Other Weekend Updates

Saturday afternoon was beautiful!  

It was the perfect time to get outside and do a little power chair driving/scooter riding

Tessa had fun trying to chase Daddy and Parker on their scooters :)

I think she was wishing for a sun hat or some sunglasses ;)

She keeps me movin!!

We opened up some happy mail from Tessa's IRun4 runner, Amanda!

She sent Tessa her two medals from her last two half marathons

Just love these smiles!!

Shiny medals are very intriguing!

Amanda was SO SWEET to remember Parker's birthday this week!

He'll be 7 on Wednesday and she got him an anwesome Lego shirt and new Lego set!

These three were attempting a Tessa-Sandwich on Saturday evening

L.O.V.E

And today I walked in front of a mirror while we were out shopping and was like "whoa!"

Baby Weston is getting bigger and bigger!

Just a couple of months to go!

Darin was sneaky and took this picture of me and little miss at church during connection class.

She was having a bit of a rough morning and needed some mommy-snuggles.

This is what we call 'squished prego belly'...

Little miss isn't so tiny anymore, but her snuggles are just as delightful ;)

~Whitney

IRun4

Whitney posted 6/24/2014:

Thank you Amanda Renee!! You are so great!! We love it! Tessa has had a rough day otherwise this pic would have totally been of her IN her shirt! Thank you so much! We'll get yalls medal hung in her room and hopefully we'll get some smiley pics of her in her new shirt to you soon!

Amanda posted 6/26/2014:
Hola miss Tessa,
Last night I had my first training session with my new personal trainer. I meant to take a picture with him for you but I will at my next session! What a humbling workout it was for me!! He is way tougher than my last trainer.... We did an hour of shoulder lifts/plyometrics after I ran a 5k ! I think I may of sweated out this illness. I wanted to run this morning to see where we w... See More — with Whitney Mason Bynum at Vanderbilt Beach in Naples Fl.

Amanda posted 7/2/2014:

Hello Parker,

I love manatees because they are the cow of the sea!!! They have the fattest and the cutest faces ever! They are gentle giants. Plus I hardly get to see them so when I do it's a real treat! I answered your question on my board and can't wait to see your reply to my question. 2 days until race day. I appreciate all the prayers as I do not want to disappoint your sister! I finished making my race day shirt and can't wait for you to see it on Friday. I have to finish studying for a test tomorrow, talk to you soon! 

 

Amanda posted 7/2/2014:

Tessa,

Hello gorgeous! I hope this message finds you well! Tonight I made our race shirt for the 5k on Friday! I think it turned out pretty cute but you will just have to be surprised on race day! Tonight I ran just 2 miles and tomorrow I will stretch lots and rest... It's going to be a close call to meet our goal but I'm going to try my hardest. That upper respiratory infection really set me back but I know with you on my team I can do anything !! What have you been up to this week? I hope it's better than last for ya! Do you have any big July 4th plans ??I look forward to posting on race day! Ps my shirt is a CMV awareness shirt !! Get some rest tonight and tomorrow we are going to need it for the race!!😊xoxo

Whitney posted 7/2/2014 reply:

We can't WAIT to see your race day shirt!! We know you will do so great and are so excited to be cheering you on!! Tessa will definitely be wearing the special shirt you made for her!! We are hoping to have a relaxing family weekend here at home. And our excitement will be centered around your big race for sure!! Hope tonight and tomorrow are restful for you!!

Whitney posted 7/2/2014:

Hi Amanda Renee!! Miss Tessa got her new orthotics in today!! They are our favorite ones yet....purple with stars and pink straps! Our therapist also got some awesome new shoes to go with! So while you're running, we're gearing up on our end for Tessa to have good support during standing, Lokomat and Upsee time! She flashed one of her precious smiles while showing off her new fancy-ness today :)

Amanda posted 7/4/2014:

Tessa and Parker !!

Happy Fourth of July!! Today I ran the Moe's Southwest 5k. My dear friend Greg came down from my hometown to run as well! He is super fast!While I ran a 5k last week in 26:30; I still wasn't able to meet my goal today.. I coughed for about a mile of the race being at the tail end of this upper respiratory infection. All excuses aside, I had a blast and a lot of people asked about you Tessa !! I think my shirt helped ! Hopefully the iRun4 family gains some new runners !! Even though I didn't meet my goal today I must say:

Finishing the race is winning,

Running for Tessa is the real VICTORY! 

I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday today and enjoy some fireworks !

Whitney reply 7/4/2014:

 Yay!!! What an awesome shirt! We love your pictures! And hi to Greg  We are all so proud of you and we hope sickness goes away & stays away! Today was a big day...first official race as buddies! What a neat memory you've made for all of us today! Hope you have a wonderdul holiday too!

Whitney posted 7/4/2014:

Amanda Ran4Me today!!! Our first official race as buddies!! Love your race day shirt and all your pictures! Thank you for making me feel so loved and so special!!

Amanda posted 7/14/2014:

Hi Tessa,

Sorry I have not been great about posting. I have been working out though! Today I ran 4 miles in this hot hot humid heat we have down here right now! It's not as fun as one would think southwest Florida would be! I hope you are doing well! I have a test tomorrow night and then Wednesday I leave for vacay! Don't worry though, I will post while I am gone.... Do you think Parker can guess where I am going ?? I will give him some hints and maybe he can use a map. 

1.) it's in the Caribbean 

2.) it's a US territory 

3.) it was once a sugar plantation

Whitney posted 7/23/2014:

Parker was SO EXCITED to get your postcard today!!! He said "Amanda knew I couldn't guess where she was, so she sent me a card to tell me!" You seriously made his day! We hope you've had an amazing trip! Thank you for making our kiddos feel so special!!

Amanda posted 8/1/2014:

Tessa and Parker,

For some reason it's not letting me post in here! This is my fourth attempt I hope it works!! Sorry for being a lazy bum since I came back from holiday. I got back to serious business today but I had to run inside as it is far too hot here! I also weight trainer arms and shoulders!. I had the whole gym to myself with a great view of the pool .I just finished finals for my summer courses and have a three week break! When does school start for you two?I saw the irun4 group now has a program for siblings !! This is great news. I would be lying if I said I don't mind sharing, however who wouldn't want to keep the cutest kids ever to themselves!  I registered for a handful of races which means I have at least one race a month from October through January!!! I will be sure to post an itinerary! Hope to hear from you soon.

 

Whitney reply 8/1/2014:
These two are all yours for as long as you want them  They will have so much fun being invovled together in your upcoming races!! In fact, we decided to start hanging all of your IRun4 medals, letters, etc in our hallway for all to enjoy!

Amanda reply 8/1/2014:

aww you guys are the best! Wow another tooth lost!!! I hope the tooth fairy visits you (if you all participate in that)! They are seriously the cutest ! Of course I want to keep them for as long as possible. Do you have all your back to school shopping done ?

Amanda posted 8/4/2014:

Tessa and Parker !!!

It's been raining cats and dogs here in Naples. Most of the roads are flooded. Luckily for me I don't have to take those routes. I wasn't able to run outside but I did make it to the gym: _25 minutes of elliptical 

_30 minutes of plyometrics mixed with weights which was super hard thanks to my personal trainer Anthony 

_20 minutes of cycle to finish

My goodness I'm not so sure I will be able to lift my arms tomorrow. They feel like jello already. I hope tomorrow the rain stays away so I can run outside. I got a cool picture of the sky on my way home from the gym.

Parker- did the tooth fairy pay you a visit ??

Tessa - I hope you are doing well sweet girl! I bet you are very excited to start school!

Talk to you soon

Amanda posted 8/12/2014:

Tessa and Parker !!!!

How are you, cutie pies ? Today it got to work out with my neighbor who is home from college. He's like a little brother to me. He was able to take some shots of me lifting weights! I look silly! Parker have you lost any more teeth? Tessa, Whoo wahoo school time!!!! You look so cute on your blog I could just gobble you up! In other news, my very best friend is getting married next month. I am flying home this weekend for her shower. It's in St. Louis. I'm sure your mommy and daddy and have heard all about the problems they are having there right now! Hopefully it calms down by then. Catch ya tomorrow!

Amanda posted 8/13/2014:

Bynum family,

I hope your first school week is going excellent! I am ready for fall! It is way too hot here. I only ran one short mile today. Technically two if you count my walk home. hope to hear from y'all soon! iRun4Tessa&Parker

~Whitney

IRun4 ~ Tessa & Amanda!

If you don't know anything about I Run 4 you should check it out!  Having recently gone through my own personal journey of weight loss and getting healthy, I quickly discovered the value of having a deep motivation and reason to persevere! Tesssa was exactly that for me and it's exciting to know she can be that for someone else as well! :)  I love the story behind this organization and want to share some Facebook postings from our runner Amanda Renee!!

Here's how it worked~
I clicked here and recieved and email with the following:
We are so excited you are part of I Run 4! Welcome to the group.

Before I can add you to the match list, I need for you to do two things:
1. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/irunformichael  to join the IR4 Facebook group
2. Send a Facebook friend request to Irunfor Matcher iii at https://www.facebook.com/irunfor.matcheriii?fref=ts

Please reply to this email when you have done both steps, and I will put you on the list to be matched!

I look forward to seeing that relationship blossom once you are matched.

Blessings,
Carol Dublin
Connection Coordinator

Then we got an email explaining how things worked:
Congratulations! You (or your child) will be matched with a runner in IR4. We are so excited you are part of I Run 4!

Once you are matched, please reach out to your runner by sending a friend request, and sharing information and pictures about yourself (or your child) so you can get to know each other.  We ask that runners post a minimum of three (3) times per week whether they have been able to run or not to tag you in the post so you can easily find it on the newsfeed.

Please “like” and comment on their posts and post updates about yourself (or your child) as well. Please show your runner you appreciate their efforts by responding to their posts, sharing about your child and their milestones (including pictures or videos), encouraging them with their running, and asking them about their activities. Building a supportive, encouraging relationship between buddies and runners is the key in this group.

Runners can dedicate any workout– walking, cross fit, yoga, or strength training – and racing is not required. We just ask that they dedicate their workouts to you (or your child).

Blessings,
Carol Dublin

Connection Coordinator

And here's a glimpse at our journey so far!!

Amanda posted 2/11/2014:
I just sent a request in for a buddy to run for. I live in Naples but will be running a half marathon in St.Louis, MO .. April 6th.
I am doing the STLGO 1/2 marathon. Also running the ColorVibe in Ft Myers March22nd. That one is only a 5k, Kind of a big deal for me. I have had two leg surgeries in the last year and I set a goal for myself to Run the 1/2 marathon with my sister back in STL. I never thought I would run again but I am healing and getting back at it. I thought it would be so inspiring to run not just for myself overcoming an injury but to run for someone else who can't.

 I run for #1252.... Whoever you are I cannot wait to meet you ! Today I ran my first 1/2 for you!

(who knew Tessa would be her #1252!)

I Run for Michael posted 5/30/2014:
HAPPY FRIDAY MATCH DAY TO SET #2! Congrats to these new runners and running buddies!
Tessa (Whitney Mason Bynum) is paired with runner Amanda Renee

Amanda posted 5/30/2014:
Beyond thrilled today, not only did I run my fastest mile since both surgeries but to walk out of the gym and have that Facebook notification that I had finally been matched with a buddy is truly amazing. I couldn't of been matched with a more adorable buddy... Miss Tessa we are going to rule the pavement!!!! Irunfor Matcher II, Whitney Mason Bynum

Amanda posted 5/31/2014:
After four months of waiting, I was finally matched with my buddy last night. For those of you who do not know what this is all about ... please check it out! What a privilege it is to be a part of such an inspirational group.
#IRun4Tessa
I Run for Michael

Amanda posted 6/1/2014:
Miss Tessa, today is my first official post and run for you. I was so over zealous last week when I found out I was to be matched in the next two weeks that I went over board and ran a little too much last week. It just so happens that I had run my fastest mile since having two leg surgeries in a year on Friday, only to find out I had been matched no less than five minutes later. What a gracious reward that was for me. I would of liked to of ran further for you today but it is very hot and humid here in sunny Naples, FL. I also was stung by a honey bee. I thought it was the cord to my headphones but upon adjusting it quickly became known it was a bee. I'm terrified of bees/wasps. I was stung in the eye as a small child and that's probably the day I started running so much! I am so happy you are my buddy and couldn't imagine embarking on this journey without you and your truly amazing family. Whitney Mason Bynum

Amanda posted 6/3/2014:
Good evening, Miss Tessa!!! I hope you are enjoying your new Upsee! I can't wait to see pictures from your softball game. I hope it wasn't rained out! I ran five miles for you today, sweet girl! I have my next race on July 4th. It's only a 5k but I am hoping to make a personal record for us. I may not be the most apt athlete out there but I am most exceptional at not giving up! You only fuel that fire! Tell Mr. Parker I said hello! — with Whitney Mason Bynum.

Amanda posted 6/5/2014:
Rise and shine on the running grind, Dear Tessa. I had to get in a short run this morning. A long time friend is coming to visit today for the weekend. I will for sure get a long distance run in Saturday morning. I hope all is well. — with Whitney Mason Bynum.

Amanda posted 6/14/2014:
Tessa!! Sorry I haven't posted all week, I have been under the weather so I haven't been running. Today I got back to the pavement for you! Ran two miles. I have to admit I felt pretty good and lighter than ever! Look what I got in the mail on Friday..... I even was stopped by a man inquiring about my awesome new shirt. So that got me thinking.... Maybe for my race on the Fourth of July I can make a patriotic shirt and write about CMV awareness ?? What do you think, sweet girl!? I hope all is well and I will be back running further for you tomorrow ! — with Whitney Mason Bynum at Vanderbilt Beach in Naples Fl.

#iRun4Tessa #whoIrun4 #CMVawareness #everyoneshouldparticipate

Amanda posted 6/15/2014:
Tessa, I finally got my shoe tags and I think they turned out adorable... Of course not at cute as you! I will be sending you a package tomorrow so we can match! I hope you have a great day with your father and family today! Happy Father's Day, Darin. You have a beautiful family and even though I barely know y'all yet.. I can tell you are an amazing dad! — with Whitney Mason Bynum.

I'm exciting to gather up the Facebook posts of our IRun4 journey with Amanda! I think it will make a really neat way to capture all of these memories for Miss Tessa and the impact she has on so many!!  We are thrilled to share our lives with Amanda!!

~Whitney