9-20-03

**Warning:  This post contains lots of photos and is way too long.  There's just something about selecting photos for a blog post, especially when the subject means oh so much to you.  It took me about a half hour to get together my favorites, and these are just a few from the past 2 years.  He has to be the most photographed guy on the planet - seriously. I'm totally obsessed with this little guy.  He's the photo on my iPhone , background of my computer, and also one of the only photos I've had printed.  Continue reading at your own risk.  You have been warned :) **

Where to start... I met you when you were 2 days old...and to be honest, you looked like an adorable little rat.  Cute, white, almost fluffy, but still so very young.  We kept visiting you as often as we could, and couldn't wait until you were old enough to come home with us forever and ever.

Even though there were only 2 boys to choose from, there was something about you that clicked.  We didn't know what we were going to name you, so we called you by your colored cat collar "Teal".  I remember your siblings.... yellow was like your identical twin...red was rather rude, and lavender kept cowering in the corner.  You were a mix of everyone.  Spunky, quiet, shy, playful.

Lizzy and I made you your very first dog house complete with carpet and a second floor (in a cardboard book box).  Of course you didn't fit in it when we brought you home, but hey, we tried.  We had everything ready for you, complete with toys, food, leash, collar, and huge lists of everything we were going to train you to do (of course, the only thing you managed to learn was "sit", "down", "gimme five", and "gimme kiss".)  There was only one thing that I didn't like.... you *never* played with tennis balls.  I just knew you would love them as much as me!  Guess you prefer the soft squeaky things.  You made up for it with your cute head tilts, and asking for water by jumping into the bathtubs.

Remember the day our parents told us that if you didn't stop barking at night, we wouldn't be able to keep you?  It took us awhile to figure out that you didn't want to be an outdoor dog, or have the "utility room" as your bedroom.  You just wanted to weasel your way into our rooms.  We figured it out in time, and you've been an angel ever since.

You've been pushed in a baby stroller, dressed in doll clothes, worn a swimsuit and played in the sprinkler system with us.  Your favorite spot is an open window with a chair, tackling and messing up my pillows on my bed, or cuddled up with us watching a movie.  As long as we are around, you are happy.

We named you the "jumping bean" after you started jumping up and down higher than anyone could imagine, trying to look out the window when we came home from town.  I secretly think you have a trampoline that you keep in the room and bring out when you hear the truck driving up.....you do, now don't you?

Some days you think you are bigger than the other dogs, and other days you jump into my lap when you get scared.  Even though you grew up in the city, you have turned out to be a fabulous farm dog - except for the days that you let the ducks chase you around the yard.....wish I could get that recorded **so funny**  ;-).

You are the worlds best model, and always love it when my camera comes out.

You know the day I got back from a 3 week trip to TX?  I thought it was hilarious when you jumped into the car and didn't get out even though I promised you treats. You were convinced that I was going to leave you again.... never again buddy :)  You're stuck with me foevah!

Happy 9th birthday bingles!!  .... we love you bunches and bunches.

~~ LE