Something Big is Happening

Maddy here!

Yesterday at about 3:00 pm Dave and Em'ly came home and hardly acknowledged tucker and me. Em'ly grabbed a suitcase that had been packed for a while now, and Dave took a shower. I knew something big was up, because Dave got in a hurry in the shower, and nicked himself with the razor pretty bad. Em'ly was grabbing the pillows like they do when we go on a trip. It didn't seem like we were going on this trip, because they didn't pack any of our dog things. I was hoping to put on my good dog routine and see if I could get them to take me and Tucker. I even went into my crate on my own, and laid there without being told. Then something weird happened last night. The really nice neighbor from across the street came by and let Tucker and me out to potty. She fed us, and then went back home. She did it again this morning. She said something about a baby. . . More to come. . .
. . . Whoa! stop the presses. Dave just came home, and put some little knit thing in front of me and Tucker. It looked like a stocking cap, but it was way to small for Dave or Em'ly, and they know that Tucker and I don't like hats. We sniffed it, and it smelled like someone had already worn it. Dave said something about a little boy named William Henry weighing 8 pounds and 6 ounces. Dave also said that he was born at 6:01 P.M. last evening (the 9th.) I don't know what all that means, but I like little boys. I need someone else to play with. Maybe they will bring this boy around here some time to play. Things definitely seem to have changed around here somehow.

We'll keep you posted,

Maddy (for Me and Tucker)

Due Date - Come and Gone

Well, today is the due date. Baby Owens is officially 40 weeks inside my belly. Decided it liked the location so it is staying there a little longer. I picture this baby in a hammock drinking a virgin pina colada for some reason already enjoying life. As Dave and I have prayed for Baby Owens we have asked for a gentle spirited baby that is a good sleeper. We will see about the good sleeper but so far, we have a gentle spirited baby that is relaxed.

And how are mom and dad? Well, interestingly enough, relatively calm - most of the time. Mom maybe is a little more anxious because rumor has it a c-section might be the only way for Baby Owens to make his or her debout. However, prayer works and she and dad are both praying along with lots of other people for a natural birth which means Baby Owens needs to move. The doctor's appointment on Tuesday will determine a course of action. In the meantime, we wait. This weekend holds the following:

A round of Frisbee golf for Dave and the dogs tomorrow morning (Em might walk the course).
Birthday party for a 1 year old tomorrow at noon time.
Dinner and games with our friends, the Schmidtgalls tomorrow night.
Church on Sunday where Em is teaching
Frisbee Golf tournament in Bloomington for Dave on Sunday

The cell phones are turned on and charged should anything crazy like Em going into labor happen. However, all is calm at the moment. Guess we should enjoy it but in some ways, it is too quiet. There is a balance between being excited and anxious and being patient. We are resting somewhere in the middle. Dave is still working on the nursery and has actually closed the door so that I can't see in. He wants the finishing touches to be a surprise. He is so excited! He has done such nice job as of late working on the rooms. I will have to post some pictures once I can get into the nursery.

Well, time for bed. Maybe more blogging tomorrow, maybe not. ..

Baby News Update

Well, Tucker here. Lots is going on at home. The drywalling, whatever that is, is complete and rumor has it Dave will be painting today and tomorrow with new carpet being installed on Saturday. Then furniture can move in and wah-lah, a nursery is born (hopefully not before the baby is born).

On the Baby front, Em was slightly disappointed but not terribly so when she went to the doctor on Tuesday to discover nothing had changed from her last two appointments. Basically the baby is very comfortable inside and has not indicated a strong desire to appear. I am kind of bummed because I am getting excited but then again, I kind of like the attention I feel I might miss out on in a few weeks. Dave and Em try to still take Maddy and I for walks, throw the ball, ect but big change is going to happen and honestly, for a dog who is fairly laid back, I am a little nervous!

Maddy on the other hand is CRAZY - more so than usual. She has gotten in trouble several times this week and is spending a goodly portion of the day when no humans are around in her crate. Poor thing. I feel for her. I know when she is doing wrong but she is strong willed and I can't stop her. I venture to guess she will have the most trouble with Baby Owens.

Well, time for Em to go to work and Dave to get up to start the painting so better go nuzzle them. Have a good day and more soon!

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG

I am Tucker and while I don't want to be judgemental, Maddy might have led you a little bit astray. You see, the picture that she posted is actually Em'ly at 32 weeks. She went on a sister-in-law weekend in Lexington, KY. Here is a picture with everyone all together. From Left to Right are Em, Michelle (married to Colin), Abby (married to Matt) and Melissa (married to Luke).

Being that Maddy and I are mostly lazy dogs unless you say the word "walk" we want to take you back even a little further. One of the things Dave and Em enjoy most is haning out ith friends. Em's good life-long friend, Rachel Petty, asked what she could do special for Em prior the birth of the new baby. She said she would love to spend a weekend with the Petty's so they made it happen. In mid July Dave, Em, Maddy and myself loaded up in the RAV4 and headed to the surprisingly not so humid Franklin, TN, for a weekend with the Wheeler's (Rachel's mom and stepdad) where the Petty's met us. Actually, Maddy and I stayed with Dad Neff and I can't prove it but I think I put on a few extra pounds thanks in part to a few extra treats. They were so good!

While at Dad's we received a surprise visit from Dave, Em and the Pettys. They came to get us and take us to the park for some pictures. This is where you get to see Em in her 7th month.













This particular day some other remarkable pictures were taken. I don't like to toot my own horn but kids and I take good pictures. In this one I am being loved by Miss Lia Belle Petty. She is an okay kid!













And now, for the most recent activities, the baby Open House. Dave and Em decided an Open House more fit the style that they were looking for as opposed to a formal shower. I think she just didn't want to play games but she won't admit to it. So, finally, for now, a few pictures from the shower. Maddy and I were confined to the house (our house) so we were not able to partake of the fun but from the photos it looked like fun.

Dave and Em loved the food - especially the cake. It is from Janet's cakes - delicious!

One of the requests of each guest was to bring a book for the baby. Dave and I both love books so hopefully the baby will too! We have already read most of them (or at least, I have). So far, we don't have a specific favorite. They have all been good reading.

Well, today is September 16th which means only 19 more days until the due date. Here are some thoughts from Em'ly:




Today, I am ready for the baby to be born. I am tired and feeling a little like a bloated whale. However, we have decided this baby is going to come when it is ready and according to the doctor last week, that won't be anytime too soon. The baby is still enjoying my ribs and lungs a little too much. Supposedly the baby's growth is slowing down. I hope so because I don't think my stomach can take much more!




Other thoughts, I am constantly amazed at the human body. It amazes me how a lady can deliver a baby and have everything go seamlessly and still not believe in God. There are so many details that have to be perfectly woven together for a baby to grow before delivery. While I haven't obviously delivered yet the things we have learned in child birthing class about how the body changes to allow a baby to come out amazes and scares me all at the same time. I think how can that be natural and then I think, how can't it be. God is the God who created every aspect of my being and of the baby's being so it is all perfect.




That is all the introspective thinking my head can handle for today. A special thanks to Tucker for sharing the column. Hopefully the dogs will post again in the next week or so to let you know the latest status of when Baby Owens will make his or her debut. Until then...

37 Weeks & Counting

Maddy here-

I can tell you that something big is about to happen in this household and I feel like my world is about to be turned upside down! Em's belly is continuing to grow and despite the many walks she has taken us on, it is still growing. Here are a few pictures from the last few months. I don't want to be judgemental or anything but you be the judge!

Happy 4th of July!

Maddy here again.

I have lots to tell you. First, I got this cool new red harness that looks absolutely fabulous next to my sleek brown fur. Em was so proud of me when we walked the other day and I stayed with her, even better than super-duper-he-never-misbehaves Tucker. The really good news with that is when the new arrival arrives Em can still walk me and I will walk with her instead of pulling.I am pretty proud of myself!

Secondly, a project called Operation BABY is under way. Dave has been on top of the roof most of the week putting something called new shingles up. Not sure what was wrong with the old ones but supposedly the roof needed a new covering. I am okay with this with one exception. I have had to stay in the house most of the time. I have been out a few times but I have this urge to run when I do which lands me in my crate in time out. It is so hard to be a good dog.

Next project for Operation Baby (and by the way, still not 100% sure what this baby thing is all about) is destruction and recreation of two rooms in our house, one of which will be a nursery. The drywall will come out, two closets built and new drywall put in. Dave is doing all the work which means he will be inside and I will get more attention than I have this past week.

Tucker will post next with some new pictures.

Toodles!
Maddy - the most adorable dog in the world!

Comments from Maddy

Well, I declare. I think Em might be going crazy! She wants to get things cleaned up and ready for this new thing she calls a baby? I just like to be next to her all the time. I am afraid I will miss something if I don't practically sit at her heels. I am the loyal dog:)

It is getting really hot right now outside so I prefer to stay inside with Em and Dave. In the evenings sometimes I get to go for a walk. The other night I went to this place called a Dog Park where lots of other dogs were playing. There was a little hotdog dog that was chasing me! He never caught me but it was kind of funny being chased by a dog so much smaller than me. After I ran and played I found a nice puddle of stagnet water. I can't understand why Dave and Em were not happy with my choice to roll around and completely cover myself in the water. They gave me a bath but there again, didn't mind because I LOVE the water!!!

Sounds and looks like whatever is growing in Em loves the water too. Every once in a while the "baby" will swim around and poke its foot in her belly. I have never witnessed this first hand but Dave gets a little grin on his face whenever he feels the baby kick. Must be pretty cool but I can not report on that first hand.

Well, that is about it for today. Time to go jump on Tucker or go for a walk or something.