Last Push Before Race Day and Team Daniel!

This is Raia sleeping on an airplane. Do not be deceived:
Out of 12 hours on a plane, Raia ran up and down the aisles on
an overnight flight for SEVEN hours.
Somebody's got to train for the marathon! 

Raia's reward was great and makes me jealous:
Mimi and GongGong picked her up at the airport.

I haven't really pushed this because I've been just way too busy in the last few months. Day to day baby activities. School. Pneumonia. Therapies. Sick days. Birthday parties. Purim. And my mommy abandoning me and Lucas for a week to go to the US (for work, allegedly).

But somehow, between all of these routine and extraneous activities, abba, mommy and many others have been training for the Jerusalem Marathon coming up on Friday, March 13. 

Mommy and abba took on the stupid challenging course of the half marathon because their motto in life seems to be: The more challenging something is, the more fun we'll have doing it! Okay, I shouldn't put words in their mouths, I don't think they really said that. Anyway, they decided to run together this year rather than flip a coin. Mimi and GongGong signed up to babysit so everyone is sorted and we babies definitely get the better end of the deal.

As per usual, we are all running this year for Shalva, the Association of Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Israel. And this time we created Team DANIEL (in my honor) which is a group of people running for Team Shalva! ( http://www.run4shalva.org/en/school_profile.php?id=157)

But here is something even more exciting and, should you be moved by this, please consider giving to Team South Africa (http://www.run4shalva.org/en/school_profile.php?id=156). This group of runners from South Africa are the FIRST EVER coming from their country to run for Shalva!! These dear runners were moved by the story of Shalva and one of them has nephew with Down syndrome and so she jumped at the chance to help out this organization, knowing from personal experience why this is so important. They need help raising the minimum amount required. If you feel moved to donate to Shalva, please sponsor their team. All of the support goes to Shalva in the end, it doesn't matter which runner or team you support.

Here's mommy's words on why Shalva is special and worthy of your support: As his mother, I run after Daniel on a daily basis. But I am also running for Daniel and all the children of Shalva in the Jerusalem Marathon. Shalva has helped our family get started on the path of early intervention, therapies and support. And what's more - they never asked us for money. All the professional support we have received has been given to us. It is such a gift and a blessing!

By running and raising support I feel this is my way to give back to Shalva. For the families of children with special needs their race isn't just a 10k or even a marathon. It is a daily run, slow and steady, and there is no break. Shalva helps us get that break through different programs and by helping our children.

And so, with a few days to go until race day, and a Shalva dinner tonight in NYC at which mommy is giving a speech, and then taking a transatlantic flight with a baby who never stopped running from the moment she learned to walk, and jet lag and an adjustment from winter (NY) to summer (Jerusalem), mommy will join abba in the half marathon soon! And, in mommy's words again: "Yikes!!"

Purim! Lucas dressed as a sous chef.
Yes, not a "mere" chef,  but he told people
he was a sous chef.

This is what you call a parenting FAIL.
Same costume as last year! Larry the
Cucumber. Reasoning: different school.
Thanks, parents.

It was a White Christmas March in New York.
No marathon training whatsoever!

Raia had the nerve to grow up a little while in NY

And in her boredom of staying indoors, she
raided GongGong's wardrobe. Nice tie!

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On the "Run" with Daniel, Lucas and Raia

He came, he ran... he won! In my book/blog anyway

Runners with a cause - and cool T-shirts! Go Team Shalva!

Abba - making it look easy!

YAY! Abba crossed the finish line as did Zia Em, Renee, Jes, Alisha and Mati and thousands of other runners. But mommy and Rob were the winners of the whole 2014 Jerusalem Marathon day: They managed to keep Lucas, Raia and myself alive and from completely melting down for about an hour while waiting for abba's Jerusalem 10k debut at the finish line.

Now this was more than a week ago and yet it hasn't made the blog yet. That is because, as you know, we babies have a way of driving a wedge between our parents and their computers and that was the case for over a week as I prevented mommy from posting my blogs.

So it is catch-up time now. I will allow space for abba to describe his experience and express his appreciation for those who supported his run for Shalva, my school:

Hi there,

I wanted to thank you again for your support in my 10k run for Shalva. I had a great time running this race and will plan on running the Half marathon next year.

I was very blessed to be running for team Shalva but your support was not only a blessing to me but more for the children of Shalva.

Shalva is a growing organization and are in need of your financial support to continue the great work they are doing.

If you want to know more about Shalva and donate please click on the following link: http://christianfriendsofshalva.org/

Sincerely yours,
Tony Jansezian

On March 21, abba and our other friends tackled the hills, the heat and the hoards of runners during the race. But the true marathon was the one headed up by mommy with Rob coming to her rescue: somehow getting three kids - babies in strollers basically - to the finish line. Babies who, if they walk, demand to go their own way or flop to the ground in protest. Babies who are on the edge of a meltdown if their needs or desires aren't instantly met. And babies who apply the Law of Babies to all situations in which they find themselves.

Jes and abba - dubious about the run or
about babies arriving at the finish line?

And herein lies the true story. It all began when we were ushered into a hotel room the night before the race. What new discoveries awaited us! An entirely new room for our search and destroy missions! Bureaus upon which to climb. A TV and all sorts of outlets at our perfect height. And better yet, Lucas and I were to share a sofa bed which meant we could come and go without encountering those pesky child barriers that interfere with - but certainly do not prevent - our escapes from our normal beds.

Do not be deceived: This serene scene was short lived

That night, the eve before his big race, abba slept one solid hour. The rest of the night hours were interrupted by cries, whimpers, massive and invasive dumps and the inevitable rising of babies before the sun. And this all occurred in one small room where there was escape from neither sound nor smell. And then, when he arose, just as refreshed and full of energy as we were I'm sure, abba and mommy whisked us off to breakfast where they watched us annihilate the buffet all the while trying to prevent plates and glasses from flying or silverware, such as knives, to be mishandled. Never mind the humus embedded in our clothing and Lucas' swiping of abba's pineapples and almonds when he wasn't looking.

Then our parents escorted us the 20 minutes all the way to the starting line where we watched the endless stream of runners take off and Lucas nearly snuck into the start area with the Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

Zia Em, abba and Renee look chipper - before the race

We high-fived Alisha as she embarked upon her 10-ishK

And Rob swooped in to the rescue

Lucas waited for a golden moment to break through the bars
and start running. He actually had his chance when Mayor
Barkat cut through these very gates to start his run. 

Starting line shenanigans including high giving Alisha as she embarked upon her journey:

After this nerve-wracking couple of hours abba was supposed to run the race of his life and mommy was supposed to, essentially, herd cats/babies along with Rob who helped the herding process. It took about 30 minutes to get to the finish line which should only be 10 minutes away. We made it with time to spare to see abba gracefully swoop into the finish line.

In the end, everyone was a winner, just some people were more weary than others, basically anyone older than 4 years.

Scott, Jireh, Kat and abba - all medalists

Scott became one of my biggest fans and blogmates 

Scott and I

Mati and abba for Team Shalva

The crew

Lucas stopped running his own marathon around
Sacher Park in order to get into the action as well

And then those weary adults shuttled us to the Shalva victory lunch where we ran about 42.2 kilometers around the tables in the auditorium as we wavered between hunger and indefatigable exhaustion. We ultimately found ourselves in a wreath of balloons that we dragged across the hotel and ended up somehow in the bathroom.

And in video where you can really appreciate the depths of us having lost control:

Where was Raia in all of this? Quiet and well behaved in her stroller making Lucas and I look very naughty and needy. Hmph!

So quiet was Raia that no photos of her were taken
until she got home

Not that she minded!

After all that non-running running around, Mommy has a new idea for next year: not just Run for Team Shalva, but BABYSIT for Team Shalva! She contends that running a marathon would be easier than herding the three of us to another finish line.

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Happy New Year! And for our First Resolution...

Raia Resolved: To drink more coffee

Mommy and Lucas Resolved: Eat more cake (and for mommy,
pick up running again due to said cake) 

I Resolved: Continue to look cool for various photo shoots

I, as a baby, resolve this year to retain many of my useful baby qualities and to raise up my younger brother and sister in the same way. Despite the fact that we are all growing up and outgrowing some baby stages at various paces, I believe many of the things I've learned as a baby will serve me well throughout my life. And I wouldn't want to forgo the Royal Treatment we as youngsters receive. Not yet.

Abba meanwhile, has a different resolution. After three consecutive years of mommy running the Jerusalem marathon she has passed the torch: Abba is going to represent the family this year and take on the 10K on behalf of Shalva!

This year, since she was supposed to have a baby in January (not November, Raia), mommy assumed she would not be ready for a race by March 21. And accordingly, abba picked up the slack.

I hear that 10-kilometer races are challenging, but remember, even before I was walking I crossed the finish line of a full marathon! (Remember this?!) That would be 42.2 kilometers, abba. I suppose this year abba figured that running a 10K would be much easier than herding three kids to the finish line!

He is probably right.

Nevertheless, abba needs your financial support. (Mommy needs your moral support.) If you choose to donate to abba's cause, you are helping Shalva, the Association for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Israel, help others. Just this once I will allow abba to put this in his own words in my blog:

Hi There,

I am going to be running the 10K race in the Jerusalem marathon for an organization called " Shalva". Shalva is an organization that helps special needs children in Israel and provides, free of charge, therapies designed to develop the skills to be able to function in today's society.

My son, Daniel, has Down Syndrome and has been receiving the care he needs from this wonderful organization since he was born over three years ago.

Today I give you the opportunity to pour into the lives of these children and their families by sponsoring me in the Jerusalem marathon.

To visit the Shalva site please click on this link: http://www.shalva.org/

To sponsor me please click on this link: http://www.run4shalva.org/view_profile.php?id=1065

 Thank you and may 2014 be a blessed year for you and  your family!

Sincerely yours,
Tony

Christmas day!

Abba running means that mommy drew the short straw. She somehow has to hustle three babies to the finish line, which is a good 3 miles from home. But we absolutely must be there to welcome abba, so she is going to have to figure out a way.

And that should probably entail some marathon training of its own. Good luck to both parents!

And Happy New Year to everyone!

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Pre-Race Intimidation of Opponents

Tough guy (dressed for Purim)

Tonight, Lucas and I engaged in a type of intimidation and pre-race hype that is derived from ancient Maori culture in New Zealand. The All Blacks, the NZ rugby team, go all tough and native in order to frighten their opponents. According to a New Zealand website, "The haka is a type of ancient Maori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace... Actions include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant."

Lucas and I did our own version of this, of course, on behalf of mommy who can now safely run the half marathon with no opponents since surely we scared them all away.

Here is what we did:

Here is where we learned it:

Which do you think was tougher and more intimidating version? No contest, in my humble opinion.

Tough family, actually. Don't mess!

Tough hombre (also dressed for Purim)

East Coast!

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Off to the Races!

Off to the races! Let me outta here!!

It's all mommys fault. Really, if anyone is to blame, mommy is the culprit, the designer of her own fate. I say that in response to her and abba's complaints that, when let loose, all Lucas and I do is run. 

We take off. 

In opposite directions.

We never ever stay put in one place for more than two seconds. 

In fact, without looking back, we just surge forward with all the speed we can muster!

Usually toward streets or parking lots. 

This fact was discovered during our recent weekend away. Due to beautiful weather we spent our whole weekend outdoors at a kibbutz near the Dead Sea. If we weren't held or strapped into a stroller we would simply run. No amount of toys or people could tempt us to stay in one isolated and safe area. And nothing could hold us back, except for that stroller with the straps or being held in a vice grip by some adult.

Mommy and abba complained about having to spend the entire weekend chasing us. But honestly, this is what we were born to do. And that, my friends, is mommy's fault. Let us review the evidence:

Dec. 10, 2009: Mommy runs a half marathon. Nine months later I am born.

March 25, 2011: Mommy runs a full marathon. Nine months later, Lucas is born.

It is simple: mommy's actions while we were en utero are now causing some dire consequences. Some 13 miles with me and then a full 26 miles (42.2 km) with Lucas - what can you expect from us but to run like small lunatics?

So much so that mommy was too tired to really run, as in train. However, we probably helped her get in about 10 unofficial miles of running in one day. In circles. 

Exasperated, drained and feeling like a wrung-out wash cloth, mommy decided on our drive home to change all the rules. TV has now become completely acceptable if not highly encouraged in our home. Any show that would captivate us and cause us to sit still for even 15 minutes straight would be ushered into our home on a red carpet. When we got home, mommy and abba immediately implemented this new rule and plopped us in front of the TV  praying we wouldn't move for at least 2 days. It was a nice sentiment.

Now lest you think that this half marathon coming up on Friday is a harbinger of more Jansezian runners to come, it is not. However, it does mean that Lucas and I will only glean even more running adrenaline! We plan to greet mommy and her friends at the finish line. Perhaps we will run there!

We'll keep you posted! Thanks to everyone who donated to Shalva via this exciting run!

When we weren't running ourselves, we found other means to do so

I know the horse also wanted to run

Lucas was also ready to take off during his ride

Cows!

The cows loved us!

Abba running?

Not so much :)

Strapped in but happy

Pent up but thrilled

Captives. But not for long! Muahhhhh!!

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Its Time to Start Running!

Me and my new running partner

Lucas butting in on my photo shoot

Note from Daniel: Hi everyone! Today I would like to blog, because I have so much to say, but mommy has hacked into my account in order to use it for own personal business! Actually, what she has to say does sort of connect to my life as well. Mommy will be running in order to raise support for Shalva, which is a place where I have many friends and girlfriends and I also eat, learn, have therapies and become a much wiser baby in all respects. So I encourage you to read her letter and consider making a donation to a worthy cause and organization! 
Thanks from your beloved baby, 
Daniel

********

Dear Friends,

In what has become something of a tradition, I am excited to announce that I will be taking part in the Jerusalem Marathon (well, the half marathon) and again I am running to raise support for Shalva.

And really, that has lately become my motivation for running. Shalva, the Association for Mentally & Physically Challenged Children in Israel, is an amazing organization. Shalva provides a loving and goal-oriented environment where children with special needs from birth through young adulthood can develop the skills required for better lives. Children are admitted to the program regardless of ethnicity, religion or financial status. Shalva means peace of mind in Hebrew.

All of this is very personal to us. Shalva is Daniel's second home in a way. He is there every day receiving therapy and lots of love at the daycare. His teacher admitted to me that Daniel gets kissed a lot while there. I can't say that I blame anyone.

Tony and I are so grateful to Shalva. Daniel is thriving there. He is in his third year in a Shalva program. Having graduated from the Me and My Mommy program, Daniel now goes every day to the daycare.


I run for two reasons: 1. I want to encourage Daniel that we also challenge ourselves to constantly reach for higher goals and 2. I want to show support for and thank Shalva for taking care of our family. I want to express to Shalva that we as Christians appreciate their outreach to us and thank them for including us foreigners in the land in their awesome care.

As an Israeli resident I need to raise about $650. That accounts for just a fraction of the services we receive.


Will you cheer on Daniel and I in both of our training efforts by helping me reach my financial objective?  If you would like to sponsor me, visit my running profile page (http://www.run4shalva.org/view_profile.php?id=632) to donate via credit card; or make a check payable to Shalva and send it to American Friends of Shalva (denoting your support of Nicole Jansezian in the Jerusalem Marathon) at 315 Fifth Avenue, 6th Fl.
New York, NY 10016. All donations to Shalva are 100 percent tax deductible.

The marathon is on March 1, 2013. You can follow the results on Daniel's blog. Of course. 

Thank you in advance for supporting me, the children of Shalva and their families, which now includes us. I look forward to sharing my progress with you!

With love from Jerusalem,
Nicole Jansezian with Tony, Daniel and Lucas too

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