Our best Christmas gift

Our remodel is *nearly* finished! Last weekend, we were able to move into the new spaces officially and begin enjoying them. The girls are loving their new room and bunk beds. Oh, and tub time. I think they've soaked in that fabulous bath every single night. What I appreciate most is the attention to detail: the gorgeous knobs and five-panel doors that match the original ones; the restored oak floors which blend so gracefully with the new oak that it's hard to tell they aren't both brand new; the perfect shower rod for a difficult custom space. Our contractors have been so amazing! The very best Christmas gift of all.

Okay, aside from this little guy, who is now three months old and not quite so little anymore!

Gray Dog

Last Sunday, Greta and I went for a 3.5 mile run, a feat for me but a breeze for the old gray dog. However, once we were home, she seemed lethargic and slow. A little off. That behavior continued throughout the week, and by Thursday night when she wouldn't even eat a piece of offered chicken, we were very concerned.

A heartbreaking vet appointment on Friday confirmed that Greta had internal bleeding, likely from a cancerous tumor in her spleen. Her body temperature was low, she had lost 30% of her red blood cells, and could barely walk. The vet did not think she would survive through the weekend. We were advised that euthanasia would be the most compassionate choice. We made the appointment for Saturday morning.

Surprisingly, Friday night she ate some chicken noodle soup. Then, begged for more. By Saturday morning, she was barking at the door bell, hoisting herself off her beloved sofa perch by herself without effort. She seemed altogether too perky to go through with the procedure. So we canceled. The vet suspects that the internal bleeding is temporarily clotted-- whether that is for a day, a week, or more, we don't know. He explained that often times these things wax and wane, but was very surprised by her ability to bounce back from such dire conditions the day before.

Today, she is sleeping on the sofa with Ellie (her beloved elephant), occasionally wandering to the front window to keep watch, and enjoying a rawhide. We don't know how much longer she will grace us with her lovable presence but we are treasuring this time with her. She has been a loyal, true companion for over ten years, so we will follow her lead when she tells us it's her time. Until then, there will be lots of snuggling that sweet gray mug.

Grown-up Night

Shortly after we moved to Portland, we were welcomed into the most incredible group of friends (some of whom have been tight since elementary school). The four families kindly folded us into their lives, into their annual trip to SunRiver, birthday celebrations...and most notably, into their tradition of Friday night pizza night. Each Friday for the past three years, we've enjoyed pizza and pals as we all share turns hosting. It's always a wonderful way to end a busy week-- enjoyed equally by the adults and the offspring.

However, this group of friends has also wisely instituted another tradition: every few months, get a sitter and enjoy a grown-up dinner. Last night, we were the hosts of the grown-up evening. It was a beautiful reminder of the friendships we've forged here in Portland, and how lucky we are to be surrounded by such kindness and warmth. Oh, and for an evening, by conversation without interruption! The novelty!!