Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Long Goodbye

So I know that this won't make much sense to non-dog lovers out there, but I am heartbroken.  We've started the process of our long goodbye to our wonderful dog, Pedro. I know he has been a pain in the butt (a lot) but I love him so much.  We have been struggling with BJ's reactive airway disease/asthma for some time now and had him allergy tested.  He came back positive at a high level for dog allergy and is likely contributing to his wheezing.  So we are in the process of finding a different home for Pedro.  We have asked a few people, but we just want the best for him.  (But know the best for our little boy is to not have a dog and he comes first!)  So I will miss my huge lug of a dog- a lot.  I will miss his cuddling with us while watching a movie, his following me around the house when I get home, his ecstatic energy when we get home, his calming presence when I'm upset, his "keep going" attitude on runs- it is going to leave a big whole in my heart for a while.  I know Brandon isn't as heartbroken- which just shows you how much he is more my dog.  And really, he has become much more mellow and behaved in the last years.  Tonight he even walked with me off leash to the mailbox and back- heeling the whole way.  I hate that we told him his life would change with BJ but maybe for the better and now we have to get rid of him.  I know he doesn't understand anything- but it hurts.  I just hope that we can find a place where he can be loved and be a blessing to another family.  Even BJ has enjoyed watching him and talking to him over the last month or two, I'm sure they would have been best buds.  I just hope that at some level Pedro understands.

My boys hanging out together:


In other news, BJ is becoming more and more interactive these days.  He rolls all over the place, is constantly trying to reach and get to things, and loves using Mom and Dad as transportation to get where he wants to go.  Today was his first day in the bigger kid room at daycare.  Pretty funny- there are little ones who crawl and walk in there but they told me someone was crawling by BJ with a cell phone and he grabbed out of the little boy's hand- I guess we won't have to worry on him getting picked on too much!  Anyway, it is late, I should get some sleep.


Saturday, May 16, 2009

Mother's Day

I have to brag about how amazing my husband is.  I am going to assume that everyone that reads this blog understands how busy I am (and how perfectionistic).  So our Mother's Day was fairly low key- I was postcall and exhausted, so I took a nap and layed low most of the day.  But at dinner, Brandon asked if I wanted my present.  He asked BJ if he wanted to tell me, and BJ responded by jumping up and down in his exersaucer.  Brandon's response was "I think she may have the same reaction."  So for Mother's Day, he had arranged for a cleaning lady to come twice a month and clean the whole house!  I bawled.  It has been a huge stress for me trying to be the perfect homemaker on top of a wife, mother, and resident, and it was such a blessing for him to recognize how much stress that would alleviate for me.  I had even started worrying about BJ starting to crawl and being in a dirty house.

On a little more serious note, we have a prayer request of all of you.  BJ continues to wheeze and cough most nights.  We haven't yet labeled it as asthma (we are hesistant to give that label to anyone too early), but it looks like it might be asthma.  Since asthma, his ezcema, and allergies all go hand and hand, and allergies can worsen asthma, we had BJ tested for allergies.  You can only be allergic to things you have been exposed to, we knew many things would still be negative.  His screen did come back positive for food allergy- we'll have to determine what still, and mildly positive for dogs.  We have appointments set up (or we are on the waiting list for August appointments) with lung docs and allergy docs, but we are trying to decide and figure out if being exposed to Pedro will actually strengthen his immune system (like allergy shots) or make things worse.  We would be heartbroken to give up Pedro, but want to do what is best for our little boy.  Thanks for your prayers.

BJ showing his love for all bottles while hanging out with Daddy.

Bottles and the exersaucer- what a great time!





Sunday, May 3, 2009

Weekend

BJ is just too much fun!  I get nothing done because I'm either at work or playing with him- and the time I am not doing either, I'm cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, or trying to get a workout in. Life with baby is really busy!  But we are so enjoying it.  Last night I told Brandon we have a great life- he agreed.  Just don't ask me the same question after a long day of clinic-there will not be as much sunshine in my attitude then!  I love days off- this weekend I worked Friday morning to Sat. at lunch, but had a great time coming home and spending time with my boys.  We had church Sat. night, went to Applebee's for dinner- which BJ did great at (but had a catnap in the car on the way home).  This morning, I napped with BJ and headed out in the sunny Colorado weather for a quick run.  I'm hoping BJ enjoys our runs more later- now he doesn't dislike them but spends the first 3/4 just sitting there quietly.  I think he is checking everything out, but when I stop to look at him he looks so serious.  Then the last 1/4 of the run he waves his arms, plays with his toy, and talks.  So funny.  Pedro on the other hand has a panic attack in anticipation of a run.  I keep smiling at what a sight we must be- the petite woman with a huge baby and a huge dog.  We definitely take advantage of the wide trails!!  I've gotten some grocery shopping done, and a bit of laundry done but am hoping to pick up the house too-I guess all in all that seems like quite a bit, but is definitely less than I used to get done in one weekend.(Although do keep in mind I just got out of the shower and it is 4 p.m.)  But I do enjoy playing with my little boy more!!  

Smiling at Daddy
Going for a run


Downing some water in a sippy cup- such a big boy.  The problem is he doesn't get that holding it down like this keeps the water from coming out!

Great picture with Daddy- Brandon looks great in this pic- so happy to be with his boy.  BJ on the other hand looks ready for a nap!


Jumping- I love the shoes!!