Bittersweet week

So this week had some very sad moments. First off, King of Pugs, Alex Strand passed away. Alex was one of those dogs that was so much more than a dog. Here's a picture of Alex:

He joined Chris's family when Chris was in high school. He was very lucky to end up with the Strands after a rough start to life. He's had various health issues, but made it into old age with a lovable (sometimes crochety) personality. When we heard the news Chris and I immediately started talking about what heaven would be like for Alex. Of course, he'd be the healthy young pug that HATED if anyone walked ahead of him. The human must be behind him on all walks. He'd have baskets full of beanie babies with all sorts of clothing. Alex had this talent of quickly undressing tons beanie babies. He wouldn't tear their clothing but work it off of them with his teeth. It was quite amazing to watch. And I'm sure he has people dedicated to petting him and chasing him when he decides to go on a tear around the pearly grounds. Well, I'm getting teary eyed thinking of the pugglypoo. Laura, Mom and Dad Strand, we are thinking about you! I'm sure you are going to have a hard time not having Alex's snorting, barking, corkscrew- tail wagging greeting every time you come home.

The next part isn't as sad, but it was bittersweet. Today was Penelope's last day at Tator Totz. I'm sure many of you remember that we had toured an amazing day care near our house while I was pregnant but the waiting list was really long. So we found a day care near my work that I didn't like as much, but since I could visit at lunch I decided that it would be okay. Right before Penny started the day care changed ownership. Right when I met Alise I knew Penny would be in great hands. I've been going there every day for lunch and get to spend time with Penelope while also talking with Alise and the other teachers in the baby room. I love that it is so small and that I know all of the kids and teachers. She has such a great vision for the day care and was so accomodating to everything I wanted (cloth diapers, breastmilk, and even doing bit cards). Well, recently, we found out that my office is probably moving soon. It could be in the same area, but there is a good chance that I'll have to drive past my office and then double back to get to work...just will add so much time to my commute. The same week that Chris and I realized that we may need to start the day care search again, we got a call from Jardin Magico that a spot opened. Although it has great aspects (spanish immersion, great preschool curriculum, cloth diapers, homemade food, a special quiet nap room), it is much much bigger than Tator Totz. I'd be fooling myself to think that Penelope will be rocked to sleep for every nap like she is now. It is so hard to know if you are making the right choice!

This morning when we arrived at Tator Totz there was a gift in Penelope's crib from Quinn (he is the same age as Penelope). It was the sweetest card. I forgot it at work, but will post it on here next week because it is so cute how they got Quinn to "sign" the card. I'm hoping we can get together with Quinn and his family. Then at lunch Penelope was so smiley and I got to rock her to sleep. I'm going to miss that so much. Everyone is telling me that she'll be going through the separation anxiety period soon and I'd probably have to stop going to see her anyways. I plan to keep in touch with Alise and Penelope's first friends....I was crying on the way home...Imagine what I'm going to be like when she graduates from kindergarten?!