Oh dear, I've been tagged twice!

Andrea, at Holding on for the Ride blog, tagged me several days ago. And I just was notified by Suzanne, at Straight Down the Mountain blog, that she also tagged me. Now it's my turn to share 8 interesting/special things about myself and NO, I cannot come up with 16 just because two of you tagged me. Honestly though, I don't think I've felt 'interesting' for a while...this could take some thought.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. I love hosting dinner gatherings and get togethers. Mostly, I love to have people over and share a home cooked meal with some nice spirited beverage. (mind you, I haven't done this in quite some time and I don't think it will happen any time soon, friends ;)
2. When I was younger I wanted to be an actress. Not just an ordinary actress, but a famous actress.
3. In my next life I will be a singer.
4. I asked a friend (you know who you are) if he would give me some hints as to what's interesting about me and here's what I got: I have good design skills around house and home (must be from all that HGTV I've watched over the years. Funny thing is, I have yet to complete one room in my house completely (except for Little Squirt's room). This friend also said I like to talk. Hmmm....not sure about that one. I always thought I was a bit quiet. I'm a planner...that one is very true, but is that really interesting or special???? I'm a good shopper! Maybe I was, but will I ever get to a mall again to put those shopping skills back to work?
5. This person also said 'you know what you want and you get it even if it takes a while for it to come to pass'. Actually 2 friends told me this!! Wow!!!
6. I'm single...I think this is more shocking than interesting. And in this area no. 5 above has not worked for me! Sob, poor poor me :(
7. I truly have the most fabulous friends!! You also know who you are ;)
8. The most special thing about me is the newest addition to my family - my sweet, sweet baby girl, Nola. (edited to add that bringing Nola home was a result of no. 5 above)

Time for a picture-

Apparently once I reach my 100th post, I need to list 100 facts about myself. I think I'm going to be in trouble since I really struggled with these 8. If I think of more interesting things to share with you all, I will come back and do a 'do-over'. Will that work?

So, let's see...I tag Jim & Ali and Kate.

Ok, ok, ok...here she is!

I don't know how many times I have said 'I will post to my blog tomorrow' and tomorrow came and went. I don't know where the hours go. Well, I do, actually. My sweet baby is keeping me on my toes!

I'm sure you all want details, but more importantly, you probably just want to see the Squirt. I'll write more in my next post (soon, I promise!). For now, enjoy these shots from the pick-up trip and the first days at home.

take me home!

I love love my exersaucer

yes, that's a thumb going into my mouth

showing mom how strong I got between trips

I love to '1 - 2 - 3 stand-up'

Vanna White, watch out!

see my dimples?

Love to all!

They are home!!!!!!!!!

Jackie, Nola and Helma are now home in south Florida! Nola went to bed at about 8:30p ET and hopefully slept well as Jackie is pretty tired from the travels. There are still some PC problems, but with any luck, some pictures from the trip will be up "soon"...

Welcome Home my friends!!!!

A message from Jackie (3 December)

Here's an email that Jackie managed to get out yesterday evening:


Hi all! Imagine my surprise when I learned that Hotel Kaz has wireless access? And that it worked beautifully...except that I still cannot send email. I'm using someone's computer (another adoptive family I met from MD who is adopting a v. cute baby girl from Kaz). Anyway... We are doing fine. Nola is being a good girl and really entertaining us with her smiles and laughs. We laugh every time she laughs. She is keeping us both very busy with her feeding schedule and play time and diaper changing. She is very strong and wants to stand up so badly. We have a game where she holds my fingers and I count to 3 and she pulls herself up. She is so proud and we clap and say "yayyy Nola....10.0" and she smiles so big and proud. I wish I could send pics, but since I am using another pc I cannot. Trust me...she is cuter than when we left her. Oh, today we went to the SOS clinic for her exam. She did well, but was not happy to have blood taken from her little finger. She screamed bloody murder. She has her first band aid!!! She is 10lbs!! Ok, that's all for now. I must go. I need to charge the pc battery and will be back down later to google talk with whoever is online. It looks like that will work. PLEASE feel free to forward this to the family members I missed. I just didn't have all the email addresses with me when this kind, new friend offered to allow me to use his pc to send an email. Hugs. Jackie, Helma and Nola Diana

On the way home via Almaty

Jackie, Nola and Helma are in Almaty Kaz now where she reports it's very cold. Today, Tuesday, 3 December, Nola will get her physical examimation as part of the requirements for her US IR3 visa. That visa is not only her ticket for entry into the US, but also what makes her a US citizen when she arrives. Even more interesting, Nola just may be starting to teeth...oh, joy! Only a few more days now before these "three muskateers" head home...

For those of you following this story, please keep Jackie's little furry friend, Fendi, in your thoughts. He's apparently not doing all that well right now in her absence. Although he's a somewhat moody dog and understandably sad that she's away, he also has a medical condition that is more difficult to deal with when his mommy is gone.

1 December update...

It snowed in Kyrg this morning, according to the text message I received earlier today from Jackie. But they had a nice day including a lunch excursion with a friend named Katy. Things are moving along and on Monday, Jackie, Nola and Helma will be headed to Almaty in Kazakhstan to process out via the US Embassy and obtain Nola's visa for entry into the US later in the week. I'm sure they are looking forward to coming home, despite the very long plane rides involved.

Hopefully, Jackie will have workable Internet access in Almaty and be able to post some wonderful pictures! I'm looking forward to them, too!!

An update from afar...Nola is in-hand!

Guest Author here today! Like on the first trip, Internet access is proving challenging for Jackie, so she asked that I provide you all an update. For one day, GoogleTalk was working, but even that has stopped cooperating, leaving text messages as the only way to get all the good news out. (She does seem to be able to read incoming email) So...

The good news is that Nola has been in-hand for a few days now. She’s a cheerful baby and is really very perky. Jackie reports that the smiles keep coming, feeding is going well and Nola is even trying to sit up a little. It also sounds like hiring the nanny between trips was a wonderful decision as the Little Squirt gained about a pound and a half over that time period and appears to be very spoiled. Yay, Nola!!!

Jackie and her mom are undoubtedly taking lots of pictures and short videos, so with any luck, perhaps some will be posted later in the trip once they relocate from the “Internet from Heck” hotel in Kyrg to Almaty for processing out via the US Embassy. In the mean time, I know Jackie, Nola and Helma will appreciate your thoughts...as an adoptive parent myself, I assure you those things go a long way to help with the stress of traveling and “the process”.

And we're off part II

In just a few short hours we will be enroute to Miami Airport and on our way to Kyrgyzstan where I will finally be reunited with my Dianochka. I can't wait.

I want to take a quick moment to say THANK YOU to so many people for their kind support, love and friendship. So many family and friends have gone out of their way in some way to show me support through this journey. I will always be grateful and I can't wait for each and every one of you to meet Little Squirt some day.

So, goodbye for now. Look for updates here and please keep sending those good thoughts.

Love, Jackie & Helma (Oma)

Question: Am I packed and ready to go?

Answer: No and No

The only items ready to be packed are the things I'm bringing for Little Squirt and a few things I'm leaving for the orphanage. That's not so bad, right?

I'm definitely not ready to go at this moment, but I will be ready on Friday. Today will be spent running around picking up some last minute items and cleaning the house (joy). I'll start the formal packing tomorrow.

I'm doing ok, and despite the craziness over the past 2 weeks I am very much looking forward to sitting on that airplane, jet setting to Central Asia and reuniting with my Dianochka. I just cannot wait to see and hold her. Mostly, I cannot wait to start our life together.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Yes, of course Little Squirt has a proper name

What's in a name? A lot of thought!

Many who know me would not be shocked to hear that I thought long and hard and analyzed every name known to man. I even created a spreadsheet with many of my favorites over recent years. Complete with origin and meaning. In varying combinations of first name and middle name. After all, there is much to consider when naming your child. You have to consider the last name - how long it is, how many syllables, etc. Then, if you decide on a long first name, you should have a shorter middle name, but you shouldn't have 3 long names. If the first name is 3 syllables, it will flow best with a middle name with one syllable less. You have to consider their new initials to be sure it doesn't represent an acronym that would forever scar your little one due to teasing once they begin school. (note: all the above is from a baby name book) Mostly, you have to like how it sounds when you say: 'Noah, clean your room', or 'Zoe, you're grounded and don't come out of that room until you've thought about what you've done!'

There has been much inquiry around Little Squirt's name. First, let me share the name given by her first mother. Diana (pronounced dee-AH-nah) - if you need a quick audio lesson in this pronunciation, click here and scroll to Diana. For the few weeks before I traveled to meet Diana, she was known as Baby Di. During the first 12 days of our time together, we called her Dianochka. How cute is that? Then the day finally arrived and I was asked 'Jackie, what do you plan to name your baby?'

Well, I have always said, depending what her given name is and how she received her name, I would consider maintaining this name in some way. And I did.

I would like to introduce you to Nola Diana (pronounced NO-la dee-AH-nah). There you have it. My baby has a name and I love it.

So, how will you, or how did you name your child? What factors did you consider?

Less than 3 weeks and counting

Did you notice the countdown clock? Yes, in less than 3 weeks from today I will be on my way to pick up my girl. I cannot wait to see Little Squirt's sweet face again and give her so many kisses.

All our travel plans have been arranged and now it's time to focus on the many unfinished house projects, final touches to LS's room, and lots and lots of cleaning. My house looks like a hurricane hit! The good news is that my new kitchen counters and cabinets are finally installed and as soon as the plumbing is reconnected, I will finally be able to enjoy my kitchen (aside from some finishing touches that will have to wait for now).

I was looking at pictures from trip 1. I'm not sure if I posted about this, but I was pretty sick for about 36 hours during the first trip. On day 12 I could not even make it to the orphanage to see my baby girl. Mom had her all to herself on that day. Boy, was I bummed to have missed those hours. Here are just two shots from that day.

What are they talking and laughing about? Hmmm...

This face makes me melt!!

My Delicate Flower

That is the first thought that came to mind when I first laid eyes on Little Squirt on September 20th, 2007. She is petite and has such delicate features right down to her dimples. When she presents a strong smile you can even see two dimples.

More faces of Little Squirt

It's official...I'm a MOM

Yesterday turned out to be a wonderful day. I received word that I am legally Little Squirt's mom as of Oct. 15th in Kyrgyzstan. WOW, what a feeling!! It certainly feels more real now and I feel a bit relieved that the court date came and went without a hitch.

The other news I have to share are my travel dates to return to Bishkek and pick up my daughter. I have to be back in Bishkek on Sunday, November 25th. Now I get to start looking into flights, and at least this time, we have some nice advanced notice.

So, without further delay, enjoy these pics of Little Squirt from trip 1.

Time for a sneak peek...

A Special 'Thank You'

I wanted to take a moment to send a very special and heartfelt THANK YOU to Tante Brigitte, Onkel Paul & Tante Moni for taking care of Fluffy & Fendi while we were away meeting Little Squirt. It was such a relief knowing that our furbabies were left in loving and caring hands.

I cannot wait for you to meet the LS. Oh, in case I forgot, have I mentioned how cute she is??!!

walking to Vefa Center (mom)

horses on the way to Tokmok

another beautiful view of the mountains

We're Home, Sweet Home

Trip 1 has come to an end. We arrived home in the early morning hours after a long day or more of flying. Mom and I are feeling good aside from some jet lag. I know you want to hear more about our time with the 'Little Squirt' (LS), so here you go...

We had 14 wonderful visits with LS. Every day brought more smiles and it was clear after just a few days that she was becoming quite comfortable in our company. Our visits went something like this - we arrived at the orphanage around 10am each day. Upon reaching the Squirt's baby room, we would find her either waiting for us in her crib awake or peacefully napping. If she was sleeping, we'd let her sleep until she would awaken and show us a smile. If she was awake when we arrived, she would give us the cutest smile. We loved seeing her so happy to see us :)

We had pretty nice weather every day and would take the kids outside for some fresh air and spend our time in the playground area. For as small as she is, she's also quite the little wiggle worm and surprisingly strong. We took lots of pictures and videos - and yes, soon you'll get to see the little face I've been admiring. Mom calls her 'precious'.

Our visits ended soon after feeding time. I really enjoyed this time with her, especially the moments when our eyes met. It was such a wonderful bonding experience. Afterwards, I would hold her against my shoulder...this was her favorite place to be so she could see what was going on around her. She has a very curious nature and loves looking around. She was so content against my shoulder and on a few occassions would even fall asleep while I was holding her upright. Our visits generally ended with her falling asleep at which point I placed her in her crib and told her we would see her tomorrow.

Our last day together was both wonderful, and bittersweet. It was hard to leave the Squirt knowing we would not be returning the next day, but I know she is being well cared for. Once again it's time to exercise some patience as I look forward to the next trip when I can bring her home.

Thank you all for sending those positive thoughts and checking in on us. Here are just a couple of pictures for you to enjoy!

picking berries on the way back to hotel

Chu River

finally, a donkey picture!

No, we're not MIA!

I know, I know...you are checking in daily waiting anxiously to hear a report from me. (Internet access has been quite challenging) The past 4 days have been many things...wonderful, overwhelming, exciting, scary, and so much more. This truly is an experience of a lifetime.

Our first visit to the orphanage took place on Thursday, 9/20. I met the most precious delicate flower (aka little squirt). We had a wonderful meeting and yes, we took lots of pictures. I know you want to see some and believe me, I want to share, but you'll have to wait!

Every day so far has been great. Today marked our 4th visit. Because it was a bit cold we could not take the baby outside. When I arrived today, she was sleeping so peacefully in her crib. She didn't wake when I took her in my arms and all I could do was admire her little face.

Mom and I have ventured out very little. Unfortunately stomach cramps found their way to mom yesterday after we got back to our hotel. We're not sure why since we've both been really careful. It was pretty bad and I almost thought we might need to visit a hospital. Today is a bit better, but it still comes and goes.

Driving to the orphanage every day has been an experience in itself. It doesn't look like we're on the Autobahn, but it sure feels like it ;) Mom is trying to take pictures of the mountains, but it's been hazy and plus, I think, we're going a bit too fast! She's also quite taken with the donkeys and trying hard to catch one on digital.

That's all for now. Thanks for thinking of us and please continue to send good thoughts.

Live from Bishkek

Yayyy!! That's the great news. Our flights went well and we even cut an hour off our over 10 hour layover in Moscow. Unfortunately we didn't connect with the other couple traveling until just before we boarded the flight to Bishkek. Ironically, we all sat together (same row - unplanned).

I slept a good bit on the JFK to Moscow leg and the flight to Bishkek was very nice. I have to say we had a nice experience with Aeroflot all the way through. The layover in Moscow was the worst part, but we made it and that's all that matters. Mom didn't really sleep, but she's managed a good nap during the day today. In fact, she's snoring as I write this. (don't tell her I told you!)

We were met by our coordinator and translator. So far so good. We were dropped at the hotel by 7am and were able to check in early. Thank goodness we had this day to rest and get settled because it's been slightly rocky.

I am suppose to work and Internet here is not good at all. In fact, I cannot login with my work PC at all since apparently it is missing the VPN set-up. This is my first experience with a hotel that uses vpn to connect to the Internet. If anyone reading this has any insight, please send me an email pipimaus@bellsouth.net. Two folks have tried to help me and finally gave up. They felt so badly that they loaned me a laptop to use while I'm here so I can communicate with my IA Dr. I am thankful, of course, but I am not sure how it's gonna work when I try to send pics and short videos. The supposed 'high speed' seems worse than dial up.

I'm really disappointed about this Internet issue since I had planned to check in with work daily. I'm also a bit cranky due to jet lag and feel bummed out :( Don't get me wrong, the Golden Dragon is very nice and they have tried to help me in my helpless state. I almost feel as though I am wearing out my welcome with all my questions and it's only the first day.

To top it off, we took a cab to an Internet Cafe. Well, we thought we were going right down the street. I cannot even begin to tell you where this guy was driving us, but we finally got somewhere after 15 min. I walked in with my work PC thinking that I could use it there and have better connection to the Internet and thus a better chance of connecting to work. But 'no', you cannot bring your laptop. And, no one spoke English. We left right then and there.

Tim, Mala - send me an email if you have any insight from your recent trip. Thanks!

I really just need some sleep, and tomorrow will be our first visit to the orphanage. We will be picked up at 8:40am after enjoying an interesting breakfast smorgasboard.

Sending hugs.

And we're off

Mom and I are off for our trip (and journey) of a lifetime. Here's our flight path: Ft. Lauderdale - New York (JFK) - Moscow - final destination Bishkek. We arrive Wednesday morning, 5:10am local time. I'm not sure of our exact schedule once we arrive, but will post an update as soon as I can.

Thank you all for your good thoughts, prayers and support. We need them all :)

53 hours and counting...

...until we're off for the infamous trip 1. Yesterday was spent making a Walmart run for various things we think we might need while we're away. I also anxiously waited for Fed Ex to bring our visas and passports. (Yup, we got 'em). Fendi went to the spa for a bath and a trim (lucky guy). And I managed to organize all the paperwork and important documents I must carry to Kyrg.

Today I'll start packing. Everyone says to pack light...talk about a challenging task! We'll see how that goes ;) (I will try my best). It seems the weather is still warm. I'm so happy about that...not only for me, but especially for mom.

My aunt and onkel from Canada are flying in today, too. They have graciously offered to come and stay with the dogs (my baby boy and Mom's baby girl). I am so thankful to them and know that our furbabies will be well cared for while we're away.

Thank You TG & OP...enjoy this sunny flower!

(Image compliments of AMK)

More soon...

A quick geography lesson

In case you're wondering where the heck we're going, here's a map. Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia, west of China. If you want to learn more, check the Kyrgyzstan Factbook link on right side of my blog. We'll be flying into Bishkek (country's capital) and staying at the Golden Dragon. If you look to the east of Bishkek, you'll see Tokmok. This is where the orphanage is located and where we'll go every day to visit with the baby.


This last week has been a whirlwind for me. I'm working through Thursday and just want to get things organized so that all goes smoothly while I'm away. I do plan to check in each day as the in country schedule is such that we are back to the hotel around 3pmish each day. I also hope to be able to post updates to my blog and use Google Talk and Skype to keep in touch with family.

We've done some shopping and will begin packing in full force this weekend. If you have suggestions or tips, feel free to let me know.

Yes, I have some news!

I'll give you three guesses... No, I did not find Prince Charming! And no, I did not win the lottery! But yes, I did recieve a referral!!! This truly is wonderful news.

I am looking forward to meeting my referral in about 11 days. Yes, that's right, mom and I are scheduled to arrive in Bishkek on September 19th in the early AM. That means we are leaving on the 17th.

My head has been in the clouds for the past 10 days. I am mixed with so many emotions - joy and excitement mixed with worry, fear of the unknown, and uncertainty. It is so hard and also difficult to not have any control during this entire process.

I'm sorry that I cannot say more at this time. But as soon as I can, you will hear it here! I'll post before we leave and in the meantime, please send positive waves my way as I prepare for my journey to meet the little one that could be my daughter.

Copyright © GWenger 07

Thank you GW for this lovey picture and well wishes.

This waiting is hard

I really can't wait until I'm able to post & share pictures (and brag ;) about my baby. But right now I am still waiting for my referral. I realize that even after I have my referral I will still have to wait...wait for my first trip date to meet my baby, then waiting again for a date to pick up my baby. I just feel like I'm constantly waiting.

I did hear some news last week that referrals should be coming soon and adoptions in Kyrg will begin moving again. This is very positive news.

In the meantime what can I tell you? I've been trying really hard to get things done. I'm in the midst of a kitchen renovation project. It's exciting, but also a lot of work. Who knew what would be involved in selecting a sink? And the perfect faucet? And, should I spring for the soap/lotion dispenser? How complicated is it to select hardware for cabinets and drawers? (for me, it's complicated) And while I'm at it, what about lighting? It's time to say good bye to the ugly flourescent light in the kitchen. Why do they even bother installing such an unattractive fixture in the first place!!?? My small kitchen project has grown. I know in the end, though, I will love this new and fresh space.

Other things I'm slowly working on are the baby room. I also decided that it's time to replace my smoke alarms. Afterall, I want to create a very safe environment for my little one. I thought I could do this myself until I discovered they were hard wired and I am just not comfortable messing with electrical wires. It seems lately that simple projects turn into big projects...why is that?

For pictures, I'd like to share my snazzy new countertop, sink, and faucet.

Baby's First Bikini

I know, I know...I said I wasn't gonna go crazy with shopping for my baby, but I couldn't resist this find. After purchasing a cute one piece suit and cover up a few weeks ago, I knew I would also want a bikini. And I also said I would only buy one if I came across a yellow polka-dot bikini. Imagine my surprise when I browsed the baby clearance rack at Macy's today and spotted this 2-piece. Of course she'll have to wait until she's 18 months old before showing it off.

She wore an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka-dot bikini...

Help me to pass this time, please

So, it's been a while since you've heard from me. There's a simple explanation...nothing is happening. There is no new news and I continue to sit tight and exercise patience. In a way, it's good since my checklist of things to do is pretty long. What's not good is that I'm not doing a great job of taking advantage of the extra time. That's about to change. Time to turn over a new leaf. I am getting off my bum and taking action. No more sittin' around. You heard it here!! Maybe it will help to put my TO DO list on paper:

• Go through filing cabinet of paperwork that has collected since I graduated high school (this task is ugly and I've started, but am struggling to complete)
• Find a home (donate, garage sale, or garbage) for all the random items cluttering the baby room and other areas of the house
• Once the 'prison work' is done, I get to really have some fun with baby's room...yayyy!!
• Start and finish my kitchen renovation project...yes, you heard right, I'm finally gonna redo the kitchen
• Complete other unfinished decorating projects such as: upholstering my woodstock chair, hanging curtains in the master bedroom, display artwork, find some lighting that I like
• Organize my office workspace before it becomes too cluttered

Wow....I feel better now.

You must be wondering how I've been passing the time. One fun activity has been shopping for my baby. That makes me smile and day dream and just gives me that 'I can't wait for her to be home' feeling. Some might think it's a bit crazy, but I promise, I'm not going too crazy. Here's a small sample of my girl's wardrobe...

(first bathing suit and cover-up, and a 'sassy' outfit for a sassy girl)

Until next time.

So close, yet so far away

Today I received some not so great news. Up until now things have been progressing nicely with my adoption, and I was anticipating a referral at any time. Kyrgyzstan has experienced some changes in government personnel including the Minister of Education. We've been waiting for new gov't officials to be appointed with hopes that referrals would resume once this new Minister was appointed, but that is not the case. It seems time is needed to assess the Kyrg adoption process and therefore, referrals are not expected to resume until September.

I'm sure you can imagine that I am a bit thrown off by this news. I was looking forward to having a baby home by summer and traveling during warmer months. So, now it's time for me to exercise some patience. Please send good thoughts and positive waves to me and my waiting friends. We surely will appreciate it ;)

On a happier note, let me not forget to post a picture. Meet Isabella, my friend Melanie's baby girl. Bella came home in Sept. '06. She has the sweetest smiles and cutest personality. I am so lucky to have met Mel, and better yet...we're neighbors. What a small world it truly is!

Must I wait to wear my shirt?

You are probably thinking, 'what the heck kind of question is that?' Well, let me share this quick story. About 6 weeks ago I did a bit of shopping on the adoption mama website where they offer a variety of very cute adoption themed shirts. I couldn't resist one for my friend, Mel, for her birthday and of course I had to get one for myself...you know, something for you, something for me!! I haven't worn my new shirt yet because I feel like it's too soon, but I am getting a bit more anxious these days. It must be due to all the families who recently came home or those just bringing their kiddos home. So, I asked my friend if I had to wait to wear my new shirt, and here's the answer I got:

"No, wear it every day without washing it and it will bring you luck. Ancient Kyrgyz secret."

So, today's the day. I think I will wear my shirt - we all could use some luck, right? In case you're unable to read the small print, it says:

'ADOPTION The wait is so long...but so worth it.'

I'm not so sure about the not washing it part...I do want to keep some of my friends!

A tiny bit of news...

Today's tiny news is that my dossier is currently at the Frank Foundation and will be mailed to Kyrgyzstan later this week for translation. I'm not clear how long this process takes, but following translation are the US certification and Kyrg legalization steps. So, things are moving along.

Since I like the idea of posting an image with each post, let me take this opportunity to share my birthday gift to myself...

Yes, it's a Kate Spade diaper bag!! The treat continued as I couldn't resist the coordinating diaper wipe holder and a wristlet. Now I just need my baby. Where's the baby??!!

Faces of Fendi

It recently occurred to me that I haven't shared much about the furbaby in my house - the apple of my eye, cutie petutie, my baby boy - Fendi. Fendi was born on October 15th, 1991 and we've been together since he was 7 weeks old. Yes, he's almost 16 years old!!

This dog has filled my life with more joy than I could ever express. He is such a good boy and doing so well despite his age and diagnosis of chronic renal failure in March, 2005. Our lives changed back then and he requires daily TLC, but I will do almost anything for this dog as long as he feels good and suffers no pain.

So, here he is, my boy, Fendi - aka: Fendikins, Fender Bender, Baby Boy, Honey Bunches, Baby Face, Tiger...

Aren't I cute?

Hurry and snap the picture, will ya?!

Sleeping Beauty comes in all forms ;)

Christmas 2006 (I was a good boy!)