Author: Dackel Princess

Quinn

I am starting to settle in, here at home, after a whirl-wind time at my daughter’s, for the birth of their second child, and first son.

Matt’s Mom and I took care of Savannah during the time that Mandy was in the hospital. Savannah is an amazing little girl. So grown up in so many ways, yet still so young and in need of her parent’s loving touch. We were happy to get her to eat, get dressed, and take a bath.

Mandy’s sister was also there, and she was a help with Savannah too. Especially at bedtime and in the night. Ally loves Savi so much and would do anything for her.

I continue to be my daughter’s biggest fan. She is an amazing woman, and as I watched her going through a rather difficult birth, and it’s after effects, my heart was so full of love and pride. Not because of anything I did. But because Mandy has made her own way in this crazy world, and has become a remarkable woman.

I know I am a real wimp when it comes to pain, so when I ask for a morphine drip for a hang-nail, no one is surprised. Yet here was my daughter, in, what I knew was terrible pain, and she called it a 7. Even Matt knew Mandy was being a little too brave and he told the nurse that she should add two points to that score.

Mandy also was unbelievable and wonderful, when Savannah came to meet her brother. She made sure Savi sat right down with him and I could see the happiness on her face as she watched her two children meet each other!

P3070015

I stood back, with Matt’s Mom, Mary, and we watched this lovely little family during their first moments. We both fell instantly in love with Quinn. And I think, as we stood there watching it all unfold before us, fell in love with our children and our grandchildren all over again.   received_10207996967095069

Mandy had the same OB Nurse that she had when she delivered Savannah. Diane is a peach, and when I watched her doing her job it struck me that she had 2 patients, not just one. And she handled it all with gentleness and serenity. Her presence  was a calming one.

20160307_104717

That first day, Mary, Ally, Papa (Hubby) and I all got in, as well as my former husband, Bob. Matt’s Dad was not feeling well, and had to steer clear of newborn baby, Quinn.

  1457471764289

It’s funny, but Quinn’s name is perfect for him. In fact, I just love his name. Quinn Wallace… It fit’s him so well.

Friday Five

The biggest news of the week is that Quinn was born on Monday. He is a good baby, and very handsome. My daughter has been pretty exhausted since giving birth, but at the same time, they are both so happy to finally meet their son. So here we go with the Friday Five, Birth List.

  • Quinn was due to come Monday morning at 7:30 AM via C-section. But this little guy had other plans, and Mandy went into labor in the evening of the 6th.
  • It was not what anyone had hoped, as the actual c-section was really tough, but Quinn was born at 5:14 AM and weighed in at 7 lbs 13 oz and is 22 inches long.
  • He is a handsome boy and resembles his sister, Savannah Rose. However, where Savi had darker hair, Quinn is very blond and fair.

2016-03-10_07-15-15
Savannah is on the left and Quinn on the right.

  • My daughter continues to amaze me. Even though I know she is tired and sore, she never says a word to complain, and she has done a great job caring for this new little man, despite the fact that she is, herself, recovering.
  • It looks like she and Quinn will come home today from the hospital. Once Savannah gets home from school, they will be a family of four in their own little house.

Matt’s mom and I have held down the fort. When our kids are ready, we also will head to our homes. But it has been so much fun being part of this happy time.

Happy 12th Birthday, Greta!

Today is our dear dackel, Greta’s 12th Birthday.

Greta

 

Greta was born in Rehden, Germany. Hubby and I flew over in May of that year, and on the 5th of May, we drove with Uschi out to meet the owner of the Vom Geestmoor Kennels. It was so much fun. The 4th was Hubby’s Birthday and it was also Herr Hollmann’s wife’s birthday. A grand party was planned with cakes and coffee and the best present of all. Greta!

It seems like just yesterday. And now, here we are celebrating Greta turning twelve years old!

I had gotten her because our girl, Shubi was very ill, and I was suffering with the anticipation of the loss. Greta, was like a bright ray of sunshine! And over the last 12 years, she has become my sweetest girl, and of course Mama to both Arnie and Anneliese.

Happy Birthday, Dearest Greta!

Greta's Birthday Video from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

No Memory At All

On Saturday I decided to wash my winter jacket. It just needed it, and since I’ll be going to my daughter’s house, I at least, wanted it clean.

After it was in the wash, I realized I needed to go and get the mail, and a few groceries. So I went to the front hall closet to see what I could find.

I pulled out a coat and thought initially it was Hubby’s. It was black and of a sueded material. Then I noticed the faux fur around the hood. I looked at the size tag. Women’s! It was my coat. But I kid you not, I have no memory of getting this coat. Must have been a few years ago during an LL Bean sale.

I have not worn the coat all during this time. It fits perfectly, and looks very nice. So guess what I’ll be wearing when I drive south to be with my daughter and her family for the birth of her son, my grandson.

Have you ever gotten a coat or jacket and then forgotten you bought it and just tucked it away?

It’s A Doggone Day!

The week came to an end, so I took Hubby and headed to the store to stock up on dog chow and food, so while I am gone I don’t have to worry about Hubby feeding the beasts.

The two lady dackels are feeling so much better and have returned to their energetic selves. Both have another 5-6 days on the medication, and we have actually found a way to get these big capsules down their throats. Hot dogs. You cut about a 1/2 inch piece, then put an X in the top of the hot dog. Place the pill in the middle and have another small piece ready. Now give the dog the pill/hot dog and follow it up immediately with the other piece of hot dog. Trust me, there is no spitting out of the capsule.

Have I mentioned lately that Lili is becoming a real delight? Oh it was such a rough start with that girl! Now we have her on grain free food and she feels good, and we have worked with her. She will now go out in the yard, and run around in the field while Hubby is working on the fruit trees. But she is always keeping her eyes on him. When he comes into the house, she follows.

23159969594_894e4c9d97_z

If we let her out to do her business, I will put on my jacket and hat, and I talk to her and when she is done, she follows me too. The biggest thing for me, is that I cannot have her pulling me on a leash. I’ve noticed that since we have started working with her off leash, when we do use one she behaves herself!

And at the bottom of our list is Mr. Arnie Man. There is nothing wrong with him, he is perfect, comes when he is called, is in perfect health and is just a joy.

Well their all joys, but some days one is more of a joy than on others!

Friday Five

The Happiness Addition

Here we are, the end of another week. Yet as the weekend draws near, my excitement builds, as first thing Monday morning, my daughter and her fiancé will welcome their son. I will be down south, awaiting this birth, with Savannah and her Nana and Auntie, and when Mandy and Matt are ready, we will all drive to the hospital to meet the wee young man.

So without further ado, here are this weeks happy Friday Five!

  1. It’s been pretty cold this week and we have had several fires in our fireplace. Since I’ve been going out to walk Greta and Anneliese, I can stand, staring at the stars and smelling the sweet scent of burning wood. It’s part of why I love winter here.
  2. I also love watching Greta with the fire in the hearth. She loves it. She will lie in front and soak up all the heat. If I were in better condition, I too would lie on the floor in from of the fire!
  3. I have a new toy. It’s an App I downloaded on my phone and on my computer. It’s called BeFunky, and it helps you to edit photos and make collages and all sorts of fun stuff. Since I never could figure out Instagram, I found this exceptionally easy to use. And the App is free!
  4. Hubby and I went out today to a discount shop, where they sell European foods. Hubby was so happy to find all sorts of salads and pickles and risotto’s. Me too. Some things are so easy to use to make nice meals.
  5. I am feeling very happy with how my neck is healing. I took a picture today, and here I am two and a half months since the surgery, and the incision is nearly gone. See!

20160303_093620

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

Tended to two sick dogs. Both my dackel girls have urinary tract infections. They’re now on antibiotics and hopefully will be better soon. These middle of the night walks, and cleaning my carpet three days in a row is more than I can stand!

2. What’s something in your life that’s grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I’m giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

As we await the birth of my grandson, I have to say that what has grown the last few years in Savannah. Here she was as a newborn and now, nearly 4 years old!

June 02 12 009

12471711_10153863845266499_7719593731835269829_o

3. Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you’ll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for ‘best dressed’?

I did not watch the Oscars. I hadn’t seen many of the movies. Frankly, I am sort of tired of many of the spoiled brat Hollywood types.

4. When did you last have overnight house-guests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

About a year ago my sister and brother in-law came up. It was great to have them here for a visit. Key to being a good house-guest, help with everything!

5. March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover’s Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese’s peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

Yes! I plan a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich! My favorite. I would have fluff, but if I buy a jar of that I will just eat it!

6. Why is failure important? Or isn’t it?

Failure teaches you a number of things. Dealing with disappointment, and accepting things with grace.

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

My grandson’s birth!!! Woo-hoo!!! I can hardly wait!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Cleaning carpets are hard on ones shoulders and neck. I sure hope I can get through tomorrow without having to clean the carpet, yet again!