Stopping play for a few minutes to thank God for all our many many blessings!!

This cleanliness thing does not extend to his clothes or his shoes - he LOVES to stomp in puddles!!!

Michael doesn't like getting his hands dirty. It was a little wet so the ball was dirty so Michael tried to pick it up without using his hands.

If you are looking for Michael he is usually at the computer - he loves noggin.com - especially the videos from Jack's Big Music Show!!

We put away Michael's high chair since he could climb in and out of it - plus Michael likes sitting at the table on a regular chair. Of course he usually sits facing the table!!

2 minute break - let's just put our feet up and rest.

Michael got a little tired so he got a chair.

Duncan watched the action, then decided this meant his water dish would be safe from now on so he decided to take a nap.
UPDATE: We had Duncan's staples removed from his surgery and all is healing well. We will just get his blood tested every 6 months to watch the kidney function. Thanks again for all the prayers - they worked GREAT!!!

Arby was happy to watch all the action from inside while staying dry.

I couldn't wait for Michael's birthday so we decided to give Michael a presebt early - plus it was such a nice day...so we opened the box and assembled the water wheel. Michael was really happy!!! He played with it until he was totally soaked and was not happy to come inside to change into dry clothes. It is really fun - I like playing with it too!!!! Can't wait for the warm weather!!

Michael and I were shopping and I couldn't resist this - it was labeled a Chopper Big Wheel. Remember Robert's Big Wheel that Corky christened?
memories....

More artwork. The lesson this week was shiny. Michael loved to shake the sprinkles on the glue!!!

GREAT NEWS! The lab results came back and everything was benign. So we go Monday at 9 to get the staples removed and then we will just monitor his kidneys and watch his fur grow back!!!

Did someone call for a hero? Michael is ready - to either run to where help is needed or to jump on his bike to get there even faster!!!

After we got the call that it was ok to get Duncan we got dressed. Michael decided the occasion called for fancy shoes - so that is what he wore. Maybe we should have changed his clothes to match his shoes!!

Duncan had his operation on Fri and everything went well. He is home resting. We will have to wait for the results from the lab on what was on his spleen. Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. His leg now matches his belly where the IV was. He can't wait for the warmer weather!!! He is not himself yet - as you can see he didn't want to eat his cookie.

Michael with the camera taking his own picture - upside down.

I think this look is telling me to put the camera away so we can play.

Sometimes Michael likes to rearrange the furniture - cushions on the floor - a good look.

Michael sat in the car and we took Duncan for a walk - a nice change for Michael from the stroller. Michael had a fun ride, Duncan had a good walk and Mom got some exercise!

The nice people at the dry cleaning store gave this car to Michael. They have 2 girls who are older and don't use it any more. They also have a slide in the store so it is one of the errands Michael loves to do!! Of course to have lots of fun there we usually spend a little more time then when Mom or Dad is alone.

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!! We are up and getting dressed to go to art class.

This morning (Fri 16th) we go to the Vet with Arby for her leg issue - she has ulcers on the back of her legs - you can see the results on the counter. Not sure what the next step of treatment will be - she was on antibiotics and steroids but it is a difficult place to treat.
Duncan will get a chest x-ray first, and if clear he will have his spleen removed. Michael is usually good at the Vet's office - he is happy the Dr isn't poking at him!!!

The artist on the go - as long as he has him milk, paper and new colored pencils he can be creative anywhere!!!

Art class - this painting was much better - we used brushes. Michael favorite part was adding the sprinkles - he liked to shake the container. Next time we make cookies I know who will add the decoration!!! Michael also decorated a picture frame for Dad's office. Now we just need to take a picture (like we don't have any...:) )

Art class - example of Mom's finger painting - Michael did NOT want to put his fingers into the paint. Michael was much better at using the markers. Mom had to try the other color paint but Michael didn't mind.

Michael thinking 'Does Mom think I can't tell the difference between Mac and cheese and snow peas? I can see the snow peas right there!!!'

yum!

Look Mom - I can get myself a drink! Michael took the straw out, put the wrapper in the garbage (such a good boy) and put the straw
into the juice box all by himself!

Duncan had an ultrasound today (Mon 2-12) to check his spleen. There is a growth on his spleen so his operation is scheduled for Friday 2-16.
His belly is all shaved. Please say a prayer that all goes well.

Quick snack before we run out the door. Mom was busy looking at health clubs in Jan - we joined the Aquatics Center. They have
a cool pool - Mom and I go swimming there. They also have a room with lots of toys - Mom left me alone there - not sure if I like that or not. The people were really nice and there were lots of other children but I just don't know...

it is big - I can even stand up in it. But what about the backseat?

Michael thinking "hmmm will this car be cool in 15 years? Will I want to be seen in a car over 10 years older then me? Do I like the color? what about new safety features? Gas mileage? Will cars still run on gas when I learn to drive?"

After a long discussion with Michael, Dad decided to not keep the little red car until Michael learns how to drive...so away it went. Michael did a very detailed examination of the car first to make sure he really didn't want it.

Sometimes Michael likes to take a break after riding around the house and open an album and look at the pictures.

The lesson this week was soft and hard. The stuff in the bottle is stuff that is hard - noodles and blocks. The stuff on the picture is soft.

In art class we do fun things - we sing songs, play with playdough, make art projects, learn new things and the BEST part - there is a snack and story!!! So far the snack has been goldfish
(pepridge farm kind). Here is our art from the day we learned about snow. Mom also learns cool stuff to do at home.

We still go to Gymboree but have switched into an art class. This is one of the ideas borrowed from art class. They have a cool table with built in buckets full of rice. I just use tupperware. It is great since now it is too cold to go outside to play with water or sand. The rice is fun to play with. We added some beans this week to make it new and exciting. Lots of fun!!

Haven't seen much of Michael lately - that's because we have been under the weather. First Michael got a stomach bug - not fun - which he shared with Mom. Then Mom hurt her back. We are now back and healthy and hope to share lots of pictures and stories.

Michael checks out the new dishwasher. Best news - the new dishwasher works great and is super quiet!!!

The snow isn't too bad - just sit back and relax!!! No where to go all day!! Maybe Mom can update the blog with the other pictures - Michael has been sick - tummy bug - so no blog time. Michael is all better now!!!

Michael was ok to sit in the snow - cold bottom!!!

SNOW!!!! We had snow!!! It is Feb 1 - all the schools are closed and lots of delays at the airport! It is already raining so much is gone - freezing rain tonight but it is going to be warm so it should be gone soon. Good thing we got up early to play!! Michael didn't want to touch it