Comparison Shopping, Graeme on the Outer Banks 2011 and 2012

Check me out nearly exactly one year apart.

A Sad Goodbye

Today our little family said goodbye to our beloved dog, Kayla. She was a wonderful companion and truly a member of our family. Kayla, was a gentle dog who loved being with her family. I adopted Kayla in April of 2001 right here in Alexandria, VA. She traveled with me to the U of A in Tucson, then back here to DC, then back and forth to San Diego (twice) and made trips trips to Cleveland, Naples, FL, Sedona and Patagonia, Az. She swam in the Pacific, Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. She never asked for much and it was an absolute pleasure giving her a home. I have so many memories it's hard to pick a favorite, but one comes to mind. In August 2004 I moved back to DC and found a great place on Capitol Hill. The night i moved in my new (unknown to me at the time) neighbors, Kate and Brendan were throwing a party. Long story short they invited me on the walkway for a beer with their friends. I asked if it was OK to bring out my dog. They said sure little did we know that minutes later she would be dancing with Noel or that she would be the glue that bound me to Kate and Brendan. She brought me so much joy and also some of my best friends. There are a million more I am sure, if you read this and have one about Kayla or your own dog and the happiness they bring I hope you'll share it.

Kayla will be missed, but never forgotten.

We love you Kayla,

Will, Jenn and Graeme

Me, Dad and Toots

Dad's friend Dan "Toots" Tutolo stopped by for a visit and a raw steak!!!

Home at Last!

Home.now and Graeme is feeling much better. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers for our little boy.

Will and Jenn

My First Visit to the ER and Pediatrics Hospital

So here's how our week went. Monday same as it ever was. Tuesday more of the same. Wednesday we get it, the first ever call from day care. Our boy is boiling over with a fever of 102.3. So 45 minutes later we're on our way home. Graeme is pretty tired and yep he's got a temp gonna have to a day of school. Other than that he's pretty much same ole Graeme. Friday the wheels come off the wagon. After a day at home with Dad, Grandma Rudy stops by and as Jenn goes to show here how to use the temporal lobe thermometer the alarm sounds!!!  103.7 this kid is on fire, breathing heavy and sweating. After an aggregating call to our pediatrician's after hours line we decide screw it we're heading to the ER. I'll skip the details they involve rental thermometers, IVs, a few shots and having to essentially put Graeme in a straight jacket to do any of those things. Bottom line he had the beginnings of pneumonia and some added respiratory distress. We've now been here almost four days his symptomatic have abated, but his breathing is still labored. We are hoping to go home.tomorrow but we'll see what the doctor has to say. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers we believe they help so keep them coming. Last, happy mothers day to all the Moms out there especially Janice, Kath, Lynn and Fiona. All our love. Will, Jenn, Graeme and Kayla

Here are some pictures from our stay!

It's Official Graeme is One Years Old

Can't believe it's been a year since Graeme made his debut. Thanks to everyone that has loved him much. This isn't a great picture but it's him at One! Happy Birthday Graeme Love Mom and Dad

Dinner last night

In my just like Daddy t-shirt!  Then like Dad I threw a tantrum for Mommy!