Goodbye Daisy

Dearest Noah,





It's a good thing I have you to distract me from the horrible sadness I'm feeling. Our Daisy dog had to go to doggie heaven today. She was my first "child" (before I knew what it was like to have a real child)....I can still remember 10 years ago in Kirksville like it was yesterday. I got her when I was in graduate school and living by myself (without roomates) for the first time. She was the cutest little thing you ever did see, and the most spastic thing too : ) We thought she'd never calm down...she loved walks, rides in the Geo, and cereal. She moved all over St. Louis with your Dad and I...what an adaptable little thing! Then, when Brooks came along, she showed him who was boss by snipping at him every time he grabbed her tale (aka cinnabun)! She's always had spunk..until lately.

She was my little, furry companion for 10 years and I will miss her dearly. You loved her too...you loved to try to take her for walks (somtimes she wouldn't move when you wanted her to..she was blind by the time you came around), feed her treats, hug her, and steal her bed! She was so good with you and loved you too!

Hugs and Kisses,
Mommy

Rough Times at the Redders!

Mr. Noah,

I haven't written to you in about 3 weeks because it seems that our family has been sick that whole time! You got an upper respritory thing when mommy was on her semi-annual girls vacation (this year we visited Kelly in Houston), I also had it..not to mention I had the stomach flu the week before, and then once you finally got over that, you got the stomach flu! You were such a sweet sickie...you would clap for yourself everytime you got done throwing up..what a strong boy! Then, the next day, Daddy got it. To top it off, you got it again 3 days later. We need a break around here!

Today was my 2nd mother's day with you! You and daddy let me sleep in, made me pancakes, and took me shopping. Then, to top it all off, I got to get a massage while daddy fed you dinner. It seems you might be getting your appetite back after a week of being sick. Look how different you looked a year ago!

We met Gramma and Papa for dinner last night and got Brooks back...he stayed with them for 2 weeks. I didn't think you even remembered him, but once you two were reunited you wouldn't leave his side!

You are becomming such a big boy: you want to feed yourself with a fork and spoon, you want to help mommy clean and daddy take the trash out, and you have some major temper tantrums when you don't get your way! What a strong, independent little man you're becomming.

Love you,

Mommy