Best Friends Forever

...Or at least the next 13 years or so.

       In our house, Jon and I are chum. We're just here to pay the bills and do the chores. Blue is the real prize. Nolan will babble to Blue, not to us. He laughs and stares and Blue provides lots of kisses. We actually have to try to steal Nolan's attention away from Blue... regularly. I don't really know how people raise a baby without a dog around. I guess you buy lots of toys. We have very few toys... just a baby loving dog. And we're starting to think that Nolan's first word won't be "mom" or "dad," but "Blue." 

Oh, and there's the free pony rides.

So if you're thinking of having a kiddo, go out and get yourself an amazing yellow lab, stat. 

A mellow lab. 

A well behaved lab.

 A baby loving lab. 

3rd Barkday

       This Saturday marked Blue's 3rd Barkday. We've failed to celebrate his birthday in years past, it just always snuck up on us. This year the poor guy deserved a little recognition. The past 7 weeks have been a jolt to his reality. With Nolan running the show now, sometimes he doesn't get his breakfast until 3:00pm and there have been a time or two where he will stalk me in the house in order to tell me that he is out of water. Seriously. He stares me down until I get the hint.

He's the best pooch we could ever ask for. 

And the hardest thing about putting this post together 
was selecting photos. 

We have taken a few hundred too many in his lifetime.

So Bark Jo, Bug, Bugle T Dog, here's to you!

The day that we picked him out.

Okay, Blue picked Jon. 

The day we got to bring him home. 
All wrapped up in a bow.

His first car ride to the beach.

It was love at first sight when his paws hit the sand.

Blue's first day at work with Jon.

He has always loved him some snow.

We have threatened to contact a dog modeling agency 

many a time. I mean, come on, he's a good looking pup. 

 I have dreams of seeing him on a TV commercial, 

eating a bowl of kibble.

We enjoyed some doggie cupcakes to commemorate the occasion. 

Blue even got himself a few frosting-less ones. 

He's had us wrapped around his paws from day one. 

Happy 3rd Barkday Blue!

Nap Time

      On more than one occasion we've been asked how the new brothers are doing at our house. Jon and I are the first to admit that we've  spent the past 2+ years slightly obsessed with our four legged son, so clearly bringing Nolan home was going to be a bit of a shock to Blue's system. To this I say: We're making progress. This weekend Blue discovered that Nolan is a champion at naps, as is he. I caught Blue curled up near Nolan on more than one occasion so, I had to share...

Just some brotherly love. 

Benicia Baby Shower

       I can very thankfully and gladly say that we are MUCH more prepared for baby now. Apparently it takes 3 baby showers and several trips to Target and Babies R' Us to arrive here, and I'm feeling better about things. Which is a relief, seeing as we're a mere 5 weeks away from D-Day. While we work on finding a place for everything in the nursery I thought I would share some photos of my shower from this past weekend.
       In keeping with our bike themed nursery, the shower was all about red bikes. And great food. And amazing decor. And good family and friends. 

       My sister really outdid herself on the shower. 

I think the photos say it all...

A beautiful little spot for lunch.

Complete with "Motherhood is a Sweet Ride" bunting! 

(Get it people "ride"...bike themed...she is just too crafty.) 

Decor, Decor, Decor.

Including a baby clothesline, with lots of awesome things 

for us to take home with us. 

Motorcycle shoes-ies. What will they think of next?

We were spoiled with gifts from so many great people. 

My sis was a living-breathing baking factory before the shower. 

 And yes, they all tasted as good as they look. 

Including red bicycle sugar cookies.

Jon's all-time favorite.

Sugar dusted lemon bars.

Thigh buster chocolate brownies.

My favorite, Chocolate Caramel Oat Bars

And some juicy little licorice nibbles

Everyone was given a great little treat box 

to pack up some sugar for the road. 

And they happily obliged. 

Here's me with my amazing (and amazingly tanned) new-mom cousin.

We all got to meet her new little guy

 who was celebrating his 1 month birthday, Benjamin John.

      

       At the end of the day I was pooped. But very thankful. Our neat little nursery is now burried with things that I'm just dying to put away. Its almost time to place your bets my friends, on when you think this little gem is going to arrive...

Blue, I'd like to introduce you to your cousin

       With my family up in Tahoe for my shower last weekend 

Blue got to meet his cousin. 

They'd been introduced before, but at 6 months, 

Roxy was much more interactive this go-round.

Luckily I can report that they loved each other.

Roxy even gave him a few strokes and 

Blue was fascinated by her toy collection and the taste of her little fingers.

I can see many years of doggie back rides and dog kisses in their future. 

Blue's View: Happy Boy

Yes, this is a happy boy.

Somebody loves Spring.

Blue's View: Getting ready for baby

       We've been wondering how Blue is going to handle baby. He was very suspicious when we moved the couch and started spending so much time working on the nursery. We've been trying to make him feel as involved as possible.

       Don't mind the incomplete frames in the background and minimal bedding, they're in the works.