Running Diary Update 24 September

Here is an update on our running, since Thursday the 19th of September.
We’ve been running quite consistently, still in Babacino amounts, but we have gone to some new places too!
And Babacino is following voices and sounds now, moving his head to follow and connect, as long as everyone is not talking at the same time!
Babacino is turning out to be quite useful as an excercise buddy. Normally, if I can, I do a few sets of step ups on the benches, just with me and Babacino in his chariot. I have discovered that doing step ups in reduced numbers but with 5.5kg of baby is a good option! Babacino loves it!! And Mauri has also developed a very sophisticated walk-jog involving squats & 5.5kgs of Babacino!

On Monday we didn't run. First we went to get a medical certificate from a sports doctor, for me. In Italy, to take part in races (ie competitive sport) you need to have an annual checkup to show you have no obvious conditions or anything to prevent you from safely taking part in races. The same goes for other sports. Now, I can run some little races! Mauri arranged this, and looked after Babacino while I had to ride a bike and have my heart rate tested. You can see a photo of Babacino’s feet on the glass door of the Doctor’s reception. That was Mauri and Babacino playing!!

Then we went to Altavilla to be in the country and make fires to get rid of the debri’s. And we picked a bowl full of ‘fichi d’India’s’ which are sort of prickly pears and grow on cactuses, in fact they grow wild all over the place and the fruit's are ripe for about 2 months around August – September. They are a mixture of quite bright colours with lots of juice and seeds. We found yellow, green, red, and orange ones! You pick them with a big metal pole which has an end piece the size of an average ‘fichi d’India’, and it looks like an egg cup. I couldn't get a photo this time, but next time! Me and Mauri ate ALL of the fichi d’India’s which we had found. Of course first you have to peel them carefully as they have thorns. When they are growing on the cactus ‘leaves’ they look like jewels.

On Tuesday at Villa Sperlinga, I went up to 10 laps!! Mauri has started doing some extra big laps taking in some streets, but less laps. Frida is having a grand time doing so much running! Nona Nica might meet us one day on a weekend in Villa Sperlinga, she loves Gabriel to bits! She is one of Mauri’s best friends and lives near by.

Today we had an extra special running day. We went to Mont Pelegrino and to the Sanctuary of Saint Rosalina. We parked the car in a spot and I ran up (with Frida) about 7 or 800 meters to a beautiful viewing point and then back down and back up, and a bit later, a bit more. Mauri also ran but he was daring and went off-road! For most of the time Babacino was having a lot of fun, but then he was a bit upset. We stopped for coffee and a change, followed by a quick wizz around the beautiful cave – where the pilgrims go. Saint Rosalina is the Saint of Palermo and she has a very interresting story. Mauri kindly and patiently looked after Babacino while I looked aruond the cave, and said a little prayer for my little sister in South Africa.

Then we came home and Franci, Babacino’s big brother, came for lunch! Pesto Risotto, made by The Chef of Tarling Street!! DEVINE

These photo's are all from today, except for the Medical Certificate which is added for interest, and Babacino's feet through the window!