Memphis Matthews

Birthday Boy

Given the weather (not to mention our under-the-weather status around here), Peter's birthday was pretty low-key.  We had french toast for breakfast, Bogie's sandwiches and Muddy's cupcakes for lunch, and Elfo's (with Pierce - yes, we were brave, and he did pretty well) for dinner.  Peter opened presents with every meal.  Here are a couple of pictures from the last round of presents...no doubt Pierce had more fun helping Daddy open his gifts than Daddy had receiving them (he got clothes...and clothes...and more clothes).  Oh, and yes, that is Michael Knight on tv in the background.  Happy 31st Peter!  We love you and will miss you these next couple of days while you're in Atlanta.

Still Here.

We're still here!  Peter got back from Phoenix on Wednesday, thank goodness.  It takes both of us to manage Pierce and Joe.  Joe is a bit better but still not great.  We are monitoring him for another few days per the vet's recommendation before making a decision regarding surgery.  Frankly, the surgery scares me, but so does putting him down.  Although he is better than he was earlier this week largely due to medication, it is hard to see him in pain.  Furthermore, the situation in general is hard because the nights are the worst.  Specifically, Joe is basically restless and yelping on and off for a 2-3 hour period in the middle of the night because he just can't get comfortable. This usually wakes Pierce up...Also difficult to manage is the occasional yelping while Pierce naps.  Like right now.  Thankfully, Pierce is not as light a sleeper as me.  We'll keep you updated.  Thanks for all of the well wishes and a special, special thank you to Suds and Pops, who were lifesavers earlier this week when I was losing my mind trying to manage the household and all of the creatures on basically no sleep while Peter was gone.

On a much, much lighter note, my friend Tina over here "tagged" me a few weeks ago (yes, weeks) with the request to post 7 random things about myself.  So, here goes.

1. I have a hard time admitting, much less asking, for help.  Perfectionist at heart.  This week I HAD to have help, and there were so many folks that offered it up.  Thank you folks!
2. I can not, can NOT, sleep in socks.  Pierce can NOT sleep under a blanket or covers of any kind, which is kind of interesting.
3. I love The GAP.  I can buy clothing for all of us there at reasonable prices...and it looks like they are finally going back to more classic roots instead of all the trendy stuff.  Thank you peeps at Gap!
4. I played the piano for many, many years and was good...Much to my family's disappointment though, I could not play in front of anyone else (besides my instructors).  I will purchase a Baby Grand one day and get back into it but am making no promises to play in front of an audience.
5. I can juggle, but this is basically the extent of my athletic ability. 
6. My "index" toes are longer than my big toes.  Eww or good luck?  Who knows.  But I do know that Pierce has no chance for squatty toes given his parents' appendages.
7. Going deep here...I have no contact with my father and need to pray more about how to deal with the potential scenario that he will show up in the future. 

Okay, that's it.  Fascinating, eh!  I don't think Tina wanted the commentary, but oh well...Oh oh oh...tomorrow is Peter's birthday!  Happy early birthday, my bug!

Joe

I don't really have much to say here other than that Joe is really fighting right now.  It is heartbreaking.  The disc problems in his neck and lower back are becoming too much to bear.  In the past 10 days, he has literally not slept 3 of those nights due to the pain.  We are doing everything imaginable for him and have the vet bills to prove it.  At this point, surgery to remove the disc in his neck, which is apparently giving him the most trouble, is not really an option given his age and the procedure's degree of risk.  It just totally sucks, pardon the use of that word, that his condition is almost to the point where it's no longer manageable.  I pray that we'll have the wisdom to set him free at the right time and I find peace knowing that I certainly believe in my heart that we will be reunited with our pets in Heaven.

Uh Oh

From a parenting email distribution list I'm on regarding toddlerhood...

He may not have the vocabulary to carry on a conversation just yet, but don't be surprised if your toddler starts to mimic your telephone style with his own toy phone. You may also catch him imitating the way you act behind the wheel of the car, preparing meals, or cleaning the house. This copycat behavior can be charming or potentially embarrassing. Pay extra attention to your own language and behavior, so you don't inadvertently teach him something you'd rather not see him do.

Is It Bad That All My Child Wants to Eat is Peanut Butter?

Camera Envy

Suds takes amazing pics with her fancy camera.  Here are several recents ones along with one of Pierce from last night helping Daddy drive his car.  We *did* trick 'r treat at a few houses with Suds, Pops, and Auntie Megs, which was fun (and Pierce at least had on orange and black attire).  Pierce actually kept going INSIDE people's homes!  Kinda funny. 

In other random news, PPB's realtor has called several times in the last few weeks just checking in on our house, which is not listed, but totally for sale for the right price.  PPB has cold feet, and we do, too.  Pierce is loving, loving, loving school, and I hope to be able to post his school picture here soon!  That's about it for now -- happy fall y'all!

Happy Halloween!

Remember this?

Well, I got the costume out again this morning...he was NOT happy.  Couldn't even get a picture taken for documentation.  Needless to say, I did not buy a costume for Pierce this year and have learned that MINIMAL costumes are probably all that are going to work on him.  Hopefully we'll at least get a few cute pictures from events today (although, yeah, he'll be the kid whose mom didn't buy him a costume).  Oh well.

In other news, Joe seems to be a bit better than he was earlier this week.  Still not himself but better.

Good Thoughts for Joe

Asking for prayers for Joe.  I am really worried that he might not be with us much longer.  He is not well...but better than he was yesterday.  We're in consultations with the vet.

Spice Cabinet!

Who needs new toys when you have a cabinet full of spice containers to pull out, put back, shake, and throw?

Headache

I do not like to stir up controversy on this blog, and I'm probably going to make some folks (and some of my closest friends) mad with this post.  But, I am so ready for this freaking election to be O.V.E.R.  Sadly, I have come to grips (well, almost) with the fact that the candidate I am voting for is not going to prove victorious.  I am so tired of the liberal (not to mention sexist) media.  I am so tired of each side blaming the other for the financial mess.  I am so tired of hearing about wardrobe scandals.  I am ready to turn off the tv.  Except for one thing...the LAST thing on Earth I want is the government telling me how to spend my hard-earned money.  We give charitably every year to the causes we choose and do not need the government's help in making such decisions.  This, folks, is what scares the heck out of me about what seems to be our next administration.  I am kind of terrified.  I will continue to watch the coverage.  I'll no doubt be glued to the tv on election night.  But until then, I'll cast my early vote this week, pop a few Aleves, and just pray.