Apples are perfect for keeping the doctor away (really). Apples contain an antioxidant that may stave off the decline of lung capacity that occurs over time from air pollution. In a study of more than 2,500 men, those who ate five or more apples a week could suck in and pump out more air from their lungs than those who didn't eat any apples. Aim for one a day!

For my running friends and for me:



When shin splints strike try ice to reduce inflammation. Another good treatment is to trace the alphabet (in a sitting position) on the floor with your toes. Do this with each leg. Or alternate walking on your heels for 30 seconds with 30 seconds of regular walking. Repeat four times. These exercises are good for both recovery and prevention. Try to do them three times a day.

Two nights ago, a very big thing happened for our little family. Frunty fell asleep on top of Daddy. He really wanted his Daddy and jumped on top and fell asleep just as he used to do when he was a tiny baby. Every other night, I am the only one Frunty will fall asleep with and I love this but have wanted C to enjoy the feeling again of a little baby snuggling into him and drifting off to sleepy land. It is very cozy and sweet and one of the best feelings we personally have as parents.

We really enjoyed our cousins' visit this past long weekend! They came up from Torino. We did a lot of fun activities together including face painting. I have graduated from using face crayons to actual paints and the hardest part is getting these little kids to sit still during the process as they are so excited! Green bunnies? Yep, that 's what they wanted!

We went to the Little Gym yesterday (www.thelittlegym.be) and Frunty really had a ball as usual. The teacher said, "Il est maigre mais si fort". It is true Frunty is slim but very strong and fast and loves jumping off of high things without holding my hand and lands well on two feet. He also likes doing somersaults and does them with such gusto sometimes that he rolls off the mat. He also likes swinging like a monkey on the bars and holds my hand while walking along the balance beam. Yesterday, on his own, he wanted to help the teacher carry the instruments back to the cupboard unit. The teacher had not asked for help. It was very cute.



Frunty is in the class for 2.5-3 year olds called Canailloux and it is fun because parts are organized and other parts are free play. Frunty is learning French too.

It's a cool and windy Monday morning but we went on a stroller run anyway to the playground because it looks like it may rain later. We had a very relaxing weekend with naps/movie watching/friends over for a sushi bonanza. Daddy is off to London on Wed. to find out about the merger as his company has been acquired by another...what else is new? This happens every year! And on Thursday we are looking forward to the visit of some cousins from Italy.



The next chance I get, I will write down some fitness/health tips that are helping me achieve my goals and I am recording them for me so that I can re-read them and remember them.



Hope everyone is well back home! And congrutulations to our dear friend, L, who just got engaged to B. We are VERY excited for you and will pop open the bubbly when you arrive at the beginning of October. Can't wait to celebrate with you in person.

Baby put on his own PJs tonight! He was able to do it all on his own. When attempts were made to help him, he said, "No. Fris' len do it." He has just scooted off downstairs and shouted to me, "Bye bye daddy! Goo' night". Now I can hear him ask, "Winnie Pooh, brush" so he can brush his teeth before he jumps into bed. He's very good right now for a little guy at 10 past 10.