Missing the Lou...

Libby the Licker
Spanky, the Brat

I saw a brat today. It is a cross between a Boston Terrier and a rat terrier (like you didn't already know that, showoff). Not the biggest fan of rat terriers, but it reminded me of Libby, our Boston Terrier that went to doggy heaven this past Sunday. She was 15 human years old or Tony Randall in dog years. She was a member of our family, and it's been really hard this week without her.

This puppy's name was Spanky, and she is 11 weeks old. I saw her this afternoon at our local hardware store (the place with the helpful hardware folks), and she playfully attacked me, just like Libby-Lou used to do. I just don't see myself without a Boston Terrier for a substantial amount of time...I'd had Libby since junior high. Baby Mama* and I talked about it and decided that next Christmas we'll have to get Georgia Grace a puppy!

*is sexy

It's all wood in my hood.

So, I decided months ago that I wanted to teach myself some woodworking skills. It is taking me a while to collect the necessary tools I need to get started, but I've already started two projects: the first is a piece for the nursery (that, to this point, doesn't exist). Baby Mama bought the top piece of an old (possibly antique) china cabinet. I cut about a third off the bottom to make it into a little bookshelf that'll fit below the window. The second is an antique armoire (sp?) that my neighbor gave me the other day. It'll require some serious love, but it's solid oak and I think it'll be really nice if I can ever finish it. I'll post pics of both soon.

I thought it would be a lot easier to start with refinishing a couple pieces before I just dove in and started building stuff. The first big project I'm planning on building is a changing table. I highly recommend first-time expectant fathers consider taking up this hobby/torture method for these reasons:

• You will learn some valuable handyman skills that will earn serious brownie points.
• There is a slim possibility that some of the projects you do turn out cheaper (or ridiculously more expensive) than buying prefabricated furniture.
• The workshop is a quiet solace when pregnancy hormones try to murder you.
• Contrary to popular belief, sawdust feels really good in your eyes (and is considered, in some countries, a natural aphrodisiac).
• You'll bank some testosterone for later when your daughter and wife take over and hijack your manliness.

International Debut "Georgia Grace" a Worldwide Sensation

I saw my baby girl, Georgia Grace, yesterday, and it changed my life. From the moment I saw her just a few weeks ago (before I knew whether to call her "he" or "she"), I have been waiting to kiss her sweet head and hold her. She is perfect. Yesterday, Baby Mama and I got to see her again, but she's grown so much. We saw her hands and arms and legs and feet and kidneys and lips and nose and her sweet little heart. She was so mad that some crazy lady was shooting sound waves at her that she threw her little fists up in protest. Watch out, boys! This one's a fighter.