15 Books

Found this over at Anna's Book Blog. I think it's a great idea. 15 Books I've read that will always stick with me (these are not in order of preference)

1. Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
2. Zoya by Danielle Steele
3. Paradise by Judith McNaught
4. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
5. Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
6. Lady Be Good by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
7. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
8. Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu
9. Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas
10. Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
11. Shapechanger by Jennifer Roberson*
12. Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase
13. Touch of the Wolf by Susan Krinard
14. Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn
15. The Duchess by Jude Deveraux

*This book was one of the most influential in my love for Wolves. The idea of being able to turn into a wolf is one of my greatest far fetched fantasies :)

Odin

So we recently picked up a puppy. A Newfoundland puppy. When J first suggested this breed I was a bit taken aback. First of all, I had never heard of them before. I definitely had never seen one. After doing my research, I admit I was a bit disappointed at their looks. They're not the most attractive dogs in the world. I did agree that temperament wise, they sounded ideal for us. The search for a breeder began.

We found someone about 4 hours away that had puppies and had two males left. We drove over to PA and met the mommy and the 10 puppies! I looked a the mommy and realized there is no way anyone could look into that dog's face and be intimidated. The most gentle loving eyes. The cocking of her head to the side. I fell in love with Maddie. The puppies were all over the place one minute, and fast asleep the next. We picked the puppy that seemed to be our fit and went home to await his homecoming.

The naming was tough. We went from Teddy (short for Teddy Bear) to Zeus before finally deciding on Odin. Odin the Norse god was fitting for a majestic dog that had Nordic roots. The best part is we could nickname him Odie while he was growing up.

I'm the first to admit I don't know anything about dogs. I was and still am I bit intimidated. But I'm trying. I gave him a dry bath last night and poor baby thought I was attacking him with the shampoo spray bottle. But by the end, he had his head snuggled into my lap as I brushed him down.

This weekend, we start puppy training. The whole family. I still feel a bit insecure in taking care of Odin. It's the whole stress of feeling like someone else could do so much better then me so why am I doing this! Hopefully as time goes on, Odin and I will get more use to each other.

Sherry Thomas

One of my new favorites, Sherry Thomas. OMG can this woman write. Tons going on but I've been so busy. I will attempt to put a post together soon.

Exhaustion

Trying to kick the caffeine habit sucks a lot. Why did it seem so much easier last time? Oh right, I didn't have a toddler!

I've been trying to get myself off of caffeine in anticipation for a potential offspring. So far, I'm pretty regular but no extra pink line. Funny enough, I'm relieved. Things are so crazy with the move and such, I would have no issues waiting to actually get prego toward the end of the year. But we'll see what happens.

J and I are not actively trying. While I'm not on Birth Control and we do tango regularly, we're not checking to see if I'm ovulating or the timing in any way. I'll worry about doing that stuff later. Meanwhile though, I do need to get less dependant on caffeine. But that might require sleeping more. Right, like I have the luxury.

Changes

My son is now 21 months. How crazy is that? I still remember being pregnant with him like it was yesterday.

I have to admit, though this age is very trying, it's also SO fulfilling. Not only do I get the most affectionate little toddler with a lively personality, I get a cuddly little baby when he goes to bed. It's amazing how he LOOKS so much younger when he's sleepy.

At the end of this month, we're all moving to a new home. We finally bought ourselves a home to grow into. Much bigger then ours but more importantly, one with a yard! I can't wait for all the outdoor activities we'll now be able to do together!

Hope everyone else is doing okay!

Updating

I'm horrible at updating. But I have found a compromise. It's called Facebook. If you'd like to see Z and his crazy growth, send me an email or something with your Facebook name.

Busy Busy Bee

Very busy with work lately. I'll have to update later.

Yesterday, I came home and had a conversation with my son. He spoke to me very intently. I must say, he's definitely going to be long winded. It's really too bad I didn't understand a word he said...

It's amazing to me though. I know it happens all the time to everyone. But the whole birth process is so wonderous. I mean I remember what it felt like to have him kicking inside of me. And here he is, trying to have a conversation with me.