Merry Christmas!

This is Tucker and I have some news to report on.

Maddy and I arrived back home last night after 2 days with the Owens side of the family in Quincy, IL. First, Larry and his wife Tangela (Dave's brother) and their daughter came up for a visit in Downs and we drove to Quincy together. Maddy and I always are excited to go to a new place because we love being with Dave, Em and even Will but we are always glad to get home too.

Here are some fun pictures from this past weekend.

Will and I are getting along well. I even let him snuggle with me. Dave and Em keep a close eye on me and Will but since I kind of like him I won't hurt him. He just might fall and my paws have a hard time catching anything.

The shirt is from Em's good friend, Rachel. It sums Will up - Silly.

Will has a new ride. Dave and Em say it is a stroller and a bike trailer. The stroller is for walking which is something I understand but not so sure about the Bike trailer part. It has a spot for two little people. I think Maddy could maybe fit in there. I probably could but honestly, I am a little bit too big. Will would have to sit somewhere else. Thanks Aunt Marilee and Uncle Norm for the awesome gift.

Grandma Betsy gave Will a bottle which from what I can tell is where Will can get some food. That was the first time she had fed him and was a pro.

This was the first visit we had with Carly. She was a very nice young lady and enjoyed holding Will. She was really good at it! She could make him stop crying which, believe me, is really nice.

On Christmas morning Dave, Em, Will and Grandma Betsy met Larry, Tangela and Carly at Quinsippi Island. Dave and Em had to deactivate a geocache (see http://www.geocaching.com/ for more information). It was a beautiful morning. Maddy and I enjoyed running in the snow. We had a blast!

And here are some pictures of Will's first Christmas. I think it is interesting that humans celebrate the baby's first Christmas but none after that. I mean, they only have 1 second Christmas too but you don't see ornaments for Toodler's Second Christmas. Oh well....

Santa Baby

Dave-O with Will
Father like son.

Will's Auntie Dawn loves her nieces and nephews. She wanted to sart Will out early with talking on the phone so she gave hims first cell phone. I am sure he was more excited on the inside than he looks in this picture. He also received some clothes, more toys and lots of hugs and kisses.

All in all, it was a nice Christmas. Papa Charlie is coming up this weekend to see Will (also to see Dave and Em but I think we all know who he is more interested in seeing!).

Reporting on behalf of the entire Owens Family, Merry Christmas and see you next year!

A Few of his Favorite Things!

Maddy Here...

Sorry I would have written sooner but there was a communication error between me and Tucker. I thought he was posting, he thought I was posting... At anyrate, I am posting now.

So much has happened in the last month. Will is still with us and I like him more and more every day. He still can't throw a ball but he is moving his arms and legs more and more every day. He is even talking. It is really funny to listen to him talk when he goes to bed. Today he just talked and talked. He is a funny little boy and super cute. Take a look:

One Month Old

Tucker Here...

Well, Little Will is still here. From the looks of things he is here to stay. I guess that is okay. He is crying a little less which is a load off my mind. Don't get me wrong, I am okay when he cries but he gets a little, well, annoying - kind of like when Maddy steals my ball and won't get it back. I can deal with it but it ruffles my fur a little bit.

Will did have a big month. He has learned for the most part how to sleep so Dave and Em can put him down in his crib and he usually falls asleep. There are the occassional anti-sleeping days where he stays awake a goodly portion of the morning but falls asleep in the afternoon - all afternoon. He is doing better at night. Last night he had two great periods of sleep - over four hours a piece. Em seemed to really enjoy that.

We have also had lots of visitors including family from Western Illinois and Tennessee. I am not sure that they were here to see me because I ended up in my crate most of the time they were visiting but occassionally they would throw the ball for me. That was great! Dave and Em even bought some new tennis balls for me. That really brightened my day.

Well, this is probably what you have been waiting for, new pictures. The boy is getting cutier. No smiles that I can tell as of yet but hopefully in the next couple of weeks he will be smiling.

Will is one month old today!

Dave and Will napping together. A favorite time for both of them!

I think Will is very hungry here!

This is Dr. Nord (the doctor who first got to meet Will) and Will. This was at one week old and I think I see a little smile from Will. Too bad he won't smile for Em.

Dave finished Will's room and it looks great!

Will likes his snuggly. I like it too because the last two times he has been in it we have gone to the dog park. I think he is going to be okay!

Uncle Matt & Aunt Abby came for a visit. Uncle Matt just finished a rotation in the Peds unit for Med school and became an expert at swaddling and changing diapers.

Aunt Abby and Will are going to be buddies - I can tell. She likes to read stories!

Uncle Matt, Aunt Abby & Will, snuggling for a picture.

Uncle Colin, Aunt Michelle and Granpappy (Dad Neff) came for a visit the weekend after Uncle Matt & Aunt Abby. It was a quick visit to see their new nephew & the first grandbaby.

Grandpappy (still working on a name for him).

A proud family - all that is missing is Maddy and I. I think I am getting a little depressed here!

All of Will's Uncles went to University of Tennessee so it was no surprise that he received merchandise from the UT gift shop. He really likes the hat. It looks like a ski cap on him.

Up until this point Em has sat on the couch approximately every three hours since Will came home and she has fed him (the method of feeding is a little weird and to my great disappointment, does not leave table scraps :(. When Will turned 4 weeks old Dave sat down and fed him in a different manner than Em has. However, table scraps were still not available.

And finally, just some pictures of Will. I guess he is okay. He is really a cute kid!

Maddy will return next with further updates on the "Will Situation." If you thought I had a lot to say about her just wait. Maddy is full of opinions!

A Week of Firsts

Maddy here...

Life is way different around here ever since this little boy, Will, came home. He is crimping my style a little bit but sounds like he is here to stay. Em spends most of her time with him but Dave gets in some special time too. Dave did take us to the dog park two days ago. It was wonderful to run and expend some much needed energy. See, up to this point Em had been walking us almost every day, maybe ever other day. Sounds like it might be a few more weeks before she can do that. However, she has assured me that running with me will be in the not too distant future. I think she really misses it.

Well, since Will is here to stay I thought I would share with you some of his pictures and some firsts from this week or so I have heard (I wasn't there):

Just a basic very cute picture of the best looking boy born on October 9th. His mama is not biased but she told me to write that!

Em told me about his first breath - he had to have a little help at first but that is not uncommon for a c-section baby.

She also told me about the first feeding - This happened shortly after birth. He was so alert and instantly knew what to do (eat!).

I noticed that he found his fingers. He likes to suck on them for comfort I guess. When I suck on my paws it does not bring much comfort but if it keeps him from crying I am okay with that!

Dave told me about Will's first outing. It occured when he was 96.5 hours old (almost 4 days old) and they went to Carl's ice cream. He said that Will was covered the entire time but that it was nice to get out.

One thing I have noticed is that this little boy likes to sleep but not for long periods of time. For example, last night he had his first longer sleep. He slept an entire 4 hours! That was a huge relief for me and Tucker. Every time he wakes up we wake up. Needless to say, we are both a little tired!

Another first was a bath. This happened on Saturday. Rumor has it, Will peed on himself and Dave and Em which I think is hilerious! He might fit in really well after all.

Em also told me about his first visitors. Lots of people are excited to meet this little boy. People from Em's work stopped by the hospital as well as lots of Dave and Em's friends from church. The hospital room was full of love at time. At home the stream of visitors has not stopped. Wonderful friends bring meals by so Dave and Em don't have to cook. Tucker and I beg to be let in on the meal. I mean, this is not a cake walk for us either but they say no. They think it is unhealthy or something. Crazy owners.

Yesterday was also a first for book reading. Dave read Will the Hungry Catapiller story in honor of the hungry catapiller outfit he was wearing and the Barnyard Dance story, complete with rapping noises.

Daddy and Will reading The Hungry Catapiller

Yesterday Em also told me about Will's first visit to the doctor's office for a weight check. When he was born he was 8 pounds, 5 ounces and lost 14 ounces before leaving the hospital or 11%. Dr. Pogue, his doctor was a little concerned so wanted to see Will on Monday. Good news. Will is already back up to 8 pounds. He likes to eat!

Yesterday Will got to experience the first visit by family. Dave's sisters, Dawn and Alicia, Alicia's family and Grandma Betsy came over for a visit. They stayed for a couple of hours. They came at the perfect time because Will was wide awake (again, just doesn't happen that often).

Grandma Betsy holding her 4th grandchild

As you can see, it has been a busy week but I think this little boy and I are going to start getting along better. Em keeps saying he is such a blessing and Dave keeps agreeing and when he smiles or talks to Will he looks so happy. Not 100% sure of what a blessing is but whatever it is, it keeps Dave and Em happy.

Well, that is about it for now. Hopefully we will have more pictures for you in the near future. I must say, I have never seen the camera out as often or as many pictures taken in my short year and a half on this earth!

Signing off - Maddy (for Maddy & Tucker)

Yeah, yeah, he's cute. When is he gonna throw a ball for me?

Tucker here!

Dave came home again today for a while, and showed us a picture of a little boy. I'm sure he's cute by human standards, but he has no tail, and isn't very fuzzy. His ears don't look nearly big enough to hear anything, and I doubt that a little nose like that can tell one dog's scent from another. Enough of how he looks, the big question is. . . Can he throw a ball? I sure hope he can, but those little arms don't look like they could throw it very far. Maybe this one is just a pup, and will grow a little. Maddy and I got to smell another one of those little hats; it smelled pretty much the same. I'm wondering if that scent on the hat is the little boy's scent? I guess I can show you some of the pictures that Dave showed us. I hope great things come in little packages. Maybe this one will have some really small tennis balls to throw,

Tucker (for Maddy and me)

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.

My first blog

Tucker here.

OK, I'm not too sure about this whole blogging thing. Dave and Em told us to just add whatever we want. I'm a little nervous about hearing "Bad Dog, go to time out," so for now, I'm going to keep things safe, and just report that everything is going "great".


If the truth be known, things are actually a little strange around here. Em'ly keeps rubbing her belly and saying, "I want to feel it kick." This seems weird to me, because bellies don't kick. Dave keeps playing his guitar and singing to her belly, and kissing it. While Maddy and me don't think it is weird to kiss a belly, we havn't seen Dave do it before. I didn't want to say this before, but Em'ly's belly is growing a little. Maybe that is why she wants it to kick, to get some exercise. She could just take it on a walk, it works for Maddy and me. If Em'ly's belly keeps growing, it will catch up to Dave's. That isn't a totally bad thing, Dave's belly is a great pillow.

On a separate note, I keep seeing small people all around the neighborhood. I like to sneak off to go play with them. I wonder if Dave and Em'ly are ever going to have any small people around here?