Category: Pets

2011 – Let’s review

2011 started off like any other year, with a wicked ice storm that pretty much shut down the whole state of Georgia. We made the best of it and actually had a really great time. We wouldn’t get that kind of ice/snow again for the rest of the year. I’m actually hoping that we get one again, only this time we’ll have a lil’ baby with us.

February brought us Gracie. A Great Dane that would put us to the test.

Neither one of us had ever owned such a beast. She was one of the sweetest and happy dogs ever, but damn was she a handful. After many ‘discussions’ we finally decided to find another home for her. Luckily I was able to find a nice lady that lived on a farm, a real one night the typical ‘dog farm’. Off to a better home Gracie went and I’m sure she is much happier now.

March ushered in some Spring little league for Chase. He really got into the ‘swing’ of things and enjoyed himself.

Honestly it was a lot of fun. We got to meet some new people and Chase had a lot of fun. I don’t think the Mudcat’s won that many games, but it didn’t really matter to him, he just wanted to play.

I don’t think much happened in April. Well… I mean Chase did get to go a Wrestlemania Art show, meet a bunch of wrestlers and then go to the actual PPV. Oh, and there was Tax Day. Hmm… something else happened… Oh that’s right, WE GOT MARRIED!!!! It was a wonderfully magic wedding. Everything we had hope for. I got to finally call the love of my life my bride, and it was the beginning of our forever. The honeymoon was in Vegas, and well… and we know good and well what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas. In addition to finding out we were pregnant (but really what could top that) we spent the May kinda floating around in happiness and bliss.

Every summer we like to take a family vacation, and a pregnancy this year wasn’t going to slow us down. For the 2011 Summer Vacation we decided it would be a lot of fun to head to Disney! We loaded up the car and drove down to the most magical place on earth. Chase had never been and neither Jess nor I had been in SEVERAL years so it worked out perfectly. It wasn’t easy for Jess with the heat and the walking plus being pregnant, but we made it. It was a great vacation and a birthday I don’t think Chase will ever forget.

The rest of the summer went on by, carrying with the ups and downs of being pregnant. We found out we were having a boy and man, that made me excited. I was the last male Turner and to be able to continue the name, meant a lot to me.

As August rolled around we started getting read to go back to school, and doing just normal family things. Chase was doing great and really getting into the spirit of being an older brother. He was helping around the house and he just felt a little more grown up. October would creep upon us before we knew it and in addition to me getting a new car and turning 32 it started to really sink in that I was going to be a daddy, very soon.

Between Halloween and right now it’s all kind of a blur. It’s as if time sped up and didn’t really wait. We had our first, and second baby shower and started getting the nursery ready. Baby clothes, diapers, wipes, toys, bottles, all of it started coming in and every time we would get something new it would sink in just a bit more how soon this bundle of joy would be here. Lane’s nursery looked fantastic and in no time at all everything was in its right place and we could start getting ready for the holidays.

Baby Lane's Room
Baby Lane's Room

Our Christmas tree was up BEFORE Thanksgiving, and the house was all set and ready to go. We made our rounds to friends and family. Did the gift exchanges and then it was Christmas day at the Turner household. I couldn’t have asked for a better holiday season. My wife was glowing with that baby glow, Chase was happy and doing all the big brother things and I was doing everything I can to make the house and my wife ready for this baby.

In contrast to the rest of the year, this past week has been filled with lots of taking it slow. Everything we could possibly do to be prepared for Lane, we have done. The bags are packed, the car seat is in, clothes washed and put away, house is secure, etc. You name it, we’ve done it. Now all we need is for Lane to come home.

It’s been such a wonderful year. I’m sure I left things out, but it’s all good. They say that the first year of marriage is the toughest thing you’ll go through other than the 9 months your wife is pregnant. Well, I’ve done both at the same time and I’m more in love now than the day I got married and I don’t see signs of this ever stopping.

That's my boy!
That's my boy!

Thanks for all the memories 2011, but it’s time for 2012!

~SB

Gracie Mae

Gracie, Jess, and Chase
Gracie, Jess, and Chase

This post is WELL over due, but I reckon there’s no time like the present to get caught up on things.

The backstory:
SJ was messing around on Facebook and came across a co-worker that posted about a Great Dane her sister found abandoned by their neighbor. The sister already had 3 dogs and was living in a town home, so the addition of a dog of this size was just not going to work. The co-worker was desperately looking for someone that would take care of this poor dog. Well, Jess and I just couldn’t pass up on this opportunity. We knew we had the space so that was not an issue. Jan, the puppy we rescued over the summer, was lonely during the days when we were at work, and a companion would make a world of difference for her. So the decision was made and 3 days later we were off to pick up our new pup.

Homecoming:

There really isn’t much else to say than that. She LOVED the open back yard and freedom. She had toys, another dog, and people to play with. She had spent the last X amount of days trapped in a garage with little to no food and was in dire need of someone to care for her. Now she had freedom and a loving family. I’d say this was the happiest dog on the planet.

Freedom!

Growing pains:
Adjustment to having Gracie around didn’t come easy. We were not use to caring for a dog this size. She was about 2.5 times bigger than Jan and ate like a horse. She required lots of attention, both from us and the vet (to get her health back up and to get her spayed). She was full of energy and strength. Walking her was difficult and often times it was easier to just not go. However, over time we got more and more use to the way she lumbered about, whacking things with her tail. Her spirit is still as strong as ever and we love that about her. She has been as patient with us as we have been with her. Gracie and Jan have become the best of buds, even though they can be heard tumbling around and chasing each other all over the back yard. I’m not sure of the life she led with her previous owners, whether there was a large yard to play in or if she was cooped up all day in a crate. I do know that she loves being outside and running laps around the yard. We will continue to develop routines and work with her on training and behavior as she still likes to jump on people, but then again I reckon that’s most dogs. It’s just that most dogs aren’t the size of small horses.

The future:
Gracie is here to stay. I have always wanted a large dog and now I have one! I also have a small dog, and a cat, and fish, and a wonderful son and a fiancé. Gracie is a wonderful addition to our family. I love her very much and can’t wait for the walks in the park or taking her on car rides. She has a very kind and loving personality. She’s a great older sister to Jan and protector of the house (just ask any garbage man or UPS guy). Stay tuned for more updates!