Well, it’s a sad week in the Campbell house.  When we built the new house, we decided against installing a fence… unfortunately, Rudy has made a habit of running out of the yard and chasing other dogs in the neighborhood, even dashing across the street and scaring dog walkers.  We had another runaway incident on Sunday morning and decided it was time for us to fin a more suitable home for Rudy… we are relinquishing her to the local humane society tomorrow and hope that she gets placed into a home with a dutiful owner and hopefully a backyard with a tall fence. 

We adopted Rudy back in March of 2001.  Those who’ve met her know she has a spunky personality… she can be aggressive towards strange dogs, but she’s downright cuddly and snuggly when she’s at home.  We’ll miss her an awful lot, but we think this is the best thing to do given the circumstances.  With a baby on the way, we’ll have even less time to devote to her and that’s just not fair to Rudy.  She needs someone who can give her lots of love, exercise and discipline.

Some of the things we’re gonna miss about the Rudester:

- The way she snuggles under the covers on cold nights (She keeps Erin’s feet warm and toasty!)

- Her wimpering under the bed when she has a good doggie dream

- The way she raises her front leg in the air when you pat her belly in the right spot

- When she runs in a circle and chases her tail

- How she can somehow wriggle under our beds for a nap.  How does she do that?

- When she snorts and grunts, hence her nickname “Grunty Pig”

- The way she flings pieces of kibble around and plays with it before eating it

- Seeing her sleep and rest in the most awkward positions

- How she can balance on her hind legs to beg for a treat

Our hope is that she’ll bring lots of love and laughter to her new home, just like she’s given to our home.  We love you, Rudy!

We traveled up to Chicago to see Doug’s family for Thanksgiving this year… so since we would be in the windy city, I wanted to go downtown to see Wicked- the Broadway hit musical featuring the untold story of the witches of Oz.  Doug and his sister Chris joined me as his parents watched Molly for us.

The musical was really cool… we had awesome seats, 7 rows back and dead-center, which gave us a great view of the show!  The sets, costumes, acting and singing were all top-notch.  It really challenges what you thought you knew about the Wizard of Oz story!  “Are people born wicked or is wickedness thrust upon them?”  I don’t want to divulge the plot or reveal any spoilers for those of you who plan to see it, but you get much more insight into many of the Oz characters including: Glinda, Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West), Nessarose (Wicked Witch of the East), the Wizard, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the flying monkeys, and the witches’ parents. 

I read the book over a year ago and this stays fairly true to the book, but is much more light-hearted, thank goodness!  I definitely like the stage ending better.

As Molly has been saying these days, “How wonderful!” 

~ Erin

As in, child #2… what were you thinking??  (Ewww…gross!  Like I’m going to blog about poo!) 

Yep- Doug and I are expecting another baby in early June!  I’m almost past the first trimester, and hopefully past the morning sickness and exhaustion that came with it. 

So here’s the quick Q&A:

- Do you want to know what you’re having?  Yes!  We hope to find out in January whether it’s a boy or girl.

- Is Molly excited?  Well, she still doesn’t quite comprehend the concept, but we think she’ll be a good diaper fetcher and big sister.

- Are you going to get a minivan?  Hey now, let’s not get carried away!  Although the practicality now becomes harder to pass up…

I’ve had two dr appointments so far, and things look good.  We saw the little babe via ultrasound around 7 weeks old, then got to hear the heartbeat yesterday!  We’ll keep you updated as things progress.

Just wanted to share the exciting news!

~ Erin