Catch up, will ya?

Woah! It's been awhile. How are ya?

Life has been crazy busy and so good. Feels like we've been living in the fast lane for the last year. I wouldn't change a thing! Well maybe something, but I can't think of what. It's been stressful, trying, triumphant and very, very rewarding. We moved a little over two months ago. Talk about a big adjustment! No longer did we have mom and dad close by to run to (aside from being nearly right across the street from them now :)), to make us dinner when we were too tired and too broke to do it ourselves.. oh the changes we face when we finally have to grow up and move on!

I love our place. It is so us. We have a big front and back yard, and a quaint living space, really. I just started my own garden. Lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, peppers... yumm!! Oh, but it just didn't feel complete until we welcomed a new doggy into our home and into our family! Frank, previously Dartagnon, came to us from another family who was forced to give him up. I just can't think for the life of me why or how someone could give him away. He's an 18 month old Bernese Mountain Dog and he is sweeter than sweet. In fact, I just so happen to think he is sweeter than the half dozen sweety chocolately cupcakes he devoured the other day. Ok, so maybe he has some things to work through. But who doesn't? Despite the unforseen astronomical vet bill, we still love him fiercely. He brings such a dynamic aspect to our home. Frank adores us. I mean, really adores us.  He's a whole lotta dog, a whopping 100lbs and still growing! But he's gentle and listens better than Kyle most days ;) Winnie thinks he's pretty special, too.

Kyle is still busy with school and work and being a new daddy. Oh, and to top it all off, he is starting training to become a firefighter. The guy just can't get enough of life-- it's one of the things I love most about him. Eventhough the days are long and grueling, he wants more. A lot more. Most don't know how he does it. But I do. He's magic. There, the secret's out!

Winnie recently turned six...six...SIX months old. Wait, hold the phone, where did the time go?! Will I always be asking that? I have a feeling the answer is yes. That little girl. Oh my goodness, I could talk about her for days. It's true. My world revolves around this little person. She is growing and becoming so playful and silly, and yet still has her serious side from time to time. She sits on her own. She has a funny giggle. She loves when we pop up and scare her. She puts up with my terrible singing and uncoordinated dance moves, and loves me beyond all things. She needs me. And I have come to realize that I really need her. She makes life so fascinating and thrilling, madening sometimes, but again, I wouldn't change a thing. Now that Winnie is eating solid foods, our feeding times have gotten much more pleasant and less frustrating. She will eat you under the table any day of the week! Her favorite is sweet potato. And bananas. And pears. And peas. And carrots-- can't forget about carrots! From the beginning we called her Winn The Bin, I don't really know why or how we came up with that nickname, but it's stuck. Tonight, she pooped in the bath. And yes, I was in it with her. Usually I love our bathtime together, but after scooping her doodies out with my bare hands, I can't fathom when we will share that time again. I'm sure by tomorrow it'll all be forgotten, but for right now-- yuck!! Was that too much? ;-) I'm going to keep going. If that's alright with you? Winn sleeps through the night most nights. After finally transitioning her into the crib (yes, it took us until she was about 5 months because we were just flat out scared of what it'd be like) bedtime actually got much easier. I think she likes the freedom. She is a real water baby! I mean, she LOVES it. She splashes and smiles constantly. And now that warm weather has finally showed up at our doorstep, we are soaking up every ounce of it we can.

It's funny how a year and a half ago how different life was. And now I can't even picture that life we were once living. Of course, I miss the freedom every once and a while, and alone time, but wow, a life without my sweet Winnie girl? Cannot begin to think of that! And luckily, I don't have to :) Ok, I feel better now. Who knows when I'll be back again, but I hope it's soon. Goodnight!