Happy Birthday MJ!

It's been a long time since I've sat down to blog, but I couldn't miss the opportunity to tell you how grateful we are that God gave you to us to share!

This last year we've seen you change and grow so much, I suppose every year feels that way to a parent, but I cannot help feel sentimental about this last year, you started it as a baby in my eyes, and now you are such the little girl. No more diapers. Lots of language. You are more "you" every day and it is wonderful to watch unfold. Bright. Sunshiny. Vocal. Loving. Loud. Affectionate. Confident.

You tried to tell us when we went on a little vacation this year that you loved us, but that you wouldn't miss us. No matter how many times we jokingly asked, you said "Nope, not miss you at all." I started to feel a little bad about raising a daughter who hardly liked us (you're not a teenager yet, you know), but then I realized that you were so excited about having special girl time with aunt Katie, that you never doubted we'd come back home and that you don't worry too much about anything. Really, that was a wonderful way to leave for vacation, knowing that you feel good about yourself.

You and Finn have become different kind of friends this year. Sometimes you bicker, but mostly you play together like best friends. I love how much you love each other.

Next year you'll be off to preschool - I can't even fathom the possibility that you're growing up at this pace - but alas - I am so happy to be here to watch all these wonderful milestones. I can hear you waking up. I'm going to get my good morning vitamins from you. I hope you remember how much you loved cuddling in the morning. I treasure that time always. We love you so. More later...

Finn runs the quarter mile

Finn ran his first race that required registration on Sunday. It was a 1/4 mile lap in front of the University of St. Thomas - just a mile from our house.

We were lazing happily after palm sunday mass - eating bagels and reading the paper. Our lovely neighbor, Paula, called to let us know about the race. Seamus immediately said he didn't want to leave (Grandma and Katie were also at the house). Finn chimed up that he wanted to race - so off we went!

He did great - no falling, passed a ton of people, looked happy, and finished hard with a huge smile. 2:35 for a quarter mile - new Dougherty clubhouse record. If I had to guess - I believe his favorite parts were the number (just like Mom and Dad) and the finishers tent (free bananas, trailmix, and water)

We're so proud of our little guy. Anne and Paula both cried - his look of determination was absolutely awesome. Personally, my favorite parts were the giant Finny hugs pre and post race. Looking forward to many Dougherty family fun races in our future.

Winter Sports

Cross Country Skiing (Seamus and Finn) - courtesy of Winsor ski and sport

Snowshoe racing (James)

Swimming (Seamus)




We're having a fun winter - we hope you are too!

Sport of the Month

Seamus came home with big news last week. He was named "Sport of the Month" for his kindergarten class.

"This honor is awarded to students who shine with great sportsmanship. This student shows good listening skills, gets along well with others and always gives forth 100%!"

Along with a pretty nice certificate, this honor includes a special square to stand on (I'm not sure what this means either), line leader privileges, and first responder responsibilities when teacher asks, "How many more laps do we want to run?" Seamus is pretty excited and we are so proud of him. My mom (Seasoned educator) was also quick to notice that with only 9 school months in the year - not every kid will be "sport of the month". Obviously, this raises the prestige of aforementioned award.

I'm fairly certain that the Dougherty call/response was a huge contributor to this achievement.
Dad: "What is pain?"
Kids: "Pain is weakness leaving the body!"
Nothing more sportsman-like than getting rid of a little weakness during gym class.

On this theme - Dad and Seamus went to the first Swim team practice last night. 55 kids K-8 at the first practice with 1 official coach and 4 extra Dads (me included) Seamus is a "Squid" and he had a blast. A bit of kick board, couple half pool races, some "dive and touch the bottom" action - all very fun. I'm fairly certain this is how Michael Phelps got started, so go ahead and book tickets for Olympics in St. Paul in 2022. I ended up running the "Sting Rays" lane - working on freestyle and backstroke form. (I know the proper form - even if I'm not that great at following it) In wonderful St. Paul fashion - two of the other Dads were also ND grads. GO IRISH!

I think we can call Seamus' first dive into organized sports a raging success. I'll keep you updated as the season progresses. If you have a kindergartener in an organized sport - please share in the comments.
- Kid
- Sport
- best thing about your kid in the sport
- worst thing about your kid in the sport

The only tip I've received so far on coaching kids was "have a couple of beers beforehand". While it sounds like a suggestion born of experience, I did not follow it. A good time was had by all!

CAPES!

Marathon - check!

Success!

Anne and I completed our first marathon! Oddly enough - we enjoyed it! I'd strongly recommend running 26.2 miles, then spending great time with wonderful friends, all while drinking and eating good food/drink as a wonderful date weekend for anyone.

It was emotional for both of us. One - the feeling of personal accomplishment was great. We had both been happily surprised into the decision to run and a little interested to see what our bodies were capable of. Crossing the finish line was validating - it proved we could do it. Now, Anne had already birthed our three beautiful kiddies - so she's already physically accomplished. But, for me, this was clearly my pinnacle (so far).

Two - That we ran this race as a team left both of us feeling so connected. I have to admit, I was surprised. Since we run at different paces and Anne would rather stab herself in the eye with a fork than listen to me talk for 26.2 miles; we ran separately. But seeing her cross the finish line and leaping some sort of guardrails to hug and kiss her - it became very clear that we accomplished this TOGETHER. I love you, Anne - and I am so proud of us both!

Here's a picture of us - many glasses of champagne post race -



Many thanks to Charlie and Andrea for hosting us - they have a wonderful future as race concierges (examples - I ate out of a real cereal bowl in my hotel room! And champagne was waiting for me after!) Unfortunately, the one skill where they are lacking is photography - although Andrea excels at carrying around a camera and taking very few pictures. Still - Vazacs - we love you!