GoGo has left us

The house is a little emptier this weekend. GoGo, my blue point Siamese, passed on.

GoGo was a rescue from the humane society and lived to an amazing 21+ years. I won't go into her decline, or how she was at the end. I prefer to remember her as the sweet-tempered, comfort-loving companion she was to me for a long time.

I don't know if my other cat, and the puppy, realizes that she is gone but I certainly do.

The vet's office was wonderful and supportive. They even sent flowers the next day.

Now, before you say it, or do it - No one bring me any kittens or other cute, furry critters. I want all of us (cat, dog, me) to settle into this new life. We will have another big change once BeachBaby joins the family.

m

My first gift from Practice Baby

I think my first gift to my parents was a clay ashtray. Oh how times have changed!

I look forward to my very first piece of macaroni art from Beach Baby. Especially if there is glitter involved.

The puppy is my only baby now (the cats are geriatric) and without opposable thumbs he's no good with macaroni pieces.

But Practice Baby did give me his first gift. A few days ago, he was outside on the lead enjoying the backyard. I went out to let him in and he gleefully trotted towards me with a large pinecone in his mouth. Hey, I don't have pine trees in my yard . . . oh no, that is NOT a pinecone!

Poor, poor mole. I don't know if the puppy found it that way or was the architect of its early demise. Either way, YUCK!

m

What I've learned from my puppy (aka practice baby)

1. Little teeth can really bite.



2. Baby's early bedtime is because you're tired, not the baby.



3. All natural, high-quality organic = really foul, messy poo.



4. The more beloved the toy, the more noise it makes.



5. That giant hamster ball idea isn't so bad. At least the house would stay clean.



6. I really don't need all those shoes.

m

How to embarass a puppy

Practice baby, meet practice diaper.

m

An ugly truth

Two weeks with the new puppy and I'm beginning to get a view of how I'm going to look once Beach Baby comes home.


Let me tell you, it isn't pretty.


While I never imagined I'd be some Donna Reed-esque mommy with coiffured hair vacuuming in pearls, I did think I would look, well, human.


The sad fact: I look like road kill.

Poor Beach Baby, she's going to be sooo embarrassed!

m

Practice baby

Aka, a new puppy!

This is Fergus, our new 10-week old Scottish terrier pup. One of my neighbors called him "excellent practice for a baby!"

I'm sure Beach Baby will love having a dog; the cats, not quite as happy.

m

I promised pictures

These are the cats, Thing One and Thing Two (their names have been changed to protect the innocent).

Thing One is the blue point Siamese and she's 21 years old. Really. Thing Two, the chocolate point Siamese, is 10. She's looks a bit evil here but it's because she doesn't enjoy being photographed.

Siamese cats are very vocal; Beach Baby can have lovely conversations with them. And they are very territorial. Soon "their" bedroom will be turned into a nursery. I don't think that's going to go over so well.

I expect complaints.

m