See you at the Rainbow Bridge...

It is always hard to say goodbye to our beloved animal friends...
We recently put my 14 year old dog Toby to rest.  He is my dog, but really he became my mom's dog.  I had always wanted a little Yorkshire Terrier.  They are the cutest little dogs.  So, the summer between my Junior and Senior year at Baylor when I was living alone, she brought the most precious puppy to Waco to live with me.  I'll never forget how tiny and cute he was.  He would sleep on my pillow at night right by my head.  He didn't like to be left alone.  It made him feel insecure.  We would go on walks together and play with his toys and I would find his little baby teeth every now and then when it was time for his big teeth to come in.

When it was time for school to start again, he went back to Austin to live with my mom. Even though he lived with her, every time he saw me he knew I was his mama.  I feel like even until the end, he knew I was his mama. 

My mom had grown so close to sweet Toby.  They had a special bond.  A few weeks ago he started to limp and wouldn't go up the stairs.  My mom took him in and they suspected either a back injury or possibly a stroke.  They gave him a steroid shot which made him feel like a puppy again, but only lasted for a short while.  Then, he got worse... he was delirious, couldn't use his back right leg and quit eating.  It was definitely more than a back injury.  The vet confirmed it was probably a stroke and he wasn't going to get better.  At that point, we had to make the tough decision as to whether it was time to say goodbye and let him go with dignity or try to keep him a bit longer.

The vet was so sweet and helpful and on Monday, October 22nd we let our little guy go.  I am so thankful he no longer suffers.  He had a good life and we will miss him.

See you at the Rainbow Bridge sweet boy...

The Story of Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

-- Author Unknown

 

Tippy Toes

Any of you that know us well know Kylie has walked on her tiptoes since just about forever.  I don't recall at what point she stopped walking flat foot, but I would say by the time she was two years old, she was walking on her toes.  People used to always say how cute it was and "is she in ballet" all the time, but I never paid much attention.  It was just a part of my Kylie.  I didn't think a thing of it until she was in her 3 year old preschool class and her teacher mentioned it to me out of concern.  I was a little taken back thinking, well who cares if she walks on her toes?  So, I didn't really pay attention.  Then, when she was in her Pre-K class, her teacher said the same thing (out of concern).  This time I started to wonder if maybe there was something I was missing.  Is this really an issue?  Why do people feel the need to mention it?  I decided to take her to an orthopedic just to make sure I knew there was nothing to worry about.  Sure enough, the doctor said no worries, she'll grow out of it as she gets bigger... come see me again in a year if she's not walking on her heels yet. 

Well, a year later we were back in his office.  Same thing - no worries... she'll come down off her toes as she grows.  She's still really young.  Okay doctor, we'll see you next year if nothing changes.  Well, you get the point.

Not to today and four doctor's visits later... she's still up on her toes just as much as she was when she was two.  Much bigger now, but not standing any shorter:)  It's actually quite amazing to watch.  If you ever try to stand on your toes for any good length of time you'll see just how difficult it is.

This is the hard part for me as a mom.  My little tip-toe walker is my baby girl.  She's always walked that way and it's who she is.  I love that about her.  It makes her unique and it represents her sweet, carefree personality.  She just flutters about!

We've decided to take her to the Scottish Rite hospital in Dallas.  We'll see the doctor on Monday to have her evaluated for heel chord lengthening in December. We've been told she'll be down for about 7-10 days and then be in walking casts for around 6 weeks.  I'm anxious to learn more on Monday when we visit Dr. Socato.  He is supposed to be an amazing surgeon.

For now, I'll enjoy my little tip-toer for a little longer:)  I know she'll be the same sweet girl, but this mama's heart will miss her floating about!

Get your walking shoes on!

It's a great month for Carter James!  He's finally decided to really give the whole walking thing a go! He started really trying to walk earlier this week and in just a few days, he is really cruising.  He's up to almost 10 steps now.  He is so proud of himself too.  When Jackson and Kylie watch him they clap and cheer for him too which makes him really smile.  It is so special having the older siblings to encourage him:)  I'm going to try and get some good video of him to post because I am so proud of my baby boy!