Memoir to Jake

As many already know, Jake, my best bud for over 10 years was put to rest. I can't believe it's actually been two weeks. He was such a part of me. To those that have had or have pets, you know what I mean. Ironically, he was a Christmas gift from my ex, and he was such a comfort and friend to me when that relationship ended. I remember the day I got him. His ears were so long, he'd trip on them- the most adorable sight you've ever seen. All of the nieces and nephews were there b/c of it being Christmas, so they all helped come up with his name. It seemed to fit, so from then on he was Jake. Through the years, he acquired many nicknames from friends and family: "Jake-a-roo", "Jakers", "Jakester", "loverdog" (that's mine), and the last one from my wonderful husband, "Spooky"; because he was always afraid of everything, esp. the vacuum cleaner and fireworks.
Jake has always been in Gainesville, but he went with me to Arizona when I traveled. He was a great travel partner and buddy while I was there. I couldn't have imagined leaving him behind. He was spoiled; he got to sleep on my bed or the couch, always had great walks, good play mates and treats, treats, treats. He got bumped from the couch and bed once I got married. But, he did get to stay inside, b/c that was the deal before the proposal. I am so glad he hung around to meet David and Daniel. They have enjoyed him so much and he's been very tolerant of them, as they bombarded his world.
He was diagnosed with lymphoma April 26 and became very sick quickly. I prayed that the Lord would take it from my hands but he had more and more trouble walking and was losing more weight. His eyes seemed so empty and he wasn't the dog I used to know. I felt so sad to be losing him but I made the decision to help him and take away any pain he might feel. I was being selfish to ask God to take him quietly in his sleep. I knew I'd have to be strong because I couldn't bear to see him get more sick or hurt from the pain. The moment he took his last breath, I held him and sobbed like a baby. The pain was wretching. I prayed he could hear me tell him I loved him. He was a beautiful bassett who showed me great love. I will miss him dearly.

Baby Borges #3

Here's our little one. This pic is 11 weeks, so a week or so ago. I am 14 weeks now and still waiting for the turn around. By that I mean, feeling better. Let me tell you, I am pooped- exhausted I mean, and nauseated. Beyond belief. I think I am getting old, I 'm going to be 37 in a few weeks you know. In the obstetric world, once your 35, that is AMA ( advanced maternal age) and it's a big deal. When I was pregnant with David, all was well; I went along like nobody's business. Then, 'poof!' I turned 35 and I was pregnant with Daniel and you would have thought I was dying the next day. Genetic counseling, weekly fetal monitoring @36weeks, and AMA written smack dab on the front of my "problem list" in my prenatal chart. I really just blew it off, since I am a L&D nurse and all (trying to be cool) , but deep down it kinda got to me. I do not feel nearly 37 yrs old, 28 is more like it. High school seems like just yesterday (thank God it's not) and I look like I am 16. (at least that's what they say :) )

I have been to my first appt. but with baby #3, the timing of that has been more laxed. I usually have been a couple times by now. I am looking forward to seeing the dr. next week for another sono. We'll probably not find out the sex so in the next 6 weeks, I am going to have to be strong and not cheat for Brian's sake. He really wants to be surprised. Practically speaking, that is not ideal for me but we are in this together and as he reminded me recently, I got my way last time.
So, there you have it our family is growing right before our eyes and we couldn't be happier.

( so I have to tell you. I tried to scan my pic- obviously I am not computer savvy. My boys were having a meltdown the whole time I tried to update my post. very frustrating. I couldn't get more than 2 min before blowing a gasket) hopefully the next one will be better.

David's 3! Oh my how time flies

So, David is 3. Actually he is 3 + 3weeks b/c mommy hasn't gotten herself up to posting his birthday pics. We had a great time however, both of his "Pappoos" were there and Grammy B and Grandma. It was such a blessing to have his grandparents from California come all the way out for his birthday. Now, everytime he sees a plane he waves and says hi, like they are on that plane.

We decided to keep things low key, b/c that's how David prefers it and enjoyed grilling burgers and hotdogs in the backyard. Our close friends and neighbors, the Caligures came over and blessed us with wonderful potato salad and TWO apple pies. The boys really have a ball with their kids, there are 6 of them with their ages ranging from 6mths-11yrs. It is a lot of fun watching them interact and play with others, David seems like such a big boy showing the little ones how his dump trucks work and chasing them in the sprinkler. He wasn't very cooperative with blowing out his candles and diving into his cupcakes, though. He really doesn't enjoy the "all eyes are on you" scenario that comes with the birthday festivity. I had to laugh b/c later, once no one was paying attention, he decided he wanted a cupcake and then proceeded to eat 3. I felt a little guilty allowing him to overeat like that but I figured 'why not, it's his birthday', let him go all out. The sun got very hot after awhile so the kids ran around in the sprinkler, laughing and having a ball. It brought back memories of when I was a kid b/c we didn't have a pool like some of my friends and that was how we cooled ourselves off back then. Good old fashioned fun.

We didn't get him a lot of gifts, but it ended up taking us 3 days for him to open them b/c we were so busy. I think he thought his birthday would go on forever and he seemed like he enjoyed receiving his cards ( his own mail) just as much. Esp. Uncle Mark's b/c when he opened it, it makes sounds like a firetruck with a great pic on the front. One of his favorite gifts was from Grammy and Pappoo Borges, who bought him a red semi truck. It is definitely not size that does it for him, b/c apparently he bypassed all the big trucks and kept his decision forthe modest one. The red one......that boy sure does love red.

All and all it was a great celebration. I was exhausted with this little one growing inside me and the commotion of it all but the memories were priceless. My little boy is starting to get away from me. I still remember holding him in my arms like it was yesterday. Sometimes I try and he wiggles and giggles to get out of my hold, like he's too big to be cuddled. I am learning ways to get to his sensitive side, though he likes his back scratched before he falls asleep and when I love on Daniel, he comes to me asking for his lovin' . I know that's kind of cruel but a mommy will go to any measure to get kisses from her son.

I am trying everyday to stop and breath in the sweet fragrance of motherhood. David and Daniel are a daily reminder of God's love for me and how he wants to bless me more and more......only if I'd take the time to take in all in.