Titan Goes To The Doctor

As usual Titan begged to go out last night around 8pm. Despite the rain, we relented. When Bryan went to bring him in, he wiped his paws and belly as we typically do. However, this time Titan began to growl at Bryan when he wiped his belly. Further examination identified a large (2x4 inch) gash on his belly. First thing this morning- I took him to the doctor. I was very worried as I sat in the exam room chair waiting for the doctor with my beloved Titan between my knees trying to hide. In came the doctor, who quickly glanced at the cut and said- "We will clean and stitch that up and call you when he is done". Before I could object, they whisked my baby away and into the "back" where important things happen. I was speechless. I had imagined a much more elaborate process, examination, and an important and prominent role for me in the whole procedure. To be just pushed to the side lines, left me feeling totally helpless.

I went home and waited. After 2 hours, I called to "check in". The man who answered my call said...."Titan's surgery went fine". SURGERY!!! What did you do to my dog!!! Well, I guess in veterinary parlance, stitches is surgery! He required 6 stitches. They said I could come to get him in one hour.

Upon arriving to pick him up, they brought me a shell of the person that was my dog. He barely looked at me as he wobbled to the car. He did not move again until we arrived home. He found his way to bed and there he stayed until 5pm. Then we took a short walk and back to bed. When Bryan arrived home he started to perk up- but still not quite himself. He did have dinner and now is resting comfortably in bed after getting his antibiotics and doggy-Vicodin.

They assured me he would live..... I think I need some doggy-Vicodin. What a day! Just one more way Titan has worked hard and sacraficed much to teach Bryan and I how to parents.

Baby Room Under Construction

We painted the old dressers and the wall! The valances are new. The theme is "Under the Sea". Very exciting!!

Movie Review: Batman: the Dark Knight

Grade: A

This is probably the best of the Batman series, and I include the earlier versions as well. The franchise has matured to a gritty, sophisticated, and at times, unsettling point. This is a good thing.

Bale is a good Batman, although his voice as the Batman began to annoy me a little. It seems a bit forced, but overall, he brings stability yet intensity to the role. He knows who he is as a player against crime, and he has the will to stop crime at almost any price. Almost.

Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are great supporting roles. Freeman's scene with the guy who wanted to blackmail Batman was hilarious. You look forward to their time on the screen.

Eckhart as Two Face/Dent is solid. Nolan did a great job that the earlier version failed in, and that is how to juggle multiple villains in one movie. You get a good sense about Dent, his transformation to Two Face, and then his demise (or not?). It didn't feel overwhelmed at all.

Of course, the role we must talk about is the Joker. Ledger certainly deserves an Oscar nomination. You are mesmerized when he is on the screen. You follow his small mannerisms and voice, you laughed even at his sick jokes, and then are pretty repulsed by his actions. Now, we finally have a villain equal to the Batman comics and to the franchise. Bravo.
--Bryan

Wiggle goes to Wisconsin

On July 17th we headed out for our first driving trip to Wisconsin. Titan slept most of the way like a champ for the 16 hours it took us to get there. We awoke to a beautiful day at the Benz Nest. Friday was Lucie's birthday and we celebrated with cake and presents after a yummy fish fry.

We had a great time swimming and cruising around the lake and saw amazing cranes and turtles. We also took a paddle around the lake. Lucie was a super navigator.

We then took a trip down to Lake Geneva to continue the birthday celebrations with Dad, Joyce and Whitney. Lucie got her first soccer ball and net! She is sure to follow in Whit and JR's footsteps!
While Amie and David were busy with work and school- we took Lucie on a little shopping extravaganza with lunch on the lake. Every lady should finish a long morning of shopping with lunch on the lake!

Off to Madison for Music on the Square and American Players Theater. We saw "Ah...Wilderness" which was great!! The last day we packed the car to the brim with baby essentials that Lucie passed on to cousin Wiggle- including a car seat, activity mat, and bathtub. Thanks Lucie!

24 weeks and counting

Just a quick picture and update-- I am into my 24th week. Bryan felt the baby move for the first time last night. He said that little poke left him feeling "amazed and excited". Now that we know Wiggle is a boy, we have begun to get the baby room plans in place. Hard to believe it is just around the corner.