Goodbye my fluffy friend

I still can’t type this without tears rolling down my cheeks....

We learned suddenly that my friends service dog was diagnosed at just 7 years old with a terminal cancer. Little did any of us realize, he would be gone in just 8 days. 

Sweet Lincoln had been VIP at school the week prior, listing Baylor as his "pet" on the VIP poster. Although we all know that Baylor was more than a pet, Lincoln believed he was a little bit his own.  

To say we made the most of those days is an understatement. He was spoiled and loved and snuggled and fed. 

For his entire service dog career, he would come into the office suite every day and march right into my office. He'd even open my door if it were closed, all just to come in and say hello! His last morning was no different. My door was almost closed and he stuck his nose against it and pushed, letting himself in for a good morning rub. He looked fine and sweet and almost healthy. He was gone just a few hours later.

Rest in Peace sweet boy.

Sidney is 11!

Sidney turned 11 last month! She's growing up so fast and we have some mixed feelings about another teenage girl in the house....(pray for us!).

In one moment, she can be sweet and adorable, teaching Lincoln in their make believe "school" and in the next she can be crying, upset and frustrated with life. These pre-teen (and teenage) years are exhausting and uplifting all at the same time.

Sidney's actual birthday fell on a school day, so in true tradition, we met up with her at lunch. I'll be honest, it's a hassle for me to drag myself across the city, in the middle of the day to pop in for a 20 minute lunch. I have to re-arrange my entire day and put a pause on seeing patients for several hours due to travel time. But the smile across her face each and every year makes it completely worth it. These years go by fast.

We went out for dinner a few days prior to celebrate her birthday (because she had softball practice on her actual big day). She scored a pretty big dessert; that thing was the size of her head!

And she got this big surprise on another birthday dinner! She's one lucky girl!

Most days people tell us "she is something else" because she really is.

She's sassy and adorable and we love her to pieces!

First days of school

We are 6 weeks into the school year and I’m finally getting around to posting the first day of school photos. 

Regan started first, the day after Labor Day. Though it was warm and sunny, she insisted on needing a big chunky sweater because all of her classes are in the basement this year. She was chipper and excited to be back into the swing of things. Though 2 weeks in, she admitted that she missed summer and should’ve better taken advantage of those weeks off from school. 

Lincoln and Sidney got an extra day at home with me, where we ended up taking Sidney in for an ear infection (good way to start the school year) and visiting their classrooms for assessment day. By the time their big day rolled around, they were both so eager and anxious to start a new year. 

Lincoln headed off to kindergarten without hesitation. He loves his teacher, has made new friends and from his self-report, is not one of the naughty kids in the class :) 

He wants to be a tiger trainer or race car driver, and is most excited about adding. We worked on reading last night and I’m blown away by his skills already! And in true kindergarten boy fashion, his favorite subjects are lunch and recess.

Sidney entered her last year of elementary school, and her only year sharing a school with Lincoln. She’s excited to be the oldest in the school and ready to take on her role as Kindergarten Bus Buddy, ensuring several kinders each day get to the right bus after school. 

She adores her teacher, wishes she was with some of her besties, but is happy with her friend group in class. 

They let me walk them into school, but Lincoln stopped me at the door and told me he was good from there. Oh baby boy, growing up so fast :)

I opted to bring lunch to Lincoln and Sidney one of the first days, mostly so I could peek in and meet some of their buddies. Love seeing them amongst their peers.

I'm thankful that she still lets me join her lunch....and I know all too well that this will likely be the last year she lets me do so.

Twins- Youth First

Both the girls' softball teams won the Youth First award this summer, which meant they were given an opportunity to not only attend a Twins game, but also parade on the field.

Regan's team (Thanks coach for the photo!)

Regan managed to get onto the jumbo tron AND live television!
What a goof ball :)

Let's not forget Sidney too; sadly no team picture for her, but a photo with a good bestie.

We had a great time at Target field, taking in the game and some ball park food and catching up with great friends.