H to the Izzo

Harps has known T her whole life.  T was one of her very first visitors, and of course, T had her camera.  Because T loves my kids, we have an amazing photo doc of the life of H to the Izzo.  From the tiny babe with sensitive skin, to the crying babe who made us sleep deprived, to the darling babe with a smile in her eyes - T captured it all.

T's Vision

T loves Bennett.  And, T loves photography.  She is pretty much a rockstar with a camera in hand.  The Prose Family has been fortunate to have their adventures captured by her vision.  So, here's a glimpse.  Let's begin with B through the eyes of T...

We have a bestie.  Her name is T.  We are lucky, because T loves B.

Race Day

One cold evening last March, AP came home and told me he registered for the Twin Cities Marathon.  I was not surprised, as AP often comes home with some pretty outlandish ideas (remember Prose Park?? or the curling/rollerskating rink??).  I was not surprised when he went out and bought fancy, new running gear, or when he printed out a training program.  I didn't even flich when he actually did some running.  What stunned me was when, three weeks later, he was still running.  Yesterday, after months of training, AP ran his first marathon. I can honestly say, I have never been more proud.  I spent a lot of time holding my breath, and back the tears.  Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera - so below are pics from my phone.  Fortunately, my bestie is a fantastic photog, so more pics to come.

 The day began with bundling up the kiddos.  It was chilly, but the sun shone brightly.  A perfect day for a run.  With 10,000 of the 11,000 runners wearing white shirts, it was difficult to spot AP, but the chip in his shoe sent us text updates.  Bennett cheered on the runners by screaming, "You're super fit!!"  "Lookin' good!"  and my favorite "Hey, have you seen my Daddy??"

 We saw #3871 at mile 14, and he was looking good.  He threw us his gloves, as he ran by.  Most of the race he spent with GnR, but he did find some time to chat with a lovely women who  gave him a boost of energy at mile fifteen.  His foot started to get sore around mile seventeen, and he ended up walking a few minutes; especially up the big mile eighteen hill. 

 Thanks to Colie & T for the co-parenting, and Wes, Rita and the Krueger family for the cheering  section.  If you missed it - He finished strong.  He looked good.  And, he'll do it again.

 

no love

poor AP... he gets no (blog) love.  it's about time that this man gets the recognition he so rightly deserves.  AP is a man of many talents.  those of you who know him well, can attest to his various skills - including, but not limited to waterski jumping, pig farming, skateboarding, carpentry, the culinary arts and general multi-tasking.  our house would not be able to function without AP. while the kids and i spent the summer galavanting across the tri-state area - AP was working at the hotel, fletcher's and home.

one of his many at home projects included re-doing the floors on our main level and entry way.

he also spent a day or two hanging things around the house; new kitchen hardward, towel racks in the bathrooms, pictures and paintings everywhere and (bennett's favorite) a coat rack for the kids.

AP worked two jobs this summer, fathered two children, was the husband to one crazy woman, had back surgery and yet somehow continues to train for his first marathon. (again, those of you who know AP are not surprised.)

When I fell in love with this man, I so admired his motivation and work ethic.  At times over the past 12 years, I have despised his motivation and work ethic.  He is who he is.  He  is always doing something, or planning to do something, or on the way to Home Depot to get something to do. Regardless of what project he is working on, or what job he is getting done, AP always puts his family first.  He does what he does for us.  He is a remarkable father and husband. 

much love AP.  only love.

hei-ya

ka·ra·te : a noun

 /kəˈrɑti/ Show S

1.  a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by striking sensitive areas on an attacker's body with the hands, elbows, knees, or feet

 

2.  a sport based on this method of self-defense

 

3. Bennett's dream come true 

 

progression

this post is strictly for posterity...

Month five

Month six

Month seven

Month eight

Month nine

Prose Family 4.0

The first weekend in August, we traveled to Wayzata Beach for our annual family photos. Tamara and Doug were able to schedule us early in the morning, which seems to be when our family is highest functioning. I was a little nervous, as Haper was in the first of many "phases".  When I say "phase" I mean crying all day and night... (aside note: she has moved out of that phase, thankfully.) Doug and Tamara were great with both kids, and we had a nice morning on the beach - sans swimming.