Grateful

Usually the month of November I spend a lot of time thinking about the things I am grateful for. I think this year will prove to be an exception to that. Because of the problems and down right sadness I have worked through this year its been important to think about positive things. Sometimes its a matter of concentrated effort-other times its letting my my wander as we drive the roadways to our next destination. I prop my elbow up on the car door and lean my head into my hand and I think about what I smile for.

Today I am grateful for a healthy body, my home, empathy, and companionship.

Puppy love

If you have seen any of our recent Facebook posts you will know we are head over heels for Salty. We have survived our first 2 weeks of puppyhood and it feels like she has been with us for years. The first week was rough with many trips outside for potty throughout the night. I was starting to feel like zombie Aimee and would anxiously look forward to coming home from work and trying to nap on the floor while salty would walk on my back. Thankfully she sleeps in her crate through the night without needing a potty break until the morning. Last night she went 9 hours it was AMAZING. As you know we are very passionate about our sleep...well at least I am.

We have taken so many pictures and video of our pup that I was starting to feel a bit nuts. Thankfully my fellow dog loving friends have reassured me that this behavior is totally natural. Many have even encouraged it as the puppy stage is over too quickly. Although our friends lab Buddy is 80lbs plus and still tries to get in their laps.

Salty has had so many people come over and meet her she is totally in love with her new friends. Even my mom had to admit she was cute. My parents call her Pogo because she bounces around like a pogo stick. Right now she is asleep next to me on the couch wagging her tail. Adorable.

Meeting Salty Video

(sorry sideways)

Salty Fun

Cohen comes home and she is soooo happy!

Follow up to Postpartum post

Thank you for the concern expressed for my well being after reading my previous post. I shared my personal experience to let others know that many people suffer from Postpartum...I was genuinely suprised when it started to affect me. There was a short rough patch weeks ago but I feel like myself again. I found that there is truth in the statement-hormones can do crazy things. There are many resources out there to help anyone suffering from it and they are never alone.

Postpartum

Its wet

Its freezing

I reach out my cold shaking finger and trace the lines of my prison

This box I find myself trapped in

My back is to the wall and I can't lay down

My head is to the ceiling and I can't stand

I scream out and it echoes against the walls taunting me

I choke my lungs are filled with cold, musty air

I curl my toes and feel my skin grate against the cement

No comfort to be found

Loneliness is my only companion

It whispers poison into my ear

Where is my freedom

Where has the light gone to

Where is my salvation

-Aimee Jay, June 2010

.....

Women of every culture, age, income level and race can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. There are effective and well-researched treatment options to help you recover. Although the term “postpartum depression” is most often used, there are actually several forms of illness that women may experience

...... http://www.postpartum.net/Get-the-Facts.aspx

Meet Salty

Salty (6 week old-female Vizsla) joined our family on Monday July 5th. She was born in Ramona, Ca not too far from the San Diego Wild Animal Park (Escondido). We are so grateful that our friend Cody picked her up for us. I am totally enamored by her. Cohen is in heaven. He has wanted a dog for so many years and we finally have a home we feel will suit a dog perfectly. I am a first time dog owner so I know I will be learning so much from her. Life doesn't always go as planned but there are blessings to be found along the way.

4th of July in Crescent City

The 4th of July parade in Crescent City never lets us down. Its packed with homemade floats and a ton of patriotic spirit.

Cohen bought this amazing hat in Healdsburg

Aimee's mom reading "Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and Cohen playing with Chance

How would you like a back yard like that...

Uncle Jim and his brother Louie Aimee's dad

Sunrise at Jim & Diane's beautiful redwood property. Diane just retired from Pelican Bay Prison and Jim is not too far behind.

SLUG!!!

Not pictured:

1) Cohen on a bike being chased by a neighborhood rottweiler

2) Jim's dog chasing a mountain lion into a tree