Sad Week

Hi all. Our little dog "the Boobers" also (but less frequently) called Layla, passed away on Monday. My little dog, really, for while Beckett loved to feed and walk her and Jonesie just all around adored her, she was a crotchety old girl. A vestige from my single days, my art school days. She was not the ball playing, bike chasing family dog, but she was my dear, lovely little friend and companion. I miss her so damn much.

I spent a lot of time this last week with the Boobers on my lap, and then a few days wishing she was on my lap. The happy news in all of this is the speed, painlessness, relative comfort and privacy of her passing. We all feel so grateful for that and for the cozy time we had with her in the preceding days. I'm also grateful for the resilience of my boys. Since she was my dog, the bulk of the grief seems to be mine, but her absence is deeply felt and inescapable for all of us.

I'm doing my best to be adventure mom, keep spirits high and such, but there is definitely a little dog shaped hole in my chest as I write tonight.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Beckett and Ted's Excellent Adventure

B's school has a special bear named Ted E. Bear and each child gets to take him home for a week and keep him entertained. Beckett, in his infinite reluctance, didn't want to have anything to do with Ted. No interest whatsoever, in fact there was a smidgoen of anxiety about having to participate in this. But we talked about it, and I suggested that maybe Mr. Fox, dearest Mr. Fox, wouldn't mind the company. B agreed to give it a shot.The boy went crazy for this well loved old bear. He took him all around, aboard ferries, to mini farms, to birthday parties and family dinners. They played photo booth, read Charlotte's web and built lots and lots of simple circuits.There were tears this morning when we brought him back to school. We had taken many photos, and wrote our little chapter in Ted's life story in the class journal and returned him for the next child to take home. Maybe B's reluctance all along was fear of saying goodbye, it's become really tough for him lately. But as sad it was, I was heartened and gratified to see my boy, my standoffish B, throw himself into the care and character of this stuffed animal. Thank, Ted!P.S. B's wonderful teacher, upon seeing his quivering lip, suggested that he start keeping a journal for Mr. Fox and all the adventures that they have together. I love this idea!