Puppy Love

Four years ago today I brought this guy home...and our lives have never been the same. I thought I was pretty slick when I "conned" Adam into getting him. I used the "we won't need to have a baby for a couple years" argument. It worked. But the con was on me. We had Jack a few years later, and I quickly realized that having a baby was a MILLION times easier than having a dog. At least our dog. Now that the movie Marley and Me is out, you can get a glimpse of what our day to day life is like with "Crazy Carl". He is exactly like that dog. But for all the times I've screamed, "I'm going to kill you DOG," I've whispered twice as many, "I love you dogger." And I really do. I could not imagine life without him. It has been a crazy four years for our family- career changes,a baby (and one on the way), a cross-country move, and Carl has been there through it all. A late night study partner for Adam, a comforting friend for a tired mom, a daily playdate for Jack and co-pilot on the road. That dog truly is man's/mom's/boy's best friend.

Snow Day

We woke this morning to SNOW! Snow is not typical here (I'm not sure I would have agreed to the move if it was). But how is it, that the Winters I have spent on the East Coast have been unusually cold?! Back in 2003 when we lived in Virginia, the area saw the lowest temps and largest snow storms it had in a decade! Chapel Hill sees very little snow, but unlike Virginia-the town stops to enjoy the winter weather surprise. Schools close (not Adam's school-of course), and many business delay opening until later in the day. Luckily I am not expected to be anywhere (got to love working from home) and can enjoy the white stuff from the comforts of my living room window with a cup of hot cocoa. This was, of course Jack's first snowy experience so I bit the bullet, bundled up and took him out to play. This morning was more of a lesson in learning to walk in it - later today, snowballs and snowmen!

Big Boy Room

FINALLY! We got the whole house painted! FINALLY! Pictures are going up on the walls! FINALLY! The place is starting to feel like home! The only completed room is Jack's, and boy is he proud of it! My favorite part is the white case that houses all the kid crap you obliviously accumulate the minute you have a child. Of all that you see on the shelf, the shelf itself is the only thing I can honestly say I bought (oh, and the lamp too). The lamp. What a god-send. Jack is fascinated with turning it on and off, and in the mornings that he wakes especially early, he takes it upon himself to hop out of bed, turn the light on and play for a bit. This simple accomplishment has allowed up to 45 minutes extra sleep time on more than one occasion. Bless the lamp!

Ba Humbug

Jack is not a morning person-not even on Christmas. Even the great 49er football from Santa was slow to lift his spirits. It took a little while, but eventually Jack got on the Christmas train and had a good time. Not to our surprise, most everyone ignored our "no gift" request (don't you people watch TV, airlines charge an arm and a leg for extra baggage)and Jack was flooded with tractors, balls, clothes and a few great books. He is at such a fun age. He understands Santa (and loves to say "ho, ho, ho") and was even into 'twas the Night Before Christmas and leaving cookies and milk out. This Christmas was 10 times more exciting than last year- I can't wait to see what next year has in store with two little bugs running around!