Good Dog (Mom)

"She is perfect. Whatever you are doing keep doing." Music to a dog mom's ears! That's what Dr. Dove said about Sophie yesterday at her annual check-up.

And then he met Stella. Stella, has challenges. Specifically we've been dealing with a skin issue for 4 years. First we went to her primary vet and they couldn't solve the problem. Then she was allergy tested (she doesn't have any) and treated with different recipes of antibiotics by a dermatologist for 2 years. Being on antibiotics for that long can't be good for any body so we decided, after recommendations from other Frenchie families, to go the holistic route. So for two years, she has been on different cocktails of Chinese herbs. (You know you are going an alternative therapy route when the first question the vet asks is, "if Stella had a profession, what profession would it be?" That's simple - banker.)

And 2011 was the year of severe bladder infections for Stelly. Remember the formal affair that wasn't? That included multiple cultures, three weeks on antibiotics, three weeks off, a trip to an internist for a full work-up (good news, her internal organs are perfect), etc. We thought we had kicked it in November for it only to return in December. And none of these treatments are free... as a matter of fact, Stella is basically a car payment a month. So again, we are so thankful for our Grandaddy's generosity! Thus we ended up with Dr. Dove, renowned bulldog specialist, as our last resort.

He also can't figure out what exactly is wrong with her (Dr. Kocen, our holistic vet, said Stella is a zebra in a pack of horses) but prescribed a new course: steroids, antibiotics and potty breaks every 4 hours. What? Yep, every 4 hours including overnight. I was tired just thinking about it. And Stella doesn't wake up easily so I didn't think she would be thrilled either...

So last night, as I turned in, I set my alarm for 1 a.m., 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Turned out I only need the first alarm because after our first trip outside, I didn't go back to sleep. The good news is, Stella leaped from the crate each time because she needed to go. The bad news is she and Sophie are now sleeping contentedly on the couch while I am trying to stay awake drinking coffee at the computer.

Thankfully my parents gave me great pajamas for Christmas so I'm perfectly dressed for the walks. And the best footwear for taking your dog out in the freezing cold middle of the night? Why, Uggs, of course!

So my question for you, is this good training for potentially being a human mom someday? I asked a special someone that very question and was basically told 4 hours of sleep at a time is a luxury. Oh well, I'm going to maintain the attitude that this is good mom behavior. Regardless, Stella's worth it. But I pray that Dr. Dove can figure out what is wrong with her and get her better. Will you please pray too?

Unconditional Love

As I'm cleaning the kitchen from last night's fajita fiesta, I walk into the family room to find that Sophie has just thrown up. On my Ugg boots. Yep, my relatively new (2 months), charcoal gray, short Uggs. And what did I do? I asked Soph if she was OK. I pet her little head and calmly walked into the kitchen to remove the mess from my boot.

I've always thought how blessed I am because our pups have never thought of my shoes as chew toys. But now I understand the horror finding half-eaten shoes must evoke from shoe-obsessed moms like me. And it is the unconditional love for our furry beings that keep us from screaming, yelling or harming them in any other way. How can I be mad at that little face?

Maybe I'll soon be ready for motherhood after all...

This Just In!!!

I stopped by Nordstrom on Friday evening to (finally) exchange the Christmas shoes Paul bought me. My grey Cardy Uggs are being shipped to me so that just left a replacement for the leopard print Michael Kors (see Christmas Shoes blog post for more details). I stopped and picked up a pair of purple Charles David and then my eyes fell on these (picture left). It was instant chemistry. As I tried them on, all of the sales people crowded around me as they had just hit the floor that day and I was the first to try them on! Not only was it love at first sight, but love at first fit. Can't you just see them paired with a cute summer dress or skirt? Not to mention a perfect pedicure and tan. When will Spring be here???

Snow Days

Thursday night, as responsible grown-ups were stocking up on toilet paper, eggs and milk due to the pending blizzard; I was addressing a bigger crisis. No snow boots! Can you believe a woman obsessed with footwear does not own water-resistant boots? I own boots that "claimed" to be snow boots but have never seemed to truly live up to that name. So I headed to Mecca, I mean DSW. As I walked up the boot aisle, it was as if a spotlight appeared from above to show me the greatest gift to snowy weather. Uggs makes rubber boots with that amazing sheepskin lining? I held my breath as I looked for my size. Women were multiplying like bunnies all around me as they reached for this coveted snow boot. Not only did they fit (as if that truly matters) but they are a beautiful pearl white (not represented well in this picture) that perfectly matches my favorite coat. I wore them yesterday to walk the dogs and felt fabulous. Then it started to snow. They have been sitting by the front door ever since. What, you don't think I'd actually leave the house in blizzard conditions, do you? Luckily I bought Paul snow boots that look lovely with his matching shovel :)

Birthday/Christmas Miracle

Some people believe that if you put something out into the universe, it can come back to you. I'm not sure I believe it but something good has happened. And no, I did not hear back from my brother. As a matter of fact, as I wrote him he was emailing another family member making it perfectly clear he wanted nothing to do with me. And I cried. But then...

I had the best talk with my mom and then my dad (separately). They affirmed that it is time for us to move on as a family. My dad actually told me I was a wonderful daughter and he was proud of me. I can count the number of times he has said something like that on one hand. That is not a criticism. My dad just plays things close to the vest. He also said he considers Paul his son.

If my brother chooses to reconnect with us, we will accept him with open hearts and open arms. Until then, we will continue to make memories together. Mom, Dad, Paul, me and the rest of our family.

I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and only pray the ice stays away so we can have Christmas together. But if the ice does come my feet will be toasty... Paul arrived home last night with my Chestnut Uggs under his arms.

Christmas miracles do happen!

Happy Birthday to Me.

How come, when you are little, birthdays are all about THE big day? And when you get older, it seems to be more about days gone by? Or is it just me? Today is my 36th birthday - closer to 40 than 30. I'm not sure where the time has gone. It was a great day. Breakfast with a friend, lunch with friends, tons of Facebook wall posts and phone calls. Yet, I found myself at the desk in my home office writing a letter to a family member who hasn't spoken to me in 5 and a 1/2 years.

I remember so many birthdays when the card that meant the most was from him. And I still have Winnie the Pooh he gave me for my first birthday. And the one he gave me for my twenty-first. Two of my most prized possessions - can you believe they aren't shoes?

All I wanted for my birthday were these chestnut Uggs (if you don't own Uggs, go immediately to uggs.com and order a pair!) but I'd actually trade all my shoes for a phone call from my brother. Is my age showing?