happy new year!

Happy New Year everyone!! Nothing like a brand new year to signify a brand new start. It's the day where the world collectively pauses and acknowledges the passage of time. It's the day where we all feel like we have hit that reset button and now have the clean slate. Cherish it, utilize it and make this the year to remember. Make every day of every year the best it can possibly be.

Life with our new Puppy Cocoa is much better than I imagined it to be. After listening to the tales of doom and gloom on how a puppy was like raising another child, someone even said my life as I knew it would be over.... funny how when you take on something new.... and this happened when I became a parent believe it or not.... anyone and everyone was quick to tell me life would change for the worse.

When we became parents it was as if every color was deeper. Every moment was enriched. Even during those six weeks of screaming and colic and no sleeping.... it still was an enriched life.

And so it is with Cocoa. She's exactly what Luc needed and dare I say what Curt and I needed to to complete the family?

She's a darling little pup, mild tempered and sweet as can be. Her energy level increases daily (she's 8 1/2 weeks old) and the nice thing is Luc's energy level matches it. They play and play hard and then they both retreat to their spaces. Hers is Luc's room.

Luc even cuddles up on the couch with her for a nap. Luc is in charge of feeding her and is fiercely protective about that role. Right now we hit about 80% of her poops outside. And yeah, we are outside every hour except at night. Unlike Luc we've been blessed with a little pup who sleeps form 9 pm until 5am. That could be temporary but it's been a week and we will take it for however long it lasts.

Maybe because we have to deal with the school system and society's way of handling special needs, but the dog training.... not so bad. Curt is "Mister Dog Whisperer's" biggest fan and little Cocoa is crate trained, goes into her crate on her own, knows when it's time to go outside, knows how to sit and how to lie down.

Sure she's chewing everything in sight but if you don't want it chewed.... put it the heck away.

I would have to argue that I do have the world's most adorable dog. I have even chosen her middle name to be Puff.

From our family to yours, may 2009 bring you blessings of all kinds. The happiest New Year to all of you!