Goodbye Deebo

The day before we left to come to Oregon we gave Deebo to a new and loving family. There were a lot of factors that played into this decision and ultimately we decided it was really what was best for him.

We all love Deebo very much and hope he loves his new family. They are so kind and gentle I know he'll be happy with them.

Our last family picture with Deebo.

Deebo's new family.

Calder & Deebo Go For A Walk

Fall in Columbus

Calder and I love taking Deebo for his afternoon walk. We point out all sorts of things. Trees and garbage cans are Calder's favorites. I am loving how vivid the colors are in our neighborhood and thought I'd share them.

This is the street we live on.

Don't you love the cobblestone streets?

My Boys Wear Ties

Calder wears a tie to church almost every Sunday now. He doesn't seem to mind and I love the way it looks. Well, I bought a few more the other day and thought it would be fun to put them on the boys (meaning Deebo and Calder). Calder is still in his pajamas and Deebo is still in his birthday suit, but they look cute non the less.

Outside

We had pretty good weather yesterday so we spent a good chunk of it outside. Calder doesn't enjoy grass much but he is thrilled to go outside to play. Deebo loves grass of course and could sit outside all day I think.

As a side note, Calder still doesn't have any teeth. He is 8.5 months old. I'm ready to stop pureeing everything he eats. The other day we tried pasta and he couldn't chew it so he kept collecting pasta in his mouth until I had to dig it all out for him. All well. Someday.

Deebo's Antics

Deebo sits like this A LOT. I love it.

Deebo has adjusted quite well to the move. A back yard will do that for a dog. He has unfortunately been a bit of a pill on occasion. Here's a few things he's done:

When we first got here Deebo was checking out the side yard which has a picket fence. He conveniently found a loose picket and was able to squeeze through. As Jason was driving down our narrow street with the world's largest moving truck he sees our dog running away from the house. He then sees me running while holding Calder trying to get him. Thankfully Jason's mom was getting Deebo's food bowl out of the car and was able to hold Calder so I could run faster. And even more thankfully a nice neighbor saw what was happening and caught Deebo.

Calder had his first taste of dog food.

I'm not proud of it. I'm even more ashamed that it has happened since. He loves the stuff and any time I turn around he is crawling at full speed towards the kitchen to find some dog food. He screams at me when I dig it out of his mouth.

Deebo also ran away when the FedEx guy handed me a package. Thankfully the FedEx guy is in shape and was able to chase him down. Calder was napping so if he went further than he did I would have been in real trouble.

Deebo is still adjusting to having windows that can see the street. He barks at anything that moves outside. We're working on it.

Calder Day 2-3

We're home from the hospital and everything is going splendidly. Here's a few pictures from day 2 and 3 of Calder's life. I promise we won't count in days for the next 18 years (although I'm sure his grandparents would be thrilled).

Jason is a fabulous dad. He is very patient, loving and caring. I love to watch him snuggle with Calder and tell him sweet stories. It looks so natural and comfortable for him. I don't know if anything makes you feel more in love with your husband than having a child.

This was us right before leaving the hospital. You can see part of our room. It was great. I really enjoyed our visit to St. Josephs Hospital. It was nice to be able to stay in the same room from labor to recovery. I was in no mood to move when it came time to deliver. I'll post about my labor etc. later.

Here's Calder today. He has discovered his fingers and is always trying to wriggle a hand out so he can suck on them. Of course I can't move fast enough to get a thumb sucking picture, but it did start happening today. He is so cute. I love him to pieces. It feels like he has been part of our family for much longer than 3 days. Jason is an incredible father and I am so excited to start this journey together.

Of course, we haven't forgotten about Deebo. He stayed with friends while we were at the hospital. He was very spoiled. They even let him sleep on their bed. Jason went and picked him up after we got home. Of course Deebo was very excited and curious about his new family member. Every time Calder made a peep Deebo was on high alert last night. I think Jason and I slept better than Deebo did.

Today, he is not as tense. He will still come running if Calder really belts it out but if Calder sighs, Deebo does't care anymore. It's probably a good thing. Deebo is dog tired today. He has not moved in hours. I think the adjustment will be pleasant but exhausting for Deebo.

Our Last San Diego Weekend

I just uploaded pictures and realized I have a few posts that didn't make it onto the blog. So please excuse the mass amounts of posts you'll see tonight.

Our last weekend in San Diego was spent going to the beach (like we did every weekend) and going to Balboa Park. Balboa Park is a huge area holding museums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo. We took Deebo and it was a lot of fun to just walk around and look at the beautiful buildings and landscaping. And yes, in the last picture I'm wearing sweat pants. I'm a little embarrassed about it but they were the only thing that sounded comfortable that day. Please note, I haven't worn them outside the house before or after this episode of weakness.

Chicago to Tulsa

Today we drove from Chicago to Tulsa, OK on our way to San Diego. Jason and I were very nervous about Deebo since we haven't taken him further than 60 minutes from our house. Jason loaded the car mostly by himself this morning since I'm not allowed to lift heavy things. We got everything of ours to fit in the back seat of the car and then Deebo's bed and water went into the hatchback portion of the car.

Deebo has been a bit ornery for the last week. He usually gets this way when we pack for a trip. It was exaggerated this time because we packed all week. It drove him nuts. Deebo normally sleeps all day. I'm not kidding. He probably sleeps 18 hours a day. For the last week he has refused to sleep in the evenings while we pack because he's afraid we were going to leave without him while he's sleeping.

This morning he was beside himself as Jason carried stuff to the car. Finally we put his bed in the back and he got so excited! He couldn't stop panting and he had the biggest grin on his face. He was trilled to start our trip together.

Deebo was a champ today! He didn't howl once. I have to get out to walk every two hours to avoid blood clots, so that worked out for him too. We would take turns walking in the grass while the other went to the bathroom or got gas. It was perfect.

Tonight is his first trip to a hotel with us. Right now he's sleeping, so that's a good sign. He is a little on edge, but I hope he'll be okay. We'll see how the next few days go.

In preparation of our drive to San Diego we decided Deebo needed some sort of travel water dish. I had previously seen a hamster type watering system that seemed quite complicated and thought that was my only option. So, when I went to the pet store to buy it they didn't have it but they had THE WATERBOY! It's basically a 3qt water jug that keeps a small amount of water is a reservoir at all times.

I bought it and brought it home. I must tell you that Deebo is always excited when I bring things home in plastic sacks. He is beyond thrilled when I give him something out of those sacks. It doesn't seem to matter what it is. As I presented him with this water system filled with water he stood there and drank for a good five minutes! Ever since he has spent a lot of time drinking. He has had to go to the bathroom a lot more frequently over the last few days. We're hoping the novelty wears off before we head towards San Diego.

Deebo's Ready

This last Saturday morning after attempting to wake Jason and I up, rather unsuccessfully, Deebo went out to the dining room. When he came back he had somehow managed to take the handles of my purse and put them over his head and front paws. He came charging into the room with my purse around his waist. I'm sure he was so proud of himself. Of course, if I just had my purse I could get out of bed and take him for a walk. Sometimes I swear he's so logical and thinks like a human. I just wish I wouldn't have been half asleep and would have taken a picture.

Why I love Jason

Jason is so cool. Just last night he thanked me for doing the dishes, taking out the garbage, walking the dog and being such a good wife. And... HE MADE DINNER!

Jason works really hard at school. I really appreciate it and look at it as a desire to provide for our family. I love that he can study at home so I can look at him. Deebo likes it too.

Jason has promised that after he's done with school I can do whatever I want. Yes, whatever I want. I can start a business, go back to school, stay home, whatever. I love that! He is so supportive of all my desires.

Jason is an awesome craft critic. If I make something and I'm not sure about it, he'll tell me the truth about whether it's good or not. He is also really good at making a big deal out of something that looks great.

He cares about his church calling. He is the Sunday School President and is by far the best one I've ever seen. I may be biased, but still, he's good. He never misses his early morning meetings. His bell ringing is superb. He is always thinking of ways to improve that second hour of church.

He gives the greatest presents. I don't know how, but he knows exactly what I want. The present he gave me for Valentines Day this morning blew my mind. I love how thoughtful and sweet he is.

I can't think of a better person to spend forever with. Happy Valentines Day Jason!

Escape Artist

Deebo has a new, not so handy trick.  He learned how to escape from the tennis court.  It didn't help that the snow made it so the door wouldn't close all they way.  Deebo waited until Jason was on the other side of the court before running and pushing all his weight on the door forcing it open. Both boys took off running. Deebo thought it was a great game. He would run to the end of a block and turn to make sure Jason was able to see which way he was going.

Jason was huffing and puffing behind him, scared to death Deebo would get hit by a car.  Deebo has a very interesting approach to crossing the street.  If a car seems to be coming when he is ready to cross he just turns the same way as the car and runs with it until it passes him and then tries to cross the street.  If there is a car going the other way, he runs with it until he is passed.  It's a pretty smart yet terrifying approach.  

Jason and Deebo had a good 6-8 block run.  Deebo finally go distracted in an alley.  Thanks heavens for the tempting alley food.  Jason lunged at him and basically took Deebo to the ground to avoid a near miss.  Deebo is not allowed to go to the court until the snow melts which is a bit of a bummer because loves to run in the snow.  

I promise Deebo likes us.

Deebo Rolls

Deebo likes to roll in things outside. Usually it is something I find repulsive such as bird poop or dead animals.  He doesn't understand that the reason we come home to a sponge bath of Clorox wipes and a bath is because he rolls in bad things.

Tonight Deebo found one of Jason's shirts and carried it to an open area on the floor and proceeded to rub himself all over it.  Now, this could be interpreted two ways.  1. Deebo likes smelly things and apparently puts Jason's worn shirts in this category. 2. Deebo loves his Jason and wants to keep his natural scent with him at all times.  I'm choosing to believe #2.  

So Long Wintermute

He was a kind and gentle computer. He worked like a dog and remembered all the things I asked him to.  He has been around longer than I've been married and longer than I've lived in Chicago. He is survived by Jason, Cami and Deebo.  He passed at 4:20 in the afternoon on January 2, 2008.  Feel free to take a moment of silence for my long lost friend. 

Yep, my computer died.  We knew it was sunsetting but didn't know it would come so soon and so abruptly. It started making a bad noise when it had to work, not just work hard but work period.  Now when you try to turn him on you get a question mark.  That's never good.  We'll get me a new one eventually but for now Jason and I will be sharing.  Luckily Jason is good at sharing. 

Deebo's Shoes

Deebo got a pair of shoes for Christmas this year. This is his first attempt at wearing them. Tonight he wore them outside for the first time and had a blast. He didn't want to play with other dogs at the tennis court but loved running in the snow.

Christmas Prep

Today has been a day of Christmas prep.  We got the decoration box out of our storage unit and started putting things up.  We have our Christmas swag out, (instead of a tree, we have a swag) fluffed and hung and we have out stockings hung.  I haven't finished Deebo's stocking yet so as you'll see in the picture the small stocking holder is empty.  I'll get it done on time though.  Since it is Deebo's first Christmas with us we are going a bit slower with hanging ornaments on the swag.  We want to make sure he doesn't pull it down while we're gone.  I'm sure it's fine but it's better to not throw too many temptations at him at one time. 

We also took our annual family picture.  It was a lot of fun since we just got a new camera.  It makes a lot of beeps before it takes the pictures which made it easier for Deebo to know where to look.  I love the holiday season and am so excited to spend time with family and friends. 

Deebo the Metrosexual

Deebo has been described as a metrosexual by his friends and their peeps. It's not a negative thing, in fact it makes him quite proud. He really likes to be clean and doesn't mind taking showers. Okay he actually hates to get in, but once he is in the shower he just stands there and lets me shampoo him with his oatmeal and lavender shampoo from World Market. It's the only shampoo that we've used that he doesn't hate and try to rub off on the furniture. He also likes to be dried properly and completely. He has his own towel that is fluffy and warm (okay, I put it on the radiator heater while he's showering so it will be warm). The other dog owners know this because he is always so soft and they wanted to know his secret. It's all about the shampoo.

Deebo also has quite the bling. You can hear him clear down the block. He likes to keep his name tag, city tag and county tag securely around his neck just in case he gets lost and needs someone to call his ride. He has been asking for a cell phone but Jason and I just don't think he's ready. Maybe after he gets the 'come' command down.

I'm Thankful For...

I'm sure millions of people are making lists of things they are thankful for and posting it on their blogs. One more can't hurt, so here's my list:

Jason: the greatest and smartest husband ever. He is so sweet, patient, thoughtful and kind. I am so glad to be able to spend forever with him. Jason is also very modest. He'll tell you he's just lucky when taking tests. hah.

Our families. They are so great and I can't wait to spend time with them in just a few weeks.

Deebo. He's the best dog ever. I'm not kidding. He's so soft and tender. All the other dog owners in the hood say he is metrosexual. He's swell.

Our apartment. We got really lucky with grad student housing. I love our apartment and if it had a second bedroom and we were staying in Chicago for a while I'd buy it. I feel so safe which is a bit different from our last apartment (I'll blog about that later).

Awesome Fabric. I could go to a fabric store every day. I love fabric. I also love sewing. I've been on a sewing kick lately. It's been awesome. I have stacks of fabric with visions in my head for them.

Summer. I love sunshine and warmth. I can't wait to have continuous summer! Ahhh... San Diego.

The ability to sleep on a moments notice. When I say I'm going to sleep, I'm not kidding. I can sleep and nap with the best of them. Oh, I'm also thankful for our awesome pillows. It really makes a difference when you have a good pillow.

Hot Chocolate, Macaroni & Cheese, Carrot Cake and Water. Those are definitely my favorite foods/drinks. I really like water. I don't drink a lot of other things because they make me thirsty. Weird huh?

My sense of smell. It's so much better than the average. Jason often says I have a super sniffer. I can smell things much earlier than most. There is an obvious downfall to this ability, but for the most part it's been good.

Skirts. I LOVE them. They're cute and feminine and fun. If my legs didn't get cold I'd wear them every day.

Thanks

Tonight Jason and I went out for dinner in celebration of Thanksgiving. We intended to go out tomorrow, but believe it or not it was a bit of a challenge to get a reservation. It couldn't have been more perfect. I can't wait to enjoy Thanksgiving doing things I enjoy. (Cooking a turkey is not one of those things, therefore, I'm not doing it.) We went to Kinzie Chophouse (my choice) and had a delightful steak dinner. We even have leftovers for tomorrow.

Now, don't get me wrong... I'm certainly going to cook some Thanksgiving tradition foods. But, I'm only making the ones Jason and I love. Here's my list of things to make over this long weekend: cornbread stuffing, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, O'henry bars and mounds bars. Yep, all the good side dishes. Hey, we have leftover steak.

While we were out Deebo took it upon himself to empty both of the purses I had within his reach. He chewed some gum and ate a granola bar. It was an enjoyable evening had by all.