Bumpadoo

Our dear Bumper died on Tuesday morning. He was Jared's family dog for almost 18 years, and was very loved. Jan picked him out when he was a puppy. There were several other puppies to choose from, but when she held Bumper, he started playing with the button on her coat, and she was smitten. He was such a good dog, and we all miss him so much. When Jared and I got married, he became our family dog, and has lived with us for the past 3 1/2 years. He slept in bed with us until last year, when it was just too hard for him to get on the bed anymore.

He loved playing with our two cats, and they often all snuggled up together to nap.

He was part of the family. He just fits right in.

We buried him on Tuesday afternoon next to our precious Snickers (our kitty who died 2 years ago.)

Sciatica

How can I be 24 years old and suffering from back pain and sciatica?! What happened to the hip, healthy, active young mom I dreamed of being?

Reminds me of a particularly cranky old woman I know, hobbling around clutching her back, grumbling, "Oh, my sciatica."

Difference between the two of us? She is more than three times my age.

Pathetic.

Daddy Magic

Last night, Jared and I went on a much needed date. Sophia had her own date with Papa. Thing is, we forgot to tell him that she does not get a nap after dinner.


When it came time to put her down for the night, she was not cooperating. I rocked her, sang to her, nursing her, rocked and sang some more. Finally, she drifted off. Then, immediately woke up and was wide awake. This happened three times over the course of 45 minutes and 8 nursings (ugh). Finally I came out of the room crying and let her play on the floor for awhile. Then Nathan walked out of his room and saw my frustration. He said, "She's probably not sleepy. Did Dad tell you that she had a nap about an hour-and-a-half ago?"


Ahhhh. That would have been nice to know.


About 1.5 hours later (yes, she was THAT awake), I went in to try the whole routine again. This time it took about 30 minutes to get her to sleep once. After she finally drifted off, I waited a few minutes, then gently eased her into her crib. The eyes flew open. I knew they wouldn't close again. I stormed out of the room with hot tears burning my face again and plopped her in Jared's lap. He told me to go sit down and enjoy a frozen Snickers bar (my favorite treat right now). He sat at his computer, bouncing her on his knee. After about 15 minutes, he whispered, "Honey, she is asleep whenever you want to put her down. She fell asleep sitting on my knee."


WHAT??


Sometimes girls just need their daddies.