Funny Big Brother!

Oh, I hope this is just a little of what is to come between these two precious boys!!

Hudson's 1st Dentist Appt

Hudson had his first visit with the Dentist this morning!  We have a book {The Berenstain Bears - love it - I used to read them when I was little!} that we have been reading.  Hudson couldn't really understand why we were going to the Dentist though - in the book Brother Bear has a cavity & Sister Bear has a loose tooth!  He's been walking around the house for a few days trying to "wiggle" his teeth loose!  HA!

We talked it up last night & all morning!  He was a little skeptical but walked in proudly and shook the hands of both the Tech & Dr!!

He was so wonderful!  He got to pick out a new toothbrush & use it to brush his teeth.  He opened wide for Dr Taylor & got to pick out a new toy {a motorcycle} and sticker {Dora & Boots}!

After, I took him for his favorite meal - a quesadilla & cheese dip from Willy's!!

Grant William - 1/2 year old

Wow!  I can't believe our baby is 6 months old already! 

Just a few stats:

- 16 pounds, 8 ounces

- 26.25 inches

• EATING: Four 8 oz bottles {8 am, noon, 4 pm, 7ish} + 2 helpings of veggies and/or fruit
• FAVORITE FOODS: Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Sweet Peas, Apples, Pears
• Loves eating a "real" banana & has even sampled Watermelon!
• SLEEPING: ~ 11-12 hours at night, 2 hours twice during the day {if we're not running errands & such} + a catnap b/t 4 pm feed and 7 feed
• He is officially un-swaddled & sleeping on his side & stomach!!
• {the un-swaddling process went much smoother than with Hudson}
• ROLLING: he's rolling front-to-back & back-to-front
• SITTING: we're working on it; he's got the tri-pod action down great, but he needs to get much better - he's getting too heavy for the bucket these days & Mommy needs him to be able to "sit" in the buggy!
• TEETHING: no teeth yet but he's chewing on everything & drooling everywhere
• Passing items from hand-to-hand is routine 

 at the doctor's office

I'M HERE!!

Still here!  I mean, I've only been out of the blogging world for 2 months!  It kind of feels foreign to me in a way.  I vow to be a better blogger going forward!

There are FIVE new posts below!  Happy Reading!

Our Sweet Beasley

I don't even know where to begin. 

Before Kevin and I left for my birthday trip, I noticed Beasley slow to get up from the laying position.  I was so caught up with leaving town & making sure everyone was taken care of that I wrote it off to him being sleepy or possible arthritis.

his first night at our house: I think he found comfort in his "friend"

When Kevin and I returned, Bill {Kevin's Dad} mentioned Beasley was not acting himself.  At this point, he wasn't even going up stairs.  You should know, Beasley follows us everywhere -- he loves to be around us -- where we go, he follows shortly after.

He was due for his annual check-up, so I scheduled it for June 22.  They looked him over, took his blood & did the general doggy check-up.  Due to his previous injury on his back left leg, we all decided his "slowness" was due to arthritis.  He is not an old dog, but Goldens, especially with injuries, are prone to arthritis.

one of his favorite places in our yard -- until we pulled all the monkey grass up!

Two days later, June 24, he struggled to get in the crouching position to "take care of business."  I began to cry and knew something was wrong.  I immediately called the Vet for another appointment.  Since his blood work came back 'perfect,' the Vet took x-rays to rule out hip displaysia or something wrong with the plate in his leg.  The x-rays were clear, so he thought his healthy leg may have a tendon tear due to weight over-compensation of the injured leg.

his favorite snack, a green apple

{2005} post-surgery at home...so pitiful

Next steps:

Take him to Georgia Veterinary Specialists or Auburn.  Since we'd been to Auburn for his previous surgeries & were going down for the 4th, we made an appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon.

I arrived at the AU Vet School on June 30; paperwork, x-rays, Hudson & Beasley in tow.  Dr. Montgomery took a look at the x-rays and went to the Radiologist for a consult.  He came back & told me their thoughts:

**It could be severe arthritis - but most likely not**

Due to fluid around the rear spine, it could be:

1) Bladder Infection - 50/50 chance

2) Tumor

WHAT!  A Tumor!  But he is only 7 years old!  SEVEN!

this doggy LOVES to swim

We opted for them to keep him & run a urinalysis for the possible Bladder Infection; they also scheduled an ultrasound to check out his Lymph Nodes.  If his Lymph Nodes were enlarged, they would pull fluid from them & his prostate, where they concluded the tumor was originating.

Thursday, July 1:

I receive a call from the 4th Yr student, Mary Martin, assigned to our case.  His urinalysis is clear - which means -

The mineralizations found in his prostate and "bad fluid" {I can't remember the term they used} in his Lymph Nodes points to Cancer.

New Next Steps:

I scheduled an appointment on Tuesday, July 5 to meet with the Oncologist.  Kevin stayed with me, & we saw Dr. Sones.  They can't get to the specifics of where everything is originating but it is a Tumor, no doubt.

Our Options:
1) Treat Cancer with Radiation & Chemo

2) Not Treat the Cancer -- Opt for Pain Management Only

he loved getting to ride on the boat with everyone

*Side Note: Our very close friends literally went through this 2 weeks prior to our 1st Vet appt.  Their Golden, Abby, was treated for her original tumor only to have 3 more tumors appear 3 months later.  They spent quite a bit of money for only 8 more months.  We spoke with them over the weekend, and they mentioned the toil of the treatment wore on Abby and them.  Knowing what they know now, their decision might not have been the same.*

Beasley - front; Abby - back

Goldens have a 60% chance of dying from Cancer -- TWICE that of every other breed -- but still have a life span of 12-15 years.  Prostate cancer is more common in neutered males & is one of the worst kinds of cancer.

With Option #1:

 1-2 weeks of chemo & radiation

6 months {OR LESS} lifespan, yes, only 6 months

With Option #2:

Pain Management

New Anti-Inflammatory shown to reduce tumors for added lifespan

Couple of weeks-1 month lifespan

{this was really hard to swallow}

Abby - left; Beasley - right

The first couple of days - while waiting to start the new anti-inflammatory - were so incredibly sad.  We were hand-feeding Beasley, & he could barely walk.  Kevin was carrying him up the stairs at night, so he could still sleep by us.

However, he's now on the new drug & it seems to be doing wonders; he is getting around so much better and eating by himself!  Although, we have a beach trip coming up the last week of July.  He does look much better, but I am terrified of something happening while we're out of town.  I keep praying God will show us when the time is right, keep him healthy through July, and keep him as free of pain as possible.

We so love our Beasley.  We got him 2 months after getting married.  He's been there with us from the beginning.  He had such a wonderful weekend July 4th at the Lake.  He swam & swam until he could barely carry the toy up the stairs.  But he continued to wag his tail with excitement!

Beasley with Hudson, 6 months

Beasley with Grant, 5 months

Beasley with Hudson, 3 1/2 years

When I think about letting him go, my heart goes to those 2 sweet boys sleeping upstairs.  They will never really know what a wonderful soul Beasley is.  He is gentle, happy, loving, energetic {when he wants to be} and empathetic.  I am so glad I took {and take} lots of pictures of Beasley with them.

I ask for prayers for Beasley and our family.  This will be the hardest thing as a couple {next to fertility treatments} we've been through.

July 4th

We spent 4th of July at Lake Martin this year.  We had the pleasure of spending it with my "in-laws!"  I say in-laws but when I explain the situation, people think I've lost my mind.  My sister's mother & father-in-law have a lake house.  Kevin has known Mike, my brother-in-law, since 1991 - before me OR Cara were a glimmer in either fella's eye!  Therefore, Jim & Jeanne are like parents to both of us!

Cara, Mike & Harper had already left, but Jim, Jeanne, Brian, Melissa, Maggie & Kailey were all still in attendance.  {FYI...Melissa is Mike's sister.}  It was so fun to be around 2 of the sweetest little girls all weekend!

Vacation doesn't get much better than hanging at the lake, eating some yummy food & watching 3 little kiddos scream in excitement at even the smallest of fireworks!

Again...

...and Again!!

the 3 Amigos: Kailey, Maggie & Hudson

the broom closet will have to do for now

what is better than a sleeping child?!

at least he didn't scream in his life jacket

Sweet Boy & His Daddy

Inseparable "cousins"...all weekend!

sacked out...again!!!!

Silly Boy!

Riding in Daddy's "Man-Boat": I managed to have three kiddos {6, 3, 6 mo} sit with me while I drove Kevin on a ski run!!

Daddy's Helper already: bringing in the ski rope

My 30th Birthday!!!

**Warning: LONG POST**

After MUCH, much deliberation...Kevin and I decided to actually use our "lottery" tickets to the US Open at Pebble Beach!  I mean, I only turn 30 once, right?!

I dropped Hudson off with Mimi on Tuesday.  Grandma D arrived late Tuesday night for her duties to begin on Wednesday. Grandpa D & Omi arrived Friday night to finish out the babysitting duties with Grant & Hudson until Monday night.

We flew out to San Francisco on Wednesday, the 16th {my bday}.  We arrived and headed to the rental car desk.  Now, some history -- Kevin has not had the best luck on his business trips with rental cars, so he ends up talking with the VP at this lovely company & she hooks us up with a deal on a convertible.  B/c if I'm going to Cali, I'm putting the top down!  Bad sign #1::his name is not on the "preferred customer list" when we walk in.  Bad sign #2::after standing in the face of not 1, not 2, but THREE workers, Kevin finally waves his arms & says, "Any help here?"  Bad sign #3::manager comes out & tells us for the FOURTH, yes 4th, time that there are NO convertibles available!  HUH??  Kevin all but demands the CEO of said company, and somehow they "find" a convertible for us.

Now, on to Hwy 1!  Soooo very beautiful!  It was a little chilly, but the top went down & the camera came out!  I loved every minute of it!

We stopped at the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay - GORGEOUS!  Just wish I had the $600/night to stay there!  The food was fantastic, of course, and the view was even better!

We arrived in Carmel/Monterey Bay in the late afternoon.  Carmel was angelic and classic.  Other than being a little too cold for me -- all year long -- it was the most quaint town I've ever seen.  Since we didn't make it to the practice rounds, we don't have any pictures of golf - but believe me - Tiger is bigger than I thought, Phil Mickelson is even more handsome in person & {the winner} Graeme McDowell is a Q-TIE!!

While in Carmel, we visited 'Anton & Michel' restaurant.  It is owned by our neighbor's cousin.  If you go to Carmel - EAT HERE & ask for Bert!!  We got to meet Tony, his wife - Marie, son - Anton, Anton's girlfriend, and Marie's sister & brother-in-law.  {Come to find out -- the in-laws are in town from Ireland to see their buddy, GRAEME!  As in, winner of the Open.  Um, that information would've been helpful before we left town.}

Friday late, we headed back to San Fran for the weekend.  Saturday, the weather in Napa was going to be fantastic, so we headed over The Bridge & into Napa.

Either the rednecks follow us or we follow them?!?!? The Nascar race just happened to be in Sonoma that weekend.

Winery #1: Mondavi Vineyards

We really had no clue where to go; Mondavi was close & familiar so we ventured in.  It was really pretty but definitely glad it was first - each got better & better as the day went on.

After lunch at Rutherford Grill {aka Houston's headquarters}, we headed with our "new friends" to Winery #2: Rubicon Estate Winery

Rubicon is owned by Francis Ford Coppola - and he actually lives in the back of the chateau! It was the most amazing piece of land!  Just a dream!

At lunch, we met a really wonderful couple, Bill & Ann.  Bill was quite an interesting fella - many a story to tell!!  I wish I had the strength to write them all out -- corner me at a party & I'll tell you all about it.  This was totally out of our comfort zone & not something that happens to us...meeting 2 random people, having them take us to 5 wineries, "fear" for our lives {HA}, not pay for a single wine tasting all day, then going back to their home!!!

Winery #3: Alpha Omega

Best Sauvignon Blanc of the Day

Drinking from the Barrel

Our New Buddy, Bill

Winery #4: Frog's Leap

Best Scenery & Conversation of the Day

Not to mention, the main Vineyard House is my Dream House!

Also best sign of the day!

Winery #5: Plumpjack

It was closing, so we didn't spend much time here.  Quite an interesting setting though.

Winery #6: Silverado

Owned by the Disney Family - Mrs. Disney lived on the property until her death last year.

By far, the BEST view!!!

Bill & Ann's Labradoodle, Gabby

Not quite sure what I'm doing with my face!

Sunday in San Fran

Yep, we hiked ALL the way up! {Powell Street at California}

Isn't he the cutest?

the operating cables!

Lombard Street--

I kept laughing the whole time; it was just comical and so pretty; just like Spring!

the City

Our $10 Ghirardelli sundae -- worth every penny -- just wish I had gotten my own!

my FIRST In-N-Out Burger

Fisherman's Wharf - like a movie

Boudin Bakery

Pier 39 Sea Lions - the baby

what in the world are they fighting about?

On your mark...get set...

...TURN!

Just craziness!

My favorite street -- Mason Street

We came home Monday to 2 of the sweetest boys!  Apparently, we should leave more often!  They sure missed us, and we sure missed them.  Gotta love when you come back to kiddos acting better than when you left!  And I'm pretty sure both boys grew while we were gone!