Congratulations Diana NyadNever Give Up

Not sure if Diana Nyad is a grandmother, however at age 64 she is an inspiration to this Oma. 

Endurance swimmer Diana Nyad, right, and her trainer Bonnie Stoll hug
after Nyad walks ashore in Key West, Fla. after swimming from Cuba.
(J. Pat Carter / Associated Press / September 2, 2013)

The #1 Google search in the world on September 23-24, 2011 was the then 62-year-old Diana Nyad's valiant attempt to swim the seemingly impossible 103 miles between Cuba and Florida, without a shark cage. 1.3 million Twitter fans followed Diana as she lived out the message of living life large and chasing our dreams, no matter our age. Despite potentially deadly Box Jellyfish stings, Diana courageously continued toward the other shore for 41 long hours, eventually compromised by the physical effects of the stings.

Diana is not one to quit. August 2012, a year later, she again faced the seemingly impossible, this time with a secret weapon: a jellyfish suit, a thin nylon covering that prevents stings. But again, Diana's Xtreme Dream was not to be. She swam 51 hours, 5 minutes, much of the country following her every stroke. Again the jellyfish attacked, striking her repeatedly on the lips, where the nylon suit opens to allow her to breathe. There were life-threatening lightning storms. Large sharks circled below her. The powerful Gulf Stream current literally spun the Teams fleet compasses in circles, shoving Diana on a winding route of nearly 100 miles through the water!

However, never giving up, last Monday the 64-year old athlete made her extreme dream come true!

Two miles from the end of the swim Monday morning, Nyad stopped to address her support crew.

"This is a lifelong dream of mine and I'm very very glad to be with you," she told her team, according to an update on her website. "Some on the team are the most intimate friends of my life and some of you I've just met. But I'll tell you something, you're a special group. You pulled through; you are pros and have a great heart. So let's get going so we can have a whopping party."

In the end, emerging from the great big ocean wearing a blue swimming cap and goggles -- and having swum roughly 110 miles in 52 hours and 54 minutes -- Diana Nyad still had enough strength to walk ashore Monday.

Upon reaching shore at Smathers Beach in Key West, Fla., Nyad had three things to tell the mob of onlookers who had watched her achieve a lifelong dream.

“One is, we should never ever give up,” said a slightly dazed Nyad, whose slurred remarks were received with a roar by the crowd. “Two is, you’re never too old to chase your dreams.

“Three is, it looks like a solitary sport, but it’s a team," Nyad concluded and then was taken away on a stretcher for medical examination.

Congratulations Ms. Nyad! Oma thinks of you often as she swims her laps.

Membrane Sweep

You are never too old to learn! Oma had never heard of a Membrane Sweep. Nevertheless, they are a common option when a baby is over his/her due date.

A membrane sweep is a way of bringing on labor when you're overdue. During an internal examination, the doctor sweeps a finger around the cervix (neck of the womb). This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from the cervix. This separation releases hormones (prostaglandins) which may kick-start labor.

A membrane sweep increases the likelihood that labor will start within 48 hours. It has a higher chance of working if the cervix is already softening and preparing for labor. It doesn't increase the risk of infection for mommy or baby.

Source

Baby Pastrana

Travis Pastrana and his wife, Lyn-z Adams Hawkins Pastrana, became the proud parents of a baby girl on September 2, 2013. The news broke on social media after Pastrana posted a photo of his new family with hashtags “#199andAhalf” and “#babyPastrana.”

The family hasn’t released the name of their new daughter yet, but they plan to spend the remaining months of 2013 spending time with family before heading out for a Nitro Circus Live Tour, which starts January 2014. 

Reef’s Dad follows the Pastranas because Travis and Lyn-z are well-known skateboarders. Reef’s Uncle Moses raced against Travis Pastrana in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West a few years back. Oma got to meet him at a few races; Travis Pastrana was a gentlemen.

It will be interesting for Oma to watch Baby Reef and Baby Pastrana as they grow.  Maybe these two will meet at an X-Game sometime in the future.

#199andAhalf #babyPastrana

Still Waiting for Reef

Mom and Dad went to the doctor's yesterday.  Everything is still going well with no complications viewed.  The doctor thinks that Reef will be a big baby.

Baby Enhancing Oma’s House

Thanks to friends and Family, Oma and Opa’s house is ready for Baby Reef. Oma received all the necessities for infant care.

Graco Travel Lite Crib

 

Graco is a Newell Rubbermaid company, continuing to build on over a half-century of success in the childcare and baby care industry. Graco is committed to designing and manufacturing top-quality products that are inspired by the needs of both parents and babies.

Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages Features:

• 2-level bassinet that adjusts as your baby grows
• Quilted mattress pad
• Canopy with soft toys
• Space saving design
• Compact fold

Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 Travel System

 

Built to tackle the rugged terrain of hiking trails or European cobblestones with ease, these strollers gracefully navigate the urban landscape and country roads with equal aplomb. It’s easy to pack for all sorts of adventures with cup holders and storage baskets ready to stow snacks and supplies.

All-weather features keep you prepared and baby protected for whatever Mother Nature dishes out. With all-wheel suspension for a super smooth ride and one-hand steering maneuverability, it's hard for fussy babies to stay awake.

• Multi-position "Memory Recline" seat
• 3-position leg rest and flat recline
• Linked one touch rear brakes and all-wheel suspension
• Reversible laminated canopy
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Fisher Price Ocean Wonders™ Cradle ’n Swing

 

With a turn of the seat, you can soothe baby with two different ways to swing: side-to-side cradle-like motion or head-to-toe swinging motion! Six swing speeds, eight songs (soothing and playful) and nature sounds offer baby more variety. And the motorized mobile and water globe with changing lights and swimming friends inside entertain baby from overhead. The toy tray with sliding beads is removable. The seat reclines to two positions and the seat pad easily removes for machine washing. Sturdy steel frame folds for storage.

Use from birth until a child becomes active and can climb out of the seat – up to 25 pounds.

Fisher Price Rainforest Infant Bath Tub

 

It makes bath time more comfortable for baby and Oma, and grows with your child from newborn to toddler. The Rainforest theme coordinates with your other Fisher-Price babygear, and a drain with plug makes emptying and cleaning easy. Approx. 32” L x 19” Width x 10” Height.



Infantino Whale Tummy Time Mat

This unique playmat offers baby a whale of fun. Soft and plush, it features several activities to amuse baby, including a mini-aquarium with three floating sea creatures, various textures and detachable plush toys. The arrangement of the activities allows baby to development arm and neck strength as Reef reaches and plays.

• Plush prop-up play mat for tummy-time fun
• Helps baby develop arm and neck strength
• Mini-aquarium with three floating sea creatures
• Growth chart for measuring baby
• Detachable play pals
• Comfy prop-up pillow
• Measures 19" x 36"

As you can see Reef, Oma and Opa are ready for you. Oma has not used all these wonderful gadgets yet. However as soon as Oma does she will let you know how well they work.

Again many thanks to Reef’s Aunt Jennifer and Aunt Mary Sherry for their generosity.

Labor Day

Oma spent today working and waiting for Reef. However, late in the afternoon, Oma and Opa were invited to an impromptu Labor Day House Party.

Labor Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.

For a little Oma history, it should be known that Opa was instrumental in Oma’s involvement in a labor union. Opa belonged to the Local 230 – the Plumber’s Union. Opa would always tell Oma, you need to stand up for your fellow workers and a good Union will do that.

Mom-to-be

at Labor Day Party

Oma worked as a probation officer for over twenty-three years. For the last twenty years of that wonderful career, Oma was proud to be involved in the SEIU Union.  Oma served on three labor contract negotiations and was the Union Chief Steward.

Back to the main topic of this post Reef, Oma and Opa went to Derek and Hannah’s house for a Labor Day party. It was lots of fun; great company and scrumptious food. Your mom and dad were there too. There was also an uninvited guest – a big rattlesnake. Your Dad and Opa tried to capture it but it got away in a big agave. Rattlesnakes are a danger we will teach you about!

 

We met a new family and Aaron was nice enough to give me their recipe for Avocado Quinoa.

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Quinoa
• 3 Cups of Water
• ½ Chopped Red Onion
• 1 Chopped Tomato or 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes Quartered
• 2 Avocados Cubed
• 1 Bunch Cilantro
• 2 Limes Juiced
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Directions: Bring the Quinoa to a boil with water; reduce to simmer until water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes). Let Quinoa cool; then add remaining ingredients - add the Avocado last.

The Avocado Quinoa was delicious and I cannot wait to watch you pick avocados from our trees so that we can fix this recipe together.

I hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day as much as we did!

Waiting for Reef

Today, August 31, 2013 is finally here – Reef Smith’s due date. You (Reef) have a huge loving family waiting for you. It has been a tough week for this Oma because, well frankly, Oma is not a very patient person. Oma cannot wait to meet you! However, staying busy does help the time pass.

Oma did spend the week productively. Here is a snapshot of a typical week in Oma’s busy life:

Monday – Oma and Opa had to go shopping. Not only were the cupboards bare; Oma’s laptop computer died on the trip back from Sonoma. Oma’s laptop was pretty old and well used. Off to Cost-Co we went.

Oma and Opa purchased a HP Envy 17. This laptop offers powerful performance, top-notch audio, long battery life and a full 1080p display in a stylish package. So far Oma is pretty happy with the laptop; however, the learning curve is still a struggle. It took Oma an entire day to set-up the Outlook & Roboform!

Tuesday - Oma had to work really really diligently to get back on track (pun intended) after the wonderful five days with your Uncle Moses and Auntie Sitara AND losing her laptop. Nevertheless, the time spent with family and getting to spend time at the Sonoma Raceway was priceless.  You will soon learn that Oma is a race nut!  Oma even has two race blogs NASCAR Race Mom and Kids of NASCAR.  Oma is optimistic that Reef will share her and Uncle Moses' love of racing.

Oma with Mario Andretti
(a retired Italian American world champion racing driver)

Wednesday – Oma was able to take an afternoon pause and go swimming. However, most of the day was spent preparing the Hasa Newsletter. Oma works for Hasa Pool Products  in the Media/Communications Department. Hasa produces the purest, strongest fastest working liquid chlorine available. Oma hopes to teach Reef how to swim soon!

Thursday – Oma was off to the casino this afternoon. Pala Casino offered Oma a free buffet to help her celebrate her birthday! It was lots of fun. The meal was tasty and the gambling did not relieve Oma of too much cash.

Then Oma joined your Mom, Aunt Heather and Cousin Belle for a pedicure; the perfect way to relax while awaiting your arrival. Pedicures are a safe and healthy way for Mommy to feel beautiful during her pregnancy.

Friday – The end of the month is always busy for Oma. Besides all the end of the month Hasa work, there is plenty of accounting tasks need to be done for your father and his plumbing business. Luckily, Zack Smith Plumbing and Contracting is getting busy again. Oma is wondering . . . . will Reef one day join his father in the family business?

Friday was also homemade pizza night – one of Opa’s favorite meals. Besides cooking, Oma spent most of her day getting caught up on her Hasa work. Reef’s dad stopped by for a slice of cheese pizza and to sign his State Contractor’s License Renewal form. It was nice to spend a day at home.

Saturday (today) – It continues to be hot and muggy. I am sure that your Mom is happy that Reef’s due date is finally here. However, babies are often not on time.

So in the meantime, Oma is doing huge loads of laundry. Unfortunately the housekeeper could not make today and Oma and Opa have no clean clothes to wear.

Hopefully Oma will soon meet you and tell you, in person, about all the interesting things that life has to offer.