We are CRAZY!!

You can just go ahead and leave us a comment telling us we are NUTS...go ahead, don't even read the rest of this...just tell us we are rediculous...














But how can you say "no" to a face like this:














OK, now you probably want to know what in the world we are thinking...well, as you know, Stephen and I love dogs (not little yippy ones...bigger dogs). And we had to get rid of our last one because I was allergic to him (we think because that type of water dog produces a specific type of oil in their fur). Anyway, if you have been keeping up with our blog you know I HATE puppies...another reason I am crazy...but believe it or not, I am the one that got the dog. Here's the story...

Almost every time we go grocery shopping we generally go straight from Aldi to Art in Motion pet store which is right next door . Titus loves the cats and dogs, and we have been pet deprived - but we NEVER go in to buy anything, just to see the animals. Anyway, we get in there and see these puppies that just arrived about 30-45 minutes earlier. They are black lab and St. Bernard mixes - breeds we both love. Labs are super smart and easy to train, and St. Bernards are smart too, but most importantly very good with kids and very loving, gentle, and calm. The dad was the lab and the mom was a very small St. Bernard, so our puppy really isn't going to be that big (if you consider under a 100 lbs not that big). Plus her paws are really small. Anyway, we thought this was good timing for a lot of reasons - first, because she hadn't been there long, kennel training will be easy. Second, she was free (well, you have to buy their "puppy kit" which are things you would have to buy with a dog anyway like food, dish, etc., plus she has all her shots). It is crazy that these were free considering their breeds. Third, we know exactly what we are getting - I said our next dog would be trained and full grown, but you run the risk of poor training or biting, or jumping, etc. which would be really bad with small kids. Forth, now is the time if we are going to get a dog...because within 3 months she should be basically trained other than fine-tuning. Lastly, I feel better about this dog than ANY other dog we have owned. Maybe my expectations are just too high, but I truly believe she is going to be a great family dog. I really didn't have many hesitations when I decided to get her.

So far so good...only very minor accidents (one being our own fault) and of course she was really lonely the first night and cried a lot. Last night was much better, and I expect it will just continue, especially since we are gone during the day anyway. For being so young, she is doing amazing. Titus loves her and she is very good with him. I am doing good so far too...but then it will be when she really tests my limits that it will be hard to not get angry :) We don't have a name yet...any suggestions???

Baby update: I had my monthly appointment this morning...I am small for 25 weeks, but at the ultrasound they said she was small, so that might be why. Strange that I have slowed down this much when at the beginning I was growing so fast I was afraid I might be having twins!! :) I am now down to shorter time between appointments...I go back in 3 weeks and then I only have 3 appointments every 2 weeks, and then I am down to weekly appointments. CRAZY!!! I can't believe how fast this is all going...I am not ready!!!! Prayer request...I have started to have small contractions like I did with Titus. Normal since they are only 1 or 2 times a day, but still a concern since with Titus it got to the point where it was 10-15 an hour! At this point Dr. Swan is not at all concerned, which makes me feel better. At least I know what to watch this time around.

House update: We are for sure closing in one week!!!! We are VERY excited!!! :) :)

Stephen and I leave in 3 days and 19 hours (yes, if you do the math we are hoping to be on the road by 5:30 AM on Friday, and yes, we are looking forward to this time away more than you know!!!). Please pray for safe travel!!