goodbye, september

Dane is 14 months old! I can't believe how quickly time passes. It's been a busy month 'round here!

One of his favorite "toys" is the swiffer. I am not opposed to him learning to use it-- since I'm usually cleaning up after him and the trillion cheerios he leaves on the floor. :)

 He enjoyed his first try at corn on the cob this month. Apparently, it was delicious!

One thing I have grown to LOVE about Kentucky is having all four seasons. This Arizona girl loves the heat, but a definite break from it (and a gentle ease into freezing temps) is so wonderful. We've enjoyed lots of time outside. I've tried to capture his sweet little features while they still look like they belong to a baby. He becomes more and more of a toddler every day. :(

 Boys.are.dangerous! He will find the dirtiest, germiest, death-defying way to do anything. Doing the stairs by himself is a new trick he's trying to master.

 I should note that after those photos were taken, he missed a step and took a corner to the cheek... it's still green and purple. :(

We tried getting a few family photos while we enjoyed the beautiful weather on a blanket in the yard....our youngest family member wanted nothing to do with it.

 The driveway is his favorite place to play right now because he can run around and around. He loves to "kick" balls-- tennis balls, baseballs, volleyballs. :) He even throws them for Elphie. Elph also loves this time outside because she gets to run free. While she does wander a little too far sometimes, she usually spends her time shepherding her little lamb in the driveway.

watching out for danger. :)

 She's a good shepherd, but a shameless beggar. This is aided by the fact that the baby loves feeding her. :)

a fond farewell

Tonight as I enjoy the unseasonable 70degree weather by the firepit on our back deck, I'm thinking a little clearer than I was this same time last night. Yesterday we said goodbye to my sweet Binx. A day I knew was coming, I just hoped it didn't have to be so soon. After years of prescription food and medicines his little body couldn't be comforted anymore. He spent his final days crying out in pain and pacing the house seeking comfort.

Our vet gave him a shot and allowed us to bring him home so he could spend his final hours where he felt safest. With the most peace I have seen from him in months he curled up on his favorite pillow and went to sleep. It was a sad day filled with tears and lots of grieving, but it truly happened in a manner that seemed fitting for our fluffy boy. 

The Lord gave us special comfort and even orchestrated that Dane would be down for his morning nap so Tevie and I could be alone with Binx as we said goodbye. In his final moments he was snuggled up with his people at home, and I think he felt safe. 

Binx, I hope you've found Louie, Puji, George, Oreo, Bandit and the other pups our family has grieved over the years. I KNOW you've found Checkers, Crue, Boots and Ollie because if ever there were a dog who loved to chase a cat, it was you, my dear. I hope puppy heaven is filled with peanut butter treats, long walks without a leash and, of course, is a Cone Free Zone! I miss you so much. Our home is quiet and my heart a little empty tonight. You're buried beneath the willows so I don't have to look far to think of you. I love you, Bingo Cardingo. 

Be a good boy, Binxie Bear. 

Love, 

Mommy and Daddy

spoiled babies

playing with Baby Dane

eating food out of Mommy's purse

enjoying a swim in the creek

"Mommy can't leave me here if I'm in her suitcase!"

begging

the sharing around here is getting pretty ridiculous...

Elphie is shameless in her pursuits.

 Dane is happy to oblige.

 Pathetic.

 The precious enabler.

future investigator

I love watching Dane learn, and right now it seems like he learns something new every day. I think we have an engineer or architect on our hands. He loves seeing how things work and figuring out what goes where. I could watch him play for hours... and sometimes do. :) 

In the yard, he is fascinated by the grass-- the texture between his toes and how it feels in his hands.

 Apparently, it's even a good snack!

 Elphie plays with us too. She loves to bathe in the sunshine. She's also a good little shepherd, keeping her back to us and watching for trouble.

 Investigating again, this time the rug in his bedroom.

 We are working on tooth #3, and I assume #4 as well but it hasn't popped through yet.

 That's a teething face. I don't know why he holds his mouth like that-- maybe it feels better.

 Jabbering while he plays alone.

 Take that, tooth!

 I can alllllllmost reach....

 wait a minute...

 Never mind, this one's closer. :)

 Do all boys love balls? It must be in their genes.

 This child knows when the camera's out... such a ham. :)