you know, i'm always quick to take notice of all the wonders that my kids do. all the cute faces they make... all the silly gestures they do... all the innocent things they say. they're kids, of course! so naturally, they're animated and fun. and let's not forget, they're my offspring! so of course my attention is always on them. but you know this morning, as addison is in school and ellie is taking her morning nap, i am checking my email and looking out the window at this beautiful day. i turn back to my computer and at the corner of my eye, i notice this....


henry. my beloved "first child". we've had him since he was about 8 weeks old. we've learned to live with each others' ways. been through potty training, 2 births, a move, etc. he's a bit hyper and annoys me when he starts barking at every moving object outside (especially when it's naptime!). but he is a great dog. though sadly, he is sometimes my forgotten child. lately, i spend my days tending to the needs of addison and ellie so much that i sometimes go a whole day with barely giving him a pet on the head. how terrible is that?! he's always around. even when i get mad at him, he always comes back to me eager to please. he's so great with the kids. he doesn't touch any of their toys. he lets both girls pet him, pull his hair, pull on his tags. he takes it like a real man! :) and he's a mama's boy... he somehow favors me over everyone else. he follows me everywhere i go... yes, even to the bathroom. he's so completely loyal.

so, you know what? this is a tribute to henry... my boy!





with his favorite petsmart toy.









i love you, henry... my silent (well, when he's not barking at squirrels), loyal, faithful friend.