My Very First Christmas!

Not only was this DeLaney's very first Christmas, but it was also the first year Dean and I shared Christmas morning together. Apparently a dog DOES bring you closer together, who knew!?

Usually, I find myself running back and forth from my home to Dean's home -- trying desperately not to disappoint anyone. Well, this year I decided to give up. I deserve to enjoy the holiday season too! And although I truly missed the Falconer time this year...it was definitely a blessing to relax and enjoy the Willcoxon side of the holiday. So with Dean deciding to stay over Christmas Eve -- well that just made my year! It meant so much to me to wake up on Christmas morning with Dean & DeLaney. I felt like we were a family. Finally. I couldn't have felt more blessed at that moment; especially with this year being so terribly rough on us.

Our family has been dealt some nasty cards this year. And with him trying so hard...well, it just means the world to me. At times, I find myself struggling; wanting more from the guy. And I'm not going to hide the fact that I've had my weak moments. At times, I find myself full of resentment. I have even expressed my impatience verbally to him on a number of occasions. I'm not proud of this. Instant guilt rises in me after those instances.

Once I return to my normal, healthy frame of mind...I remember, this is my life. And it's a wonderful one at that! I'm so fortunate to have a relationship with such a wonderful person. He cares for me. He is honest with me. There is not an ounce of distrust in my body. He makes me laugh silently (you know, when you laugh so hard you don't make noise). He is so determined and driven. He's definitely on the "smartest people I know" list. And besides, things can always, always be worse. (Trust me...) I am so absolutely fortunate to have such a good man. He loves me. And he sure does love our little DeLaney (you should hear him talk to her when he thinks he's alone - so darn sweet!). I am smitten for him. I can't help myself. These two gems in my life have my heart, fully.

For sure, 2011 was a tough year. But three beautiful things came out of it: Sawyer Gene Crompton (my happy/handsome nephew), Sweet DeLaney and a stronger relationship with Dean.

I love you all, indefinitely.

Mt. Rainier Birthday!

This ALMOST didn't happen. I told Dean over a month in advance that I wanted to go away for my birthday. A relaxing cabin in the woods, just our little family. Of course, being the busy bee he is, he decided to wait last minute. Um, hellllooo? I'm too close to the holiday season to wait until the last minute. Boys...
But after forking over a wad o' dough, he accomplished my birthday wish.

And the mini-vacation couldn't have come at a better time. I was overly ready to get away after the last couple of months we had - moving suddenly, planning/executing an insanely detailed bridal shower, annual evals and massive over time (without claiming hours might I add) due to our poor receptionst going through some terrible, no good, awful times with a family emergency -- well, it just wore me out.

It was NO Hawaii, but it was nice. And Laney saw snow for the first time. Boy did she enjoy that! I'm realizing that some of my happiest memories with Laney are just watching her run like crazy around a yard. She loves her puppy frappin'!

So thank you Deanie. You gave me a wonderful birthday weekend; filled with long sleeps, lots of booze & my two favorite creatures -- You & Laney! *Muah*

I'm HOW Old?!

DeLaney is 9 months old today! Happy 9-month birthday my love!! (DeLaney after a MUCH needed bath):

She can jump up, sit, walk around, talk (bark), and feed herself. PHEW! What a big girl I have!! ;)

Laney is still not enjoying Fremont, but she is definitely getting better. She barks less at strange noises. She's doing better on walks. Barely barks at the neighbors pups (unless she SEES them, of course). She is however, developing a bit of seperation anxiety. Being left alone is terrifying for her. She barks her head off and gets right out of her kennel. YES, that chain-linked kennel! So, we need to hardy that bad boy up! I told Dean to get some OSB board and that should do the trick. He's completed the door to the kennel, but the rest of the 7X7 walls need completion. That would be quite the birthday gift for me -- someone PLEASE do it so I can stop forking over SO much money to daycare!!

Oh DeLaney we love you (and I secretly adore your obsession with me) but you gotta realize that sometimes we cannot be there. And you have to be alone. We will ALWAYS, ALWAYS return. Please believe me, you're my world. I would NEVER abandon you!