cream – even though it was 30 degrees (B thought I was crazy).

Sunday was a pretty lazy day. It involved lots pouring rain, so we stayed inside with FW while he recovered. We did do a little shopping and I finally got to take advantage of this!

That evening, we had dinner at B’s parents’ house and celebrated his sister’s birthday! FW loved singing happy birthday – it’s one of his new favorite songs!

We also watched the Cavs game … sadly, they lost, but FW had his gear on.

Some questions for you:

  • Are you watching playoff basketball?
  • Did it feel springlike near you?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Tuesdays on the Run: Spring Race Training Update

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

Last Tuesday was the first Tuesday I skipped a running update in a loooooong time. Why? Because, well, to be honest, I’m not really running these days.

It hurts me to type it and makes me sad, but at 34 weeks pregnant, I need to take it a little easier than I have been.

I also hate that I clearly recall last pregnancy being able to run and at a decent pace at this time last time around. I hate comparing myself to others – and even more, hate comparing myself to myself. The last time I ran (and by ran – in full disclosure, it was a run/walk), it hurt. Not just during the run, but for several hours after I was sore.

So, my spring race training update? It’s TBD. I still have plans to participate in the Cleveland Marathon to some degree, right now the 5k/10k challenge series (the 5k is Saturday and 10k is Sunday) is on my bucket list. I would like to walk both of the events, even though they’re within a few days of my due date. So fingers crossed – I make it to the date and get to participate again!

And if you’re thinking of running any of the events that weekend, use the code MCCLE10 – you’ll get 10% off your entry fee.

AND good news – as a race ambassador I’ll get an entry to give away! So stay tuned for an upcoming post where I’ll have a giveaway for you.

Some questions for you:

  • How is your spring running?
  • Mommas and mommas-to-be – how did you stay active while pregnant?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Brrr, Where Is Spring?

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

Okay, winter – I’m done with you. Really – I’m done and ready for warmer weather and less SNOW.

We had snow again this week – not so much – and even though we had a clear, mostly sunny weekend, it was still COLD. Like, 32 degrees high kind of cold. BRR! Still, it was a jam packed weekend with tons of stuff to do … but we bundled up, that’s for sure.

Thursday night, B and I went out! We went to see the comic, Gary Gulman, with one of my coworker/friends who is moving. We first grabbed sushi and mochi and then got to the show.

Gary Gulman is great. I’d seen him before and he did a few of my favorite sets, including this one:

Friday night, after I did a little shopping with some of my sisters-in-law, B and I ordered some pizza and spent the night in. I was pooped after our late night out Thursday, and the lack of sleep I’ve had lately. (Thank you third trimester and toddler!)

Saturday included some brunch at one of our favorite locales, Luna. FW enjoyed some scone and bites of eggs. I love their yogurt and granola.

Saturday we also went to our first Indians game of the season! Even though we are sharing season tickets and had plans to go to Sunday’s game, we had snagged club seats. B, FW and I went with B’s brother and our nephew.

Sunday was jam packed with stuff to do. As in, I left the house a little before 10 a.m. and didn’t get home until 9:30 p.m.!

We started off the day with a bridal shower for my friend Cuoghi.

Me and the beautiful bride-to-be.

After the bridal shower brunch, it was time for another Indians game! This one was a COLD one – even colder than the day before, not only because we were sitting in the shade, but because of the temps. They even announced that it was the coldest game ever played at the field in history!

Thank goodness we ended up with a walk-off home run to win, 3-1. 

We were bundled up. 

After the game, it was time to head over to B’s family’s house for Sunday dinner. We were celebrating his grandma’s 89th birthday! And we enjoyed some wedding cake samples from B’s sister, who is getting married this summer.

Not bad for a busy weekend? Not a lot of exercise or movement, but a lot going on!

Some questions for you:

  • Do you like baseball?
  • Have you ever planned a bridal shower?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

This Post Is Mainly Food: One Sentence Per Photo

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

After looking through my photos from the weekend, I realized that it was nearly all food. Yup, all my photos from this weekend are food. With a side of Easter. So here we go- a food-centric post for Easter, one sentence per photo.

FW got to FaceTime with Uncle Greg while he was in the U.S. for a bit – of course while eating his dinner.

The 3 of us went out for some vegan food and I had a really good vegan gyro at Cleveland Vegan.

FW didn’t really like his vegan chocolate chip pancakes. 

I baked – this lemon blueberry cake/bread is reallllly good.

Saturday was brunch with the girls – courtesy of my friend Cuoghi, whose fiancé is a chef – so naturally we started with some donuts. 

And three different kinds of deviled eggs. 

And then two salads (because obviously we need our greens and beets). 

I ordered the French toast – I definitely enjoyed it. 

The steak and eggs was the winning dish, though, which makes sense since we were at steak house. 

Shrimp and grits and pulled pork was pretty good too.

We spent the afternoon chair shopping for the new baby’s room.

And since it was nice out, we spent some time outside!

After a nap, it was time to color eggs with Grandma.

We also played with her dancing bunny and got excited for Easter!

FW and B were twins for the day (wearing the same clothes), in case you couldn’t tell.

Easter Sunday meant finding Easter eggs in the house!

Followed by church, and then a loooooooong brunch with B’s family – we got home at 5:45!

But weren’t just eating, we were posing for photos, too.

And petting dogs.

And even took a short walk to the lake when we were done.

It was seasonably cold for Easter (especially after being 50s on Saturday!), but still great to be outside. And now – on to April!!!

Some questions for you:

  • If you celebrate Easter, do you do an Easter egg hunt?
  • Do you have any recliners or comfy reclining/rocking chair recommendations?
  • Was it warm this weekend near you? It was 50s on Saturday! And then down to 30s on Sunday 😦 

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!