Jon suggested that I start with Benji. He is, of course, the best doggy in the world. I am taking him to the vet on Wednesday for a follow up on his leg to see if any of the big C word has returned. Jon and I haven't found anything, so we are very optimistic. When I look at Benji I see a dog that is much younger than his 14 years. He loves to play, stays one step behind us all day, and gives lots of love. Yes, maybe he can't see in the dark, and he can't hear a thing, and maybe he can't quite reach scraps of food all the way on the floor anymore, but his age related ailments haven't damped his spirit. I wish I could look at life through his eyes. Even if the vet has bad news, I am going to look at the dog in front of me and know he's just fine in the here and now. He also had some of his fur pulled today by Lexi and he didn't even flinch. Good boy! Here is a recent pic of him with his best friend Santa
Jon and I are planning some improvements around the house. We've accepted the fact that you can no longer survive a Spokane summer without air conditioning. It will be installed in early May. It comes at a huge cost, but we can't in good conscience keep it that warm in here with Lexi in the house. We have tried opening windows in the morning, shutting blinds, etc, but at about 3pm every day the battle is lost and the house is burning hot. I survived it pregnant last summer. I don't think I can handle that heat again.
We are also getting some trees removed so we can put RV parking in the side of our front yard. Basically, our camper now sits next to our garage. The neighbor's house is turned towards ours, so it looks as if our camper is in our neighbor's front yard. The fact that we are planning to get a 3rd vehicle soon, and we will someday have a boat leads to the need for more a discreet parking area. Our front yard is huge, so we can spare the room.
Oh now for baby Lexi. She is such a blessing. Everyone always says the time goes so fast, but I am thankful every day that I can spend the time at home with her so I can see each moment and each new milestone. Being a mom requires patience and sacrifice, but the rewards are so infinite. Lexi is laughing more, smiling always, and have a great time in life. She chews on everything. She eats all the time. On her second spoonful of rice cereal she grabbed her daddy's hand to help lead the spoon into her mouth. She is sitting up with help, and should be able to sit on her own by next month. I am having the time of my life. -Jenni
