First the Canines then the Kid

Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job. ~Franklin P. Jones

You know how it goes... Mr. Wonderful meets Miss Wonderful... they fall in love, get married, and and pepper their house with the "two of us" photos. The next Christmas, the "us" expands and Mr. Wonder Dog appears on the
family Christmas card. Then, in the inevitable turn of events, one day Mr. Wonder Dog suddenly is missing from the family Christmas cameo... and little Wonder Babe takes its place.

Being the transiet apartment dwellers that we are, Mark and I weren't quite sure if we'd have the chance to partake in this important American ritual. But, have no fear, our canine training is here (times two!) as we watch Wayne and Sally's dogs (part of our house-sitting responsibilities. It's great training, actually for babies. (I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I mopped the yellow pool on the tile this morning, Tex's "accident," and thought about it being the first of many messes to mop up in the near future).

We're really enjoying Tex (the younger darker dog) and Mandy (the elder, with grayish fur). They are definite people dogs. Their highlight in life besides their evening walks is their tri daily "scratching" (Sally has a particular formula... 10 body strokes and a finishing double pat... very important!) They really have been fun to get to know, and our walks circling the pond below have been nice decompressors in the day.

The garden is still in full bloom. Last weeks highlight was the hydrangeas clipping and bouquet arranging... what a pleasure it was to be able to take these beauties to friends' houses for them to enjoy. I always wanted to be able to live in a place long enough to plant the flowers. I didn't plant these, but we've been able to enjoy their delights and share them with others!

The baby update: baby and mommy are doing well. I had a midwife visit, and the irregular heartbeat we heard on the Doppler last visit turned out to be an active little babe. No irregularities this time. The baby is starting to kick through my belly now (I can see it rise as it thumps)... it would follow the Doppler around and kick it as the midwife was monitoring. A little athlete on the way? Maybe it'll be a soccer star like Aunt Esther. :)