House Guests

About 2 and a half months ago I submitted an application to adopt a Golden Retriever through the Arizona Golden Retriever Connection. After going to California in September and watching Emma interact with all of our friend's dogs, I knew that we were ready for a dog again. I also knew that it couldn't be any dog though and that we were going to need to be very choosy with the dog we welcomed in to our home. Most people who know me really well know that I pretty against breeding and buying from a breeder. I feel that there are too many wonderful dogs being killed in the pounds because of over breeding and that it is craziness to pay a breeders price when dogs in shelters, rescue societies, and pounds are very affordable.

Growing up with a Golden Retriever, I have always had a special place in my heart for the breed. My childhood dog, Amber was the most wonderful dog a child could ask for and I always knew that I would love my children to grow up with the same type of dog. I thought that the likelihood of getting a purebred Golden would be near impossible without going through a breeder but while researching online, I came across the AZGRC. After submitting our application we waited for approval and before we could receive it, a house inspection needed to be done. In December a lady who works for the organization came to our house and brought her Golden to check things out. About two weeks later we received confirmation that we had been approved and that we could begin looking at the available dogs through the AZGRC. At the time there were only 2 dogs compatible with children (they take their dog placements very serious and each dog is fostered before it is offered to be adopted) but they came as a pair and I wasn't sure we were ready for that. I spoke to the woman in charge about fostering dogs instead of adopting so that we would have the first chance at any new dog (good with children) coming in being placed with us. I also asked her to tell me about the pair that I had seen online and she proceeded to tell me about what fantastic dogs they were. I agreed for a family meeting with the dogs at the foster family's home which is standard procedure for adopting through the AZGRC. I really thought after meeting the pair that I would realize that 2 was just too much for us but I was wrong. They were wonderful dogs and coming home from meeting them, Eric and I agreed to have the dogs over to our house for a weekend (the next step in adopting). There were a few things that we wanted to see while having the dogs in our element and we felt that we wouldn't know unless we had them over.

Roxy and Noki came on Friday evening and left tonight. We had a great weekend with them and they truly are terrific dogs. Emma is very good with both and the fears that I had about Josh not responding well to them was put to rest. I was sad to see them go tonight but Eric and I talked about it and we are ready to have them over for 3 weeks now (the last step in adopting) to see how everything works out having them for a longer stay. I didn't think I would ever want more than one dog but these two have changed my mind. I felt both fit in with our family perfectly this weekend and I am sure that the 3 week visit is going to solidify this feeling. I am excited to get everything set up so that we can have both over again soon and hopefully make their stay permanent.

Roxy



Noki


The dogs

Emma and Roxy

So Big!

Eric has been working so hard with Josh to get him to do the classic so big and finally last week he began putting his own arms up. The only problem is, how big is Joshua looks just like where is Joshua. The only really difference between the two is Josh tries to cover his eyes when you ask where he is. Both are extremely cute and Josh is such a ham!

How big is Joshua?


Where is Joshua?


Josh also likes to tilt his head to the side when you are talking to him until you tilt your head too and say ahh. It may be my favorite game we play!



Emma loves this game too and is constantly playing it with Josh. She is such a fantastic helper and a great big sister. I cannot wait for Josh to get a bit older so the two of them can be even better playmates. I am so grateful that Emma took to her baby brother so well and never resented him. I'm sure most parents fear that when their second comes along the first will retaliate (at least I think most parents fear that). Emma loves Josh so much and is like a little mother. Lately she has been wanting to hold him and feed him more than normal and she just doesn't understand that even though Josh is a baby he is gigantic and weighs 7 pounds less than she does. After begging and begging, I finally gave in just so she could see what it was like.



I thought after being smushed by her not so little brother that she would be done begging to hold him but not really, next bottle she begged all over again. I guess the girl is a glutton for punishment!

Chick-fil-A

Last night we went to Chick-fil-A to get dinner for the kids and to let Emma play in the toddler zone. Sadly, Eric said to me that he knew I would call him and ask him about going there because it had been more than a week since we had been. I can't help it, the food is good, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the toddler zone is so clean! You know you have a problem when the staff is recognizing you and saying see you soon.

Happy New Year

On New Year's Eve, Eric and I were watching FOX News in New York City and the anchorman and woman were talking about another decade going by, they told viewers to think about where they were 10 years ago. As I thought, I realized how long a decade really is. 10 years ago I was a sophomore in college, had no Emma or Josh, was still working at Blockbuster Video, wasn't even dating Eric yet, and was living at home with my parents. Good grief so much has changed! I can't even imagine what this decade is going to bring.
Our New Year's Eve was quiet and for the first time in years Eric and I did not go out. Pathetically I couldn't even stay up until midnight and was in bed by 10:40. Eric didn't last either and was out by 11:40. Our New Year's day was pretty uneventful too and neither Eric or I can remember what we did with the kids. Our weekend was nice (though both kids caught colds) and we were able to spend time with both of our families.
As for New Year resolutions, I have about 50! I am big into taking a look at yourself at any opportunity and changing things you don't like. I feel like new years, new seasons, new weeks, really any time new comes along is a time to reflect on who you are and who you want to be. So this year I want to be a more positive me! By nature, I am a very opinionated and I tend to think my way is right. Though I do think being opinionated is a good thing, I do think I can tone it down. I don't have to share my opinion out loud all the time or even be judgmental when someone does not agree with my way of thinking. So that is my big resolution with many other small ones attached. I asked Eric tonight since he has yet to share his resolution with me and he said he doesn't know. Sounds about right!