Monday, February 22, 2010

A Surprise for Bean

Last week, my boss came into my office with a huge ear-to-ear grin on her face and asked me to come up to the 7th floor with her because the Dean wanted to get my opinion about a mural they wanted to create up there.

Confused, I agreed, but asked her what “mural” she was talking about.

Apparently, she hadn’t thought her lie through enough to come up with an answer in case I had questioned her about it, and after a long pause, just muttered/giggled something about how she wasn’t sure and that I should just come up as soon as possible to talk to him.

As we wandered through the Dean’s suite, I realized that NO ONE was in their office and suspected something may be up.

Sure enough, as we walked into the room, everyone jumped out and yelled “SURPRISE!!!!”

As sure as I calmed down and made sure my water hadn’t broken, I realized everyone was there for a surprise shower for the Bean and I. YAY!

They had a beautiful cake, cupcakes, cookies, flowers and gifts!





Actually, it was for Jeremy too, but he was in a never-ending faculty meeting. Finally, one of the Deans went in there to end it so he could come out and everyone could surprise him too. Then the party was underway.

We got some great gifts, including a huge bag of clothes, a fun crib toy -soother/projector thingy, some other small baby toys and a super-cute diaper cake that our friend Courtenay made for us.





But the best surprise of all was the extremely generous gift that everyone pitched in together to get for us.

The Bob Revolution Jogging Stroller!



Jeremy and I had bought most of the big items on our registry ourselves and only had a jogging stroller left to get, but were planning on waiting a few months after she was born to get it since we didn’t need it right away and needed to save up for it.

While they didn’t get us the actual stroller, they got us a gift card with more than enough money to get it. Way more than we EVER expected anyone to get us. We were completely floored and overwhelmed.

We had such a great time and the whole shower was a wonderful surprise. We are so lucky to work with such an amazing group of people who have embraced us, taken us in since we moved here and been a source of strength through this entire pregnancy, especially in the beginning when we were having such a rough time.

We are so excited at the thought of being able to go out and enjoy the trails in Fairmount park together in the summer and do our runs together as a family when marathon training season comes around again. We can't wait to share our love of running with Bean.

So here is my question to all you running moms out there. I originally thought I would get the Bob Ironman, but after testing out the Revolution and talking to a father at the running store (who had a Baby Jogger and a Bob Ironman) he suggested for us, we may want to go with the Revolution with 16" wheels since we will be doing a lot of walking/running on trails.

Does anyone have on opinion on the Ironman vs the Revolution? Really, it seemed like the only major difference where the wheels and the fact that the Ironman has a fixed front wheel. I am worried about the Ironman's wheels on the trails in the parks around our house, but I obviously want something fast and slick on a flat surface (any help I can get to become faster is always appreciated). Decisions, decisions...

Oh, and here is a pic of me at 37 weeks since I haven't posted one in awhile. Of course, I'll be at 39 weeks on Wednesday. Eek! So close!

25 comments:

MCM Mama said...

Ok, I don't have either (they didn't start becoming well known till after I already had all of my strollers), but the revolution would be more versatile. I have a Mountain Buggy urban for walking in the neighborhood and a KoolStride with 20" wheels on the back and a fixed 16" front wheel for running. The few times I had to use the KS for something other than running sucked. The option of the swivel wheel is awesome for manueverability. I know there are a couple of discussion groups/forums (baby bargains comes to mind) that discuss the different stroller options. Maybe you could find a discussion or ask 'cause there are women out there that own MANY strollers and may have owned both. Really.

Running Diva Mom said...

HOW VERY EXCITING!!!

Heather said...

What an awesome surprise. I got my jogging stroller as a gift and I'm not even sure what brand it is, but I like that it is pretty lightweight and the front wheel is not fixed so it is easy to manuever with one hand.

That Pink Girl said...

What a great surprise! Your coworkers must think a lot of y'all! She's almost here - keep waiting fir the post announcing her arrival! :0)

vedjen said...

We have a Bob Revolution and absolutely love it. I'm a very, very novice runner (more like fast walker) and actually found that I preferred to run with the wheel in swivel mode while on paved surfaces rather than fixed; I felt I had better control. Also, I thought the Revolution had a smaller footprint which makes it a perfect all-purpose stroller.

Congrats on your new arrival!

joyRuN said...

What an AWESOME surprise!!!

Can't wait to see the faces of the peeps you pass with that stroller :D

Anonymous said...

How very sweet of everyone! The cake looked delicious. You are looking very cute as well. Almost time girl!

Marlene said...

Aw, what a nice surprise from your colleagues! GREAT news on the gift card for a jogging stroller. No advice here, but good luck with the decision.

You're looking wonderful at 37 weeks. Can't believe you're 39 wks tomorrow!!

Natalie D said...

I have the ironman but if I could rewind I would get the revolution - since you can lock and unlock it. The ironman is tough to turn and I use it everywhere and it is not easy with the lack of the swivel. I can't believe you are so close. So exciting!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Wow what a great suprise! Everything looked beautiful.

I have two joggers. Both with fixed front wheels. I would love to take them on trails (I mean unpaved, real trails) but I have never tried. It just never crossed my mind as possible with the rugged terrian. I will be eager to hear how it goes for you in time.

I read about the revolution and it seems to get a lot of praise on line. Good luck checking them out and choosing!

Anonymous said...

what an awesome surprise! How generous as well! I'm so happy you guys have such an awesome "work family". Can't wait for posts about your FAMILY RUNS! good luck!

teacherwoman said...

What a great surprise with such wonderful gifts! How awesome is that?! :)

Denise said...

yea! you got a bob!! now you'll be out there with us again in no time!!

you're still looking great, getting so close!!

streak said...

Awesome suprise and just had one myself three weeks ago. Can't wait to hear about bean soon! Our beautiful bean joined the party last thursday and has been an amazing awesome experience every second. Best of luck. Important thing with strollers is getting the one that you will use.

X-Country2 said...

How wonderful! You'll have to post a review of what you end up getting.

Irish Blue said...

What a great group of people you work with. The stroller is the bomb too.

BTW-You look amazing preggers. I looked like a swollen elephant...sigh.

rburns said...

I have a single BOB sport utility stroller (fixed wheel) and it works great on & off road. I wish it had the swivel wheel though because it's much easier to maneuver in the city on sidewalks with people and in stores. I have a double BOB ironman which I love as well. However, I knew I would not be taking it on trails and I wanted the lightest weight one :D. Most of the new moms that I go to Baby Boot Camp with have the Revolution and LOVE it! We're looking forward to hearing of Bean's arrival!!! xoxoxo

Jolene said...

I have a jog stroller that has the option of swivel or fixed, and I much prefer the swivel, it's just so much easier during races to manuver around them. And like someone else said, you end up using it on walks around town too (because they're soooo much easier to push then umbrella strollers), so the swivel option is far more practical in that regard.

Lauren P said...

We have a Revolution and love it. But we have a fabulous baby store here in the DC area, called Great Beginnings. They had so many different jogging strollers there to test drive. We "ran" around the store with them and made our decision that way. I think it would be best if you know someone with one or a have a store you can go to and push them, as well as practice breaking them down and setting them up.

Welcome to Mommy-hood!

Bert said...

Wow what a nice 'surprise'! You'll be running again in no time I bet. Very exciting!

Q, La, and Gooner said...

Um, awesome! I can offer you ZERO advice because I'm still bored on the treadmill. BUT, I will get a stroller eventually and take your advice. :) I left you an award at my blog!

Sonia said...

I'm glad to see you're doing well and the Bean too!! Due date is coming fast. I'll be thinking about you (I am sort of back from my coma ;-))

Carolina John said...

that sounds like a fun shower. and i can't believe 39 weeks already. my girls didn't make it past 38 weeks before being born. hang in there!

prashant said...

What a great surprise! Your coworkers must think a lot of y'all! She's almost here - keep waiting fir the post announcing her arrival! :0)
home jobs india

Amalfi Girl said...

I love your blog! I just started a blog with a similar approach yesterday (eatrunhavefun.blogspot), and then found your blog. It gives me a lot of hope that I will be able to follow the same path--from my chaise lounge to the Philly half marathon! Thanks, and good luck with the new (cutie pie) baby!

XO,

Amalfi
http://eatrunhavefun.blogspot.com

 
design by suckmylolly.com