The Family

Our appointment last week went well and we almost wonder why we frequent that place so often.  It makes me feel better to get an expert's assurance.  However, because of Chris's self-diagnosed ADD, he has a difficult time with all the waiting involved. You sit in the waiting room for hours where people-watching is only interesting for so long and then when you get a small glimpse of hope when they call your name and you act like you've won the lotto, you sit in the exam room forever.  At this point, Chris reaches a new level of antsy and starts pacing the room, opening the blinds, messing with everything on the counters (never a good idea in an ob/gyn's office!) and scouring all paraphernalia on the walls and counters. He may try to nap, but then he resorts to turning music on his ipod or singing himself! But no matter what his odd coping routine is, he always inevitably ends up doing the most embarrassing thing as the doctor walks in.  Then we get to explain ourselves.  None of my protests or requests save us from this moment.  At least maybe we are somewhat entertaining?
Anyway, the doctor said we are "doing great" and baby J is growing by leaps and bounds.  I get a mixed feeling when the doctor just looks at me and declares, "Oh, he's growing!" We also learned that if all goes well, I will be induced on April 11th.  We made weekly appointments through January, I had my routine blood work and we were out of there after 2 1/2 hours when the office was technically closed!
On another note, I think it is time to introduce you to an integral part of our lives! These are my best friends and have been by my side through everything!

Joey

  This little guy is the best!  So much personality.  I came across him about 5 years ago at a little pet shop and knew I had to have him!  I decided to buy him for myself to celebrate my college graduation.  Chris wasn't crazy about having a chihuahua since we were a month from getting married, but I finally convinced him.  As soon as Joey jumped out of his little back pack he jumped into Chris's heart.  I am super-protective of him because as the years have gone by we have learned Joey has asthma, epilepsy, and has several allergies.  He loves peanut butter and tiny stuffed frogs with Santa hats.  He spends his days on my lap and nights laying by my stomach. I don't know what I would do without him!

Chandler

Do you get the tribute to Friends?  Most people don't.  Oh, well.  After we had been married a few months, we both felt bad leaving Joey by himself while we worked all day.  Chandler was a lot easier to convince Chris to get. He said as long as he gets to name him, he could be ours!  Also, Chandler was born on our wedding day, so we knew it was meant to be!  Chandler was a pudgy, quiet little guy who we would find curled up in the laundry or my closet after searching quite awhile. He is definitely not a typical chihuahua. He hardly ever barks and naps 23 hours a day.  He is a fine companion for Joey and they entertain themselves.  Once, we weren't paying attention to them and they tag-teamed a tee-peeing of our whole house!  Chandler loves food, his toy dachshund and Bow's mouse, and he howls when he thinks he is alone.  Between Joey and Chandler, our life is never boring!

Tucker

Tucker has been a wonderful addition to our family!  I picked him out three years ago at the shelter as a Christmas gift for Chris.  At first he had anxiety issues and was really difficult to train.  But after a few Caesar Milan dvds and obedience school, he was a new dog!  Tucker is a constant companion and best friend.  He will eat anything including kleenex and I have found myself wrangling with him over raw chicken on the bed(my worst nightmare for sanitation reasons)! Tucker thinks all dog toys are his, it is fun to make a sport of going outside a million times a day for no particular reason, and if he runs around the house long enough, he will eventually find Chris when he isn't here.  We couldn't ask for a better friend or "guard" dog.

Bow

Bow has been mine since I was in middle school and Abbey found her in a wood pile, dying.  We nursed her back to health and she has been strong and sassy since!  Bow has an amazing amount of personality and talks to us all the time. She loves Tucker and plays with Joey.  She is fond of sleeping at my feet at night.  I'm so glad I have been able to enjoy Bow through the years!

Well, that's everyone for now.  It will be interesting to see how they all adjust with our new addition in April!