Bo, You will be missed and always loved

On Christmas Eve 2001, we found this little guy in a pet store at The Woodlands Mall.  I fell in love with him at once.  Knowing that the pet store was going to euthanize him due to his old age (only 9 months), Jon and I rescued him and brought him home.

Bo was..well it is hard to explain it in words.  He was one of a kind. 

He was loving.  He loved to be attached to someone’s hip.  His favorite place was next to Jon on the couch.  He was not a very playful dog.  Don’t get me wrong, he would have his moments of playing tug-a-war, but Bo was definitely a lap dog.

Bo had his issues.  He could clear out a room like no other dog.  Poor little guy barely had any teeth due to a major over-bight. By the time he was five, he had six teeth pulled and could barely hold on to a rope to play tug-a-war (but he tried).  At the age of seven, he had patellar problems and blew out his ACL. Oh and the ear infections and the allergies…And the barking, oh the barking at anything that came in our yard.

When I took Bo in due to a hacking cough, I knew that it was time.  I did not need the vet to tell me.  All he wanted to do was sleep in the middle of the hall.  Any activity and the poor little guy started hacking.  Knowing this did not make it any easier when I heard the news.  My plan was to take him home and feed him ice cream, a juicy t-bone (so that he could then hide the bone in our blankets) and to cuddle with him…to make up for the many times I yelled, “Bo be QUIET!” or the many times I neglected his needs because I was tired.  However, while driving back home, plans changed and I knew it was time.  So, I turned around and took him back to the vet. 

I had never put an animal down.  So, I did not know what to expect.  Bo felt so tiny in my arms (he wasn’t the plump 15lb Maltese that I knew).  He just laid his tiny face in my hands.  I think he knew and was ready.  The lifelessness I felt within seconds of the injection is something I will never forget.  However, there was a sense of peace with it. No wheezing to take a breath.  No more coughing attacks.  No pain.   Being in the room and holding Bo was one of the hardest things I have done.  I would not change it though.  Being there, holding him, comforting him and letting him know that I love him, gave me and my little Bo-Bo peace.

I love you Bo and you will be missed.

My little acrobats

Look at these little ones.  Kayla is always trying to show off her new acrobatic skills.  Christian in turn tries to copy his sister.  How cute!

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Dear Kayla On Your 4th Birthday,

I think I have written this letter over and over.  This might be the tenth time to write my thoughts down.  I want to say so much to you and for it to make sense.  So, if I start rambling, I am sorry.  I just want you to always have these words and know how much I love you. So here goes…

Today June 11, 2010 is your 4th birthday and I want you to know how much I love you.  Right now, this letter may not mean much to you.  Maybe you’d rather have some colorful princess card.  In the future, though, as you grow up, you’ll always have the memories that come with this letter.

At this stage in your life you love.... gymnastics, mermaids, swimsuits, butterflies, Batman, kittens, singing, ponies, and bugs.  And if you so desire to be "rock star" like you've mentioned on a number of occasions, than so be it.  May you hold onto your glorious imagination and incredible stage performances for the rest of your life.  I will always be there watching you my sweet sweet incredibly princess...

At this stage in your life you are realizing the world around you.  You are starting to understand life and asking questions.  You have a remarkable way of putting things into perspective.  You have taught both Daddy and I, to slow down and always tell those around you how you feel and to always give one another a hug and a kiss before leaving.  (For this, I am grateful).

So, today you turned four and not a day passes by without me thanking God for such a wonderful, active and amazing little girl.  

You have such a wonderful personality.  You are caring, wise and a very strong willed individual.  You always try to make everyone happy.  If someone is really sad,  you are right there to help, with a hug, a kind word, or a gesture of compassion.  You now exactly when to say, “I love you so much Mommy!” and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don't hear those loving words.  There also isn't a day that goes by that you don’t try to negotiate your way out of or into something.  It has taken me four years to learn that rather then saying no or because I said so (which seems to crush your spirit), I negotiate back until a compromise is met.  From books to other articles that I have read, people say that raising a strong willed child is no easy task. However, these children will be leaders one day and they will take their willpower and dedication to unimaginable heights if their decision-making, independence and spirit are nurtured.  I see this in your future.  So with that, I embrace the stubbornness, the negotiating skills, and the ever ending energy.  For I know that one day you will accomplish great things. 

I love you my princess…I pray that your life is filled with joy and love.  I pray that your spirit is never crushed and that it is always embraced.  I pray that you grow to be a strong, confident young lady that always follows her dreams.

I love you and HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY!

 

5 Weeks Old (2006)

One Year Old (2007)

Two Years Old (2008)

Three Years Old (2009)

Four Years Old (2010)