Sorry, Uber Small Dog Owners...

but you're crazy!

Meet Bella. She's 4 months old, and she's probably not even 5 pounds.
Owners: my dad and stepmom.

They refer to her as a dog. I beg to differ!

I'm pretty sure Bella was a rat in her former life.
Bella is more varmint than a pooch. I don't mean to bash on a poor, defenseless pup but it's true. When you hold her, she wiggles about like a wild rat and scratches you with her rat-like claws. Now Jonas? There's a DOG!

We've been watching Miss Bella for the last 8 days, and while she's quite loving and calm when she is sleepy at night, during the day is a different story. You'd think a 5 lb. dog couldn't do much harm, yes? But 10 poos, 2 pees, three chewed upon wooden blocks, the corner of a photo book, and 500 yips and yelps in her crate (at 6 a.m. no less) would tell you otherwise.

Sure, she's only a pup. But she's slightly lacking in discipline. Sweet, misunderstood Bella pretty much confirmed that Matthew and I will never own a small dog. She's been more work than my nearly 10-month-old baby!

But to end on a positive note, she has been a great source of entertainment for Jonas, and she's made Emily laugh quite a few times. But sorry, Bella. We are really happy to see you go!

If You're Happy and You Know It

Greenlake Fun

Ahhhh, Greenlake.
If you have a baby AND a dog, it could quite possibly be the best location in Seattle.
Renner told me it'd be nice today and, darn it, he was right!
So we decided to go to Seattle's beloved algae-covered lake and soak up the gorgeous Seattle sunshine.

Look Who's 9 Months Old!

Seriously. This chica needs to stop growing so fast! 9 months?
That's almost double-month digits, people.

Month 8 was very exciting for Miss Emily Michelle.
She learned how to wave "hi" and "goodbye," and her first real word, "dog," made its way out of her little rosebud lips.
She's starting to use the "all done" sign when she's had enough to eat.
And she outgrew her infant seat this month and is now sitting high in a convertible car seat. (I'm mourning the loss of the cozy, convenient infant seat. Sigh.)

We have also learned that Miss E will more than likely be a left hander like her Papa.

No crawling yet, but she's hoisted herself up on all fours a handful of times.
She still prefers to roll to get where she wants to be.

Emily is such a sweet, easy-going gal. Her big smile melts hearts and her blue eyes will break them eventually. :) She's observant, quiet and well-mannered when we're out and about, and she gets along famously with other babies. I'm really proud of the little person she is, and I'm excited to see what kind of big person she'll be. Watching her grow is the best entertainment I could ask for. She is who she is because she was born that way. Matt and I are just molding and guiding here and there.

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Walk in the February Snow

Random Shots of Emily