Ketchup

Or Catch Up, if you prefer.

Lots going on around here, which means more to write about and less time.  I will not get up from this seat until I finish a catch up post, so let's all hope Roscoe does not wake up from his nap and the dogs do not have any accidents until I am DONE.

*  We found a new nanny!  Her name is Fran and she is in her mid-twenties (I am guessing) and from Brazil.  I think it will all work out well, but she starts on Wednesday and I am not looking forward to the transition (if you recall, Roscoe refused to eat last time he started with a nanny...).  Plus since she is coming to our house we have to work out some details about where the dogs will be and making things accessible for her and getting her some notes about Roscoe's routine, etc.  Fingers crossed that he will adore her immediately and we will all live happily ever after.

[Failed already on the not-getting-up bit.  Roscoe is awake and now furiously chomping on Sophie the Giraffe's head as I type]

* Roscoe's first camping trip ("May Day") was a success and he got to wear his bear outfit at night to keep him cozy.  How stinking cute is he, people?  Also a special shout out to Best Man Chris for watching the dogs so we didn't have all 3 with us.  Even though he is terrified of dogs and thinks Mela is planning something sinister when she stares him down.  But we all know she is a just a PIG and is willing him to feed her something, anything, pretty, pretty please.


* Ray and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary by driving up to Calistoga for the day while Roscoe celebrated by hanging out with two of his favorites entertainers: Lolo and LalaFriend.  We had gone to Calistoga for a couple of days after our wedding and then again while I was in False Labor so we hit up some of Our Spots.  I was particularly excited to do a little wine tasting and brought my pump so I didn't have to worry about getting Roo drunk when we got home.  You know you are sleep deprived with Mommy (and Daddy) Brain when you drive all the way to wine country to wine taste and then leave without stopping at a single winery...  Oops.  I guess they aren't going anywhere so there is always next time.  We did manage to stop for some new caulk for the windows.  I don't think we win any romance awards, but I loved just hanging out with Ray for the day without smelling like spit up.

[Three hours later... some people stopped by...]

* My (very loved) Grandma suffered a heart attack just over a week ago, which scared me and made me think about things I sometimes forget.  Thankfully she is home from the hospital and doing well.  I would really love to make a trip to Minnesota sometime to spend some time with her and the rest of the family we have there.  The people I love are just too darn spread out!  I know, I know, I contribute to this problem.  We will keep making the rounds and visiting as often as we can.

* On a (very) tragic note, we are also trying to come to terms with the fact that one of Ray's good friends (from growing up) is on his way to prison for murder.  He actually shot one of his close friends in the head.  Ray had distanced himself from him in the last few years because the friend had gone down a different path and was having some (scary) mental issues and he relied a bit on Ray to be his "real friend" and keep him grounded, which is just too much responsibility.  It is surreal because he has been all over the news and the police and the press have been calling to talk to Ray.  If it goes to trial there is a chance that Ray would be called as a witness and that is just a lot to process.  It is a lot for me to process and I barely knew him.  I can't imagine what it feels like for Ray when he remembers riding bikes with him around the neighborhood.

* The biggest news we have is that we have decided to move.  Like...NOW.  We have been thinking and planning for years, so everything is basically already mapped out.  With the dogs getting older and having more trouble with the stairs and trying to carry Roscoe and his gear and stroller up and down those stairs and squeezing us all into the place Ray lived in by himself 4.5 years ago... it has been feeling like it might be time.  Plus, our neighbor just sold her place for the asking price after only 21 days on the market, which has us feeling optimistic.  That along with a bunch of other factors makes it seem like the right time and has given us a sense of urgency.  We will be moving in with the In-Laws while we finish renovations and stage and sell the house.  Then we will start looking for a new place in The Burbs.  Alas.  My city days are over after seven years here and I am in mourning.

The other day I took another picture of Mela sneaking a morning cuddle with Roscoe and it reminded me of a similar picture I took when Roscoe was less than a month old.  Same cuddly dog, but Roscoe (and life) has changed so much.  I can't believe that was only six months ago!