Meet Dutches!!

Some people think I am crazy because I have already gotten another dog. If you have ever owned a pet that was a huge part of your family and then lost them, you will understand the sadness we have being in our house where everything reminds us of Tisyn.

I also know that some people think I a crazy for being as upset as I am over a dog, but once again, you don't know what it's like. Everything we do reminds us of our sweet Tisyn.

We were offered a 2 year old female from a girl that works at the pet clinic where we took Tisyn, but I was worried that she would not be good with the baby. I would love to have another puppy to raise, but with our financial situation, I don't have the means to get a puppy and pay vet bills at this time.

My dad had a 2 year old Boxer named Dutches. He offered for us to take Dutches since we know her personality. We picked her up today and made a trip to the pet store to get her a new collar and a toy.

So far she has transitioned to our house really well. She is no Tisyn and will never take his place, but she is a very sweet natured dog. She is very small and dainty compared to Tisyn. She is also a good bit calmer.

We are not hoping that she will help us forget Tisyn, but just that she will help us get used to him not being here. She has already brought joy back in our home today, so the healing process begins!

R.I.P. Tisyn 5/3/01-9/24/09- Your always in our hearts!!

The past 2 days have been heart breaking for our family. I did take Leland to the doctor Wednesday morning and had to hold him down for 6 shots. He did better than I expected and, thank goodness, was a happy baby afterwards.

He now weighs 14 lbs 2oz and is 23 1/4 inches long. He is above average on all of his skills and the doctor was very impressed with how well he holds his head and talks.

I got home from the doctor to find Tisyn having a bad spell and falling out in the floor. I loaded everyone back in the car and rushed him to the vet. They told us that he was having seizures. They kept him for the afternoon and we were to pick him up to watch him over night. When we picked him up, he was out of it completely. Leland and I stayed with my parents so they could help take care of the two babies. It was a VERY LONG night. We had a slumber party in the living room for the very little sleep that we got.

Tisyn started seizing again very early in the morning and we had him back at the vet by 7am. The doctor informed us that he was now having grandma seizures, which are the worst. He didn't seem very hopeful, but was going to try everything he could. He kept Tisyn and hooked him up to the strongest seizure medicine possible. We said our goodbyes just in case, and about 1:00 on Thursday I called to check on him. The doctor informed me that he was breaking through and then had another grandma, so he recommended putting him to sleep. I agreed because we had watched him suffer all night and it was very hard to see.

My sweet boy was the best dog I could ever ask for. I had him for 8 1/2 wonderful years and he was my best friend and companion. It was so hard to come home for the first time and him not be here. Everywhere I look I think of Tisyn. He was such a big part of our family that it is going to take quite a while for the hurt to subside. I know he is in a better place now, but that doesn't make it any easier to get over.

Happy 2 Month Birthday Leland!!

Leland watching the AU vs. West VA game in his new AU attire that Ashley bought him on her visit to Birmingham this weekend. We went over to a friends house and watched the game with our crew of friends and had a great time. Everyone is so impressed with how good Leland behaves even late at night!

He is still growing like a weed and changing every day. We have to take him to the dreaded 2 month check-up appointment on Wednesday to get his first shots.

One Happy Baby!!

Leland is so much fun now that he is going on 8 weeks old. He responds to you talking to him by making noises and laughing. He is so happy all the time.

Over the weekend, I noticed that he realized he has a tongue. I mimicked him by sticking my tongue out and he thought it was funny. Now he likes to play this game on the changing table and is all smiles!

We had a nice lazy night at home watching football last night. We were a happy Rooks household with AU and GA both winning their games!

Leland relaxing while camping.....

We went down to the camp ground where my parents are camping to spend the afternoon and eat dinner. Leland was happy as can be. He stayed awake the majority of the time and lounged around before we came home!

First Game Day!!

Daddy made me wear this UGLY outfit and say, "GO DAWGS", but obviously it didn't give the Dawgs very much luck!

We went over to a friends house and watched the GA game and had a really good time.

1st house shoes!

6 Weeks Old!!

Can anyone believe that it has been 6 weeks since Leland was born?? I know I can't!

We both had our 6 week check-ups at the doctor yesterday. I took Leland to his new pediatrician and as soon as I walked into the door of the practice, I knew I had made the right choice to change doctors! His new pediatrician is WONDERFUL! I love the clean office, nurses, and most of all the doctor! Our little chunky monkey has gained 4 lbs since birth and is in the 75th percentile for growth at 11lbs and 10 oz. The doctor said that is perfectly normal. (I thought it was a little much!) He has grown 2 inches and is in the 50th percentile for growth at 22 inches long. He commented that Leland is very alert and follows objects very well for his age. He also said that he is holding his head up by himself well and that it is early, but he is doing good by trying to roll over. We did not get any shots yesterday, but my poor baby has to get 6 on the 23rd of this month for his 2 month check-up. 3 in one leg, 2 in the other, and 1 oral vaccination. I am definitely not ready to hold my child down to scream in pain while they do all of this! I will more than likely be crying with him!

I think we have a smart little boy on our hands! He has become so much more vocal in the past few days. I absolutely love listening to him baby talk and watching him smile! While at the hospital strolling around yesterday, he also noticed his toys that hang on his carrier. He hit them several times with his hands and made noises as if he was talking to the frog. I thought this was pretty impressive!

My check-up went well also. I am not 100% healed, but the doctor said I am healing well.

Forget the swing, bouncy seat, or holding Leland....

This child LOVES to lay on a quilt on the floor and watch TV!!