Monday, October 22, 2012

Meet Lucca!



B and I have been talking about getting another dog since the spring. We really felt like as chaotic as our life can be, that we were missing out. Rascal had Tito for years and has been alone for awhile...we didn't like that and he seemed to be turning into a "grumpy old man" of a dog. He has always done well with the kids. Never a nip or bite, but he isn't exactly playful. He never has been. Tito had a "baby" that squeaked everywhere he went. He wanted to play tug of war and he liked you getting down on the floor and playing with him.

Rascal is the opposite. He has no toys, as he doesn't play with them. He doesn't do tricks or play fetch. He's great to snuggle on the couch with, he's protective and he's a great little vacuum. He likes to look out the window and late in the evenings he loves to be petted. But he seemed lonely. Lots of naps in his days!

So we had been casually keeping an eye out for a dog. Originally I thought we'd be able to adopt a dog from another US family that would be moving. Pets can be expensive especially when traveling and unfortunately over here several get "pushed aside" so to speak. Well our issue was we needed a dog that we knew Bubba would do okay with. While he is "allergic" to dogs, he's never had a problem with Rascal. It's long-haired dogs and heavy shedders that he has a problem with. So we couldn't adopt just any dog, it needed to be a min pin, a Yorkie, a Maltese or mini dauschaund... A breed that we knew he would tolerate.

So we looked for puppies...yeah for €800 no thank you. So I watched the shelters but again, mostly big dogs. Finally I found an ad online for a litter of 3 dogs, the ad said they were Maltese/Miniature Pinscher mix. Sweet! Maltese are hypoallergenic and we know Bubba does fine with min pins! I talked to our Italian friend Manuela who graciously agreed to help us out. She called the seller, made arrangements for us to come meet the dogs and then went with us to translate. Long story short, we got a puppy. He is two months old and we named him Lucca:

We have had him a week now and in that time he has learned his name, gotten so used to his kennel that he willingly rests in it, and seems to really understand the while house training thing. He hasn't peed in the house in two days, but poop is another story. We're working on it though. Once today and as soon as I said "Lucca No!" He stopped and headed toward the door.

While Lucca and Rascal aren't sharing a kennel and curling up together just yet, they do get along well. They share a food dish and lay near each other. Rascal hasn't nipped or barked at Lucca...he tolerates him well.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sissy's 2nd Birthday party....

I'm so far behind on blogging, I don't even know where to begin. I have folders full of photos from when my parents were here back in August that I haven't shared yet...but before I get myself in a landslide backwards, I'll share Sissy's party pictures first :)

We had a joint party with Delilah, who turned 3 the same week that Sissy turned 2. If toddlers can have BFF's, then these two are definitely BFF's. We had an indoor party due to weather, but the theme was mermaids and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun!
 








 

I really didn't take that many pictures...too busy and having too much fun! We had kids playing in every room in the house, Disney's The Little Mermaid on in the living room. We served grilled hotdogs, chili, potato casserole, fruit salad, baked beans, fixings for Frito Pie, then of course cupcakes! Most of the adults hung out in the kitchen talking and catching up. It was nice to have an easy-going relaxing party...I just can't believe Sissy is TWO!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

24 months later...


Happy 2nd Birthday Sissy!!
I know every single month I say " I can't believe you're..." but I really mean it this time. When did my tiny baby turn into a little girl? You are growing up so quickly! I know part of it is life is hectic, we're living in a foreign country and I have 3 other kids to take care of as well, but it seems like your age just kinda creeped up on me. Personally I think you are the *cutest* two year old little girl that I have ever seen, but I love being able to look back and compare to last year and see just how much you grew...
Well, to be fair you didn't grow too much. You are older, wiser, more capable of doing things, more independent, taller and much more personable...but not much bigger. 

Last year, you wore a size 4 shoe...now you're in a size 6.
Last year, you wore a size 4 diaper...not you're in a 3.
Last year, you weighed 18lbs 5oz and were 29.25 inches in length...now you are 22.5 lbs and 33.5 inches in length.

You are at an age where your primary focus is just having fun. You know how to run/walk/climb/dance/hop and now you just want to spend all day doing that! You love to listen to music and dance. Doesn't matter if we're in the car or at home, you love to shake your little body all around and do so with a huge smile on your face. You're a daredevil and a spitfire and you don't seem to be afraid of anything. 

You still don't talk much. I'm not sure if you can't or if you simply don't need to. One day I really worry about it (the lack of understandable speech) and the next day you're yelling ''MOM! Where are you?" while wandering the house looking. I really think that with 3 brothers and 2 parents who are used to raising small kids, you just really don't need to say much....we simply do it/get it before you say a word. 

It is very obvious that you are a little girl who has three big brothers. While you love taking care of your "babies", feeding them and laying them down for naps, etc...you also love to play with Batman. You love legos and cars as much as you love your toy kitchen and dolls. You don't have a tea set or a doll house yet, so I can't say how much you like ''girl toys'' as you've never really tried. You're content with Lightning McQueen and a baby stroller.

Today we celebrated with dinner and cupcakes and you opened two presents. Your party will be on the 14th and I'll update again afterward.

We love you so much Sissy, I can't even imagine what life would be like without you. Happy Birthday my Maggie Moo :)

This past week in pictures...

Peanut learned to write his name, all by himself...

While simultaneously recovering from a horrible case of Hand, foot and mouth...
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I have found a homemade deep dish pizza recipe that we absolutely love! To the point that I make it at least once a week.

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We spent the weekend with friends; at birthday parties and having barbecues!
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After almost 2 years I have finally figured out a few more ways to style "girl" hair

And Sissy has proved that she is anything but girly.
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Bubba has been reading and loves first grade!
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Pooks is having a blast in Kindergarten!

And after 8.5 years of marriage, B and I finally had photos of just us taken.