Want to Go For A Car Ride ... ?

When you have three dogs, eventually you have three smelly dogs. Normally, we'll bathe everyone at home. But we're doing some home improvements in our bedroom and bathroom so that's not an easy option right now. So, we opted to take everyone to the local 'do-it-yourself' dog wash. It's a great place. For those of you not familiar with the idea, they have these small, three-sided rooms (you don't want to get locked in with those smell) with these big basins (~6' x 3') that are raised up so no bending required. You simply hook the dog via their collar and the small latch, point the hose, and turn the dial to shampoo, conditioner, or rinse water ... think really, really small car wash. Towels and dryers are provided along with 'perfume' (if you're so inclined ... we're not). 

Our dogs are somewhat of whimps around water so there is a lot of howling, whining, and barking. Tucker (our shepherd) is so big of a baby, he is gnawing the leash that is tethering Abby (basset - lab mix) who's got the misfortune to be standing next to him and Ellie (lab - wirehair mix) is barking at the other dogs coming in - probably sending a coded warning bark to the other dogs entering the place. This by the way is hysterical to Cole who is in his stroller and safely away from shaking dogs. Between the noises the dogs are making - we hear Cole laughing.

We opted to not bring our camera in to the groomers this time - too much water flying about (luckily they supply long vinyl bibs). But we did snap a few shots once safely home. See how happy everyone looks ... they don't realize they're all going for another car ride the next day to the vet - but Cole does!

Birthday Bash at the Blue Plate

We got to go to the Blue Plate Diner for Shawn's birthday (birthday boy or girl gets to pick for the whole grouip ... as long as it's good). Nearly everyone was able to go (Aunt Kris was off with some friends so we missed having her there) and the place was hopping. We had a pretty big party. There ended up being nearly 12 of us. I called in advance because the place isn't very big, but they were great and said they would be happy to have us come by. Shawn and I showed up a little earlier than the larger group to get our table (which ended up being in the center of the diner) and Cole set up. Jim, Jordan, and Jared too the new commuter train (Front Runner) up to the restaurant -- very exciting. But there was a little confusion with the address and it was commencement so they ended up arriving a little after everyone. No worries because the kitchen was running a little slow that night. Turns out they were filming the intro scenes for the Food Network's 'Diners, Drive In's, and Dives' ... have you heard of it? We hope so, because practically no one else in our party had. Although that fact didn't deter Shawn from asking everyone - some folks even two of three times (definitely signs of old age).

The waitress was really great. They were able to rustle out our dinner salads and some appetizers. She was very attentive and kept apologizing and letting us know the status. After about 20 min, the owner came out and he started to apologize and offering to get stuff for the kids (hot fudge sundaes ... we hadn't even had dinner). It was clear he really felt bad. Then after about 35 min, he came out and told us he was picking up dinner for the whole table! Wow, remember there were 12 of us. The prices are moderate, but still, we were really grateful. However, after we finished our dinner - we really wanted dessert - they have an really delicious chocolate cake (see photo ... yum), but we felt like that was really taking advantage of the guy - so we made a deal with the waitress and the owner to buy our own desserts - we really didn't want to have to leave to have our desserts somewhere else. It was definitely worth it.

We've been many times, especially while we were living in SLC. They serve breakfast all day - may favorite and we've always had great staff and yummy food. They invited us to come back the next day for breakfast when the host of Dives, Drive In's and Diner would actually be there ... 'do you know that show' ... But we couldn't make it. Guess that means we'll have to go back soon. If you're in SLC, stop in. They are easy to find - they're on 21st East and 21st South.

Look Out GQ

Cole is really doing better each day with head and neck control as you can see from these pics. Although we still have a few days where he loses interest in the whole 'sitting up thing'. 

Who can blame him. Sometimes I myself often prefer to just kick back. 

We're also seeing a lot more facial expressions and reactions to things going on around him. And in our house, that definitely a constant. So we took a few shots after church in his spiffy duds - what a stud!

Out in the Hood

We're so lucky we have a park only about a block away. We're lucky - but we hardly ever use it, until a few days ago. We were all home and decided to go for a walk. It's spring in Utah so you never know whether it will be gorgeous or snow - sometimes within the same day. It was a little cool. But we all bundled up a bit and headed out.

Ellie won the coin toss and got to accompany all of us (we can, we will only take one dog out at a time, unless we enjoy having our arms pulled off ... we don't). Cole wasn't so sure about it - can't tell whether it's the sun in his eyes, the bumpy ride - surely it's not the spiffy hat.

Laughing It Up

We can't get over how much Cole is smiling and laughing these days. 

Shawn was sitting next to Cole chatting about such critical matters such as just exactly how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood - you know, the stuff of everyone's evening discussion. 

The dogs were running around barking, the cats were hollering and carrying on, the dishwasher's running - I'm not sure it could have been more chaotic - but Cole was having a great time. 

So we're starting to get a little smarter and have the camera on stand by for moments just such as this. Apparently Beauregard the Bear thought it was pretty funny too -

 you can see him doubling over in laugher with Cole!

Tide You Over ...

We're so delinquent in getting posts updated we decided we ought to at least get something out We are really very close with a number of posts saved as draft - so watch for those in the next couple of days. These are pictures from a professional photographer - his first.

As a side note one of the requirements all adoption couples include in their adoption packet is a nice and recent picture of the couple. This is in addition to a picture collage with more informal shots. We found the last picture we had taken was in the early 1990's (which I liked - no gray hair or wrinkles - but our case worker veteod.

We were in a hurry so we went to Kiddie Kandids. They did a pretty good job, and yes they put us in the front booth and used all of their tricks and toys to elicit the proper responses - they worked (mostly from Shawn). As it turns out, the same gal who shot our pics was the gal who took Cole's pictures. She remembered us - I guess there aren't very many adults coming in on their own (without kids) - so it was sweet in many ways. We think she did a great job and hope you think so too.

Check back later this week for more updates --- I promise!

Ta Da ... Before & After

So we said we were going to do it and we did it - Cole had his first hair cut - and he did great. He's loves bath (as documented in previous posts) and he especially loves to have his hair washed (or even massaged) - so it's a natural extension when all energy is directed upward. 

He and Dad went for a stroll to a neighbor who does hair for a number of people in the surrounding area - we're so lucky to have her so close and such a good friend. Dad, not completely all together that morning forgot a camera to document the day and his wallet to pay (that trick doesn't work so well with Mom anymore - even if it's less of a trick these days and more related to age)

But Nicole was terrific and exclaimed that his first haircut was free! So generous of her! And then on top of that, she offered up her camera and helped take pictures. Luckily Dad had the forethought to get a picture with her and Cole. Thanks again Nicole! At the rate his hair grows, I'm sure we'll see you very soon - perhaps we should set up an account and prepay. 

     

Shave and a Hair Cut ... Two Bits

We took these pictures to demonstrate how much stronger Cole's neck and back are getting. He's able to hold that big beautiful noggin of his up for much longer periods of time - we're so thrilled at the progress he's making. 

He's not yet a big fan of sitting up on his own - he prefers to lean back and rest into something or even better someone. He's still a big snuggler. But we have a ton of exercises with him to continue to strengthen his control - including his least favorite - tummy time. But he and we are getting better at it & making sure we spend lots of time with that and assorted exercises. 

But then once we started looking at these pictures - we couldn't get over how long his fair was. You can clearly see it sweep up on the side in that first picture. So stand by in up coming entries for the first (& likely many more) hair cuts.