Phenomenal Week, Day 6

Often on our walks this week, Michaela has asked if we could explore the woods off the trail. I've told her that it would be too difficult for me to do that while carrying a baby on my back. But MAYBE on the weekend, Grandpa would be able to take her for a walk, and help her over the branches and up and down the hills. So that's just what they did this on this beautiful spring morning!

When they got back from their walk, we all had hot chocolate on the front porch, while the baby had his morning nap. It was so warm in the sunshine, that Michaela took off her boots and socks and played barefoot on the front lawn!



After lunch we went to visit Mom and Dan (Great Nanie and Pop). It was their first time meeting the baby! We all had a lovely time, and everyone was on their very best behaviour. Even Kazan didn't get into too much trouble. Here is Michaela taking delight in Pop's 85th-birthday balloons!




And finally, we went to Micah and Elizabeth's house. Elizabeth was sleeping much of the time we were visiting, but Micah, Michaela and Kazan had a grand old time playing outside together!

Phenomenal Week, Day 5

Highlights of our day

Another glorious walk through the woods, baby on my back, Michaela carrying a big stick and Kazan straining almost constantly against his leash. A low-flying "chicky monster" (as Michaela calls a turkey vulture) elicited a novel response from Kazan, who barked and growled at it to protect us!

Loving and gracious hospitality from Auntie Caitlin, Auntie Sharon, Heidi and Beatrice. We tried to eat our pizza supper while Kazan threw his weight around (literally). Beatrice accepted refuge in Michaela's willing arms.

Phenomenal week, day 4

Magical moments

As we set out on one of our many walks together, I looked down and saw these amazing shadows. Somehow I managed to maneuvre us all into position to capture the moment!


As we rounded a bend in the path through the woods, Michaela exclaimed, "Oh, my gosh - it's so lovely! I'm SO happy!" And now, whenever I go round that bend again, I think I will always remember that moment, and the lovely little Sweetheart who shared her delight with me.

Phenomenal Week, Day 3

Michaela stayed overnight with her cousins, so Kazan and I got to spend a whole day giving undivided attention to grandbaby boy!!!

Three walks in one day - who could resist these springtime woods?



Interesting juxtaposition. Happy First Birthday gift in the background.


Hand to paw - the boys enjoyed some gentle, quiet time together today.

Phenomenal Week, Day 2

Cousins: growing up side-by-side!


A whole world to explore together...


Delight in unexpected places...


Permission to be silly...


And always someone to lend a helping hand...

Phenomenal Week, Day 1

Michaela and her brother entertain Grandma and Grandpa for a whole week!

Monday: Day 1


talking to Mommy...

"you're welcome" bow...

not a dull moment...

everything with flair!

Flashback to Saturday night, when Kazan went BONKERS over Caitlin and Sharon. Ron and I could not believe Kazan's crazy behaviour. After they left, he cried at the door until bedtime!

lions, coyotes and bears... (oh, my!)

With apologies to Oz (I wonder if Michaela, Micah or Elizabeth remember the right words?). Here is my lion-berger cuddling up to his Momma-bear at Micah and Elizabeth's house this week. Animal lovers and vegetarians, you might not want to scroll down to the coyotes part of this post. I hesitated posting this zoom photo of the drama taking place recently across the bay from our house. Very sad that occasionally some of our beloved and beautiful deer are killed by the coyotes that we often hear howling in the distance. Reminds me of another kids' movie. Remember (in Babe) when the cow and the duck are looking in at the window as the family eats a Christmas duck? The cow slowly drawls something like, "You just have to understand that the way things are, is the way things are." And the duck replies, "The way things are... - STINKS." I agree with the duck.

relief/reprieve

Surgery was scheduled for next week. Kazan's breeder voiced adamant opposition to this course of action. I contacted a different vet for a second opinion, and brought Kazan and the x-rays to her today. Final results - a new diagnosis (retained cartilage core in distal ulnar growth plate), a new vet to oversee Kazan's progress, relief for us, reprieve for Kazan. No surgery unless and until needed. For Kazan's sake, I hope we've made the right choice. Thanks everyone for caring. Thanks for the prayers. Thanks.

Kazan's legs

We've been noticing for some time that Kazan's legs appear increasingly crooked. I asked the vet about it today. This is an excerpt from the report I was given after our visit: "Kazan is healthy except he has valgus deformity of both carpi. This is caused by premature closure of the growth plates. We will xray the front limbs in 2 views to determine which growth plate is prematurely closing. Surgical correction may be needed." Orthopedic surgery is extremely expensive, and it is also an ordeal I don't want Kazan to have to experience. The vet will be calling me tomorrow after he has studied the xrays in consultation with another vet.

milestones

28 pounds and counting... By his 4-month milestone next Saturday, I'm guessing Kazan will weigh 30+


As for Dan (aka Pop), his 85th birthday may not arrive until Monday the 26th, but his family had a big birthday bash for him yesterday. It was great to meet his many kids and grandkids, some from as far away as Vancouver. Mom (Nanie) looked radiant.

friends

I have the privilege of being this little Sweetheart's friend! And now Kazan knows her voice too. As I was watching a little video from yesterday's visit to Montreal, Kazan leapt up at the sound of Michaela's voice, and ran to the front door, where he stood crying in anticipation as he waited for her to come in and play with him. So sad, but he will learn that many joyful reunions await us. And in the meantime, Kazan must rest up - those grandkids (all four of the ones he's met so far) sure know how to tire him out! I'm sure Jamie will be no exception - can't wait!!!

woo-hoo!

First there was Jamie. Then Beatrice. And now Kazan. His very first car-wash! Wheeeeeeeee! He was actually quite composed and dignified - interested, attentive, focused (slightly worried), and ending it all off with this sweet little wolf-puppy howl.

flashback

As my computer randomly displays my photos as a screensaver, this particular image keeps catching my eye. It's a flashback to last September and our visit to the Butterfly farm with Josh and Heather and Jamie. Every now and then as Ron and I canoe or walk in the wilderness in the summertime, the idea comes to me about how I would so love to see something I've never ever seen before, or perhaps never even imagined. I think this counts - I don't think I'd ever even imagined a butterfly with totally transparent wings! Just thought I'd share this beautiful creature with you, as a break from my usual Kazan postings! And, by the way, on the subject of Kazan, he's been to his first puppy class this week, and was a model student! It's Mommy who has to try to remember the confusing order of commands: GOTCHA - YES - SIT - YES - OFF - YES - TAKE IT - YES. The class is WONDERFUL, and Kazan had a blast (dried liver at regular intervals = a roomful of very happy puppies)!