Family, Friends, Fun!

Daddy and Mommy went on a fabulous trip to Washington, D.C. this month.  While they were gone, Ringo and I had an extended sleepover at the home of our friend, Jennifer.  We also had a fabulous time!  Every day we had at least 5 to 7 furry friends and human friends to play with us.  I made sure I spent at least one night with each of the humans in their beds, so no one felt left out.

Daddy had not been to our nations capitol before, so they wanted to be sure they saw as much as they could.  Mommy planned a full itinerary for them including visits with family and friends!

The first day was an exploration trip to find out how to use the Metro (the train system in the D.C. area).  They flew in mid-afternoon and Mommy's brother (John) picked them up at the airport.  The traffic in D.C. is a lot busier than where we live!

Mommy said it was so nice seeing Uncle John again.  I know how she feels.  When my brother, Ringo is away from me, I miss him, too!

Mommy and Daddy never used a train before, so it was quite an aducation.  They looked up the routes they would need each day and became real experts at something called the "Blue Line."  The list of adventures included breakfast with our Senator (Al Franken).  They got to say "Hello" and have their picture taken with him, but then he was off to vote on something.

After the Capitol tour, they walked outside and saw the capitol on the outside, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and several sculptures.  Daddy took many pictures (at least 750 of them)!

Later that day, they had dinner with Uncle John and his family.  I found out I have two human cousins named Lauren and Jake!

Day two, Mommy and Daddy went to Arlington National Cemetery.  They took a trolley around the cemetery because it is very big.

That afternoon, they went to cousin Lauren's graduation at Constitution Hall.  All the graduates looked very nice, especially Lauren!  When the ceremony was over they all went out to eat at a place with cheesecake!  As you can tell, I love food!

A tour of the White House was scheduled for the next day.  The First family was out of town, so they didn't get to meet Bo the dog :(  Daddy said there were many rooms.  He didn't get to take pictures because cameras weren't allowed inside.  When the tour was over, they could take photos with their phones outside.

When Mommy and Daddy returned to the hotel, Mommy's friend, Stacy and her husband (Bill) were there.  It is so funny that Mommy has a friend named Stacy because that is Mommy's other name, too!  They hadn't seen each other for four years, so it was a wonderful reunion!  After many hugs in the lobby, they went to the Botanical Gardens to see and smell the flowers.  Then they went to a fabulous dinner at a two story restaurant on Backlick Road.

The next day they tackled the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.  It was a big place with lots of interesting stuff!  Daddy and Bill took many photos, while Mommy and the other Stacy walked around and met many people.  For some reason, people liked talking to the Stacys!  It was so nice of Mommy's friend to push her around in a wheelchair - because of Mommy's foot, she is not able to walk more than 30 minutes at a time.  Mommy can hardly wait until it is healed completely!  After the museum, they had an Italian meal that was very tasty and filling!

That night, they hung out at the hotel bar while a storm went raging through the area!  It was a nasty storm and a little bit scary!  Stacy and Bill had to leave the next morning to go back to work.

The last two full days, Mommy and Daddy had a boat cruise on the Potomoc river where they could see Georgetown and all the memorials/monuments lit up at night.  It was beautiful!  On board, they had a nice meal and a band played awesome music.

The final day, they took a guided tour to make sure they caught all the memorials (Vietnam War, Marine Corp, Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean, WWII, etc.)  It was very hot, so we appreciated the AC.  They met Uncle John for dinner and one more hug.  The next day, they took the shuttle to the airport and flew home to Ringo and me!  I'll admit, it was nice to see them again - we were all smiles!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab
P.S.  Here's a little slideshow Daddy made of their trip - just the highlights for now...

30 Years and Counting

On June 1, Mommy and Daddy celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary.  Being a puppy, I really don't know how much 30 is, but I am sure it's a lot.  I am five and Ringo is 1, that adds up to six.  I started counting on all my toes and got stuck.  I guess I will have to admit I don't know 30, so it has to be very big.

As I rested in the sunniest spot of our big back yard, it dawned on me.  What if Mommy and Daddy had never met?  What would have happened?  There would be no Waibel family, there would be no Waibel family puppies.  No big brothers like Kirby, Dito, Dexter and Rudy!  No little bro Ringo or ME!  The thought of this really scared me.  Ringo must have known I was deep in thought, because just at that moment, he pounced on me.  Sneak attack!  The little guy doesn't get me often, but this time I'm glad he did.

I didn't want to think about what might have been if Mommy and Daddy hadn't met a million years ago.  I believe thirty has to be close to a million because they are both giant numbers.

In honor of the anniversary, Daddy made a fabulous slide show full of pictures from all their years together.  He even included music that really fits the life they have lived and what is to come.  The music is by one of their favorite artists, Gavin DeGraw.  I hope you enjoy!

http://rudyslittleworld.com/?attachment_id=1316

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Two Steps forward, One Step Back...

Just when Mommy was making real "strides" with her foot physical therapy, we had to take a step back.

On May 5, Mommy wasn't feeling well and had extreme pain in her abdomen.  She was barely able to take her transplant meds that morning, but figured a little rest would help her feel better.  Ringo and I watched her all morning, she didn't move much.

When Daddy came home at lunch to check on us, Mommy tried to take a sip of tea.  What came next was intense!  I won't share too much information, but I have never seen that shade of green or that much stuff come out of anyone before.  That's right, Mommy threw up and it was a lot!  Daddy was worried, as were Ringo and I.  Mommy said she would be fine after a little more rest.  She hadn't eaten or had anything to drink all day.  She told Daddy to go back to work, she would be fine.

A couple hours later, explosion number two.  This time, Mommy threw up even more!  She was so dehydrated, her muscles were cramping up and she could barely hold herself up.  She was able to call Daddy and ask him to come right home.  She knew she needed to go to the hospital.

Daddy got home in record speed, helped Mommy into the car and off they went to the hospital.

When Mommy and Daddy got to the ER, they took Mommy's blood pressure.  It was dangerously low, so they took her right back and gave her IV fluids, nausea meds and something for pain.  After a CT and blood work, they determined it was an obstruction of the small intestine and some pancreas inflammation.

Mommy was in the hospital for five and a half days.  For the first two days, she couldn't eat or drink anything.  On day three, she had liquids and then moved to soft food.  She got sick, so Mommy had to go back to liquids.  On day five, she tried soft food again.  It was mashed potatoes, her favorite!  That was good enough to let her come home the next day!

On Sunday, May 10, Mommy came home just in time to celebrate Mother's Day with us!  Ringo and I had a card for her and we even worked at a little dance to say "We missed you, welcome back!"  I jumped up to give her a kiss, while Ringo did circles around me.  After my kiss, Ringo jumped up and gave Mommy more kisses while I did circles - wagging my tail.  It has been a slow, but steady recovery.  Mommy has to work on stretching her stomach back to its normal size, again.  She is still doing her foot therapy and hasn't thrown up since the hospital!

I guess this is life, two steps forward and then one step back.  It's kind of like a health cha cha.  It's a good thing Mommy likes to dance!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

What Happened to April

I can not believe April is over!  When the weather is nice, does the time fly quicker?  It has been a wonderful Spring for us in Minnesota.  We are due, the last few springs were non-existent!  I heard on the news that the lilacs are going to blossom sometime between May 7 and 12.  Lilacs are the real sign of spring!  My family loves their scent, so we are looking forward to them.

Mommy and Daddy participated in a book and media sale at the First Presbyterian Church in South St. Paul.  It was to support some missionaries.  They always enjoy helping important causes.  We don't have a lot of money, so donating the proceeds from book sales is a way we can help.

On April 24, we celebrated Rudy's 11th birthday.  Even though he is in heaven, we know he watches over us.  He can see us singing "Happy Birthday" to him and I'm sure that makes him happy!

Our book sales have been steady and we are very grateful for it.  We had a book order every week last month.  We're keeping our fingers and paws crossed that it continues.

Ringo and I had a play date at our friend, Jennifer's house.  Mommy and Daddy went to our human cousin Emily's wedding.  Furry cousins weren't invited.  We had a good time at our play date and Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the wedding.  We were all very tired at the end of the day.  We played a lot at Jennifer's house!

Mommy is still going to PT for her foot.  It is healing, but not completely healed yet.  The doctor wants her to take it slow.  Mommy is disappointed by that, but she understands.  She was told at her last appointment that the healing process could take at least 6 - 12 months, if there are no setbacks.  So, we go slow!  Happy May, everyone!  Hope you have some fun in the sun!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Special Delivery - Save a Life

In my last blog, I mentioned an interview Mommy had with a radio pod caster named Donna Seebo.  Here is a 4 minute video of the highlights.  Daddy added pictures to the audio, so you can see what they were talking about.  I hope you enjoy it!

Like a typical April in Minnesota, we had some sunshine and now some snow. Living in Minnesota, we know we can never predict the weather this time of year.  I remember four years ago, Mommy and Daddy were on their way to New Jersey for a "Take Your Child to Work" Day and we didn't know if the plane would be able to leave!  It snowed 14 inches that day!  Two years ago, they were coming home from Las Vegas and it snowed 12 inches!  If you want it to snow in April, plan a trip out of town!

Speaking of out of town...We recently had an order from London, England!  Ringo wanted to deliver it in person because he thinks he is British!  Last week we had an order from Massachusetts.  A nice woman ordered them because a doctor recommended the books to her!  It is nice to hear that kind of news.  We love helping others.

On April 17, we celebrated National Donate Life Day.  It is a very special day in our home.  As most of you know, Mommy has had several transplants.  This has been possible due to three people; a woman in Florida donated her organs and Mommy got her pancreas.  She has also had two living donors who each donated a kidney.  Those generous people are Daddy and Auntie Tammy.  Without them, Ringo and I would never have had the chance to meet Mommy.  Wow!  We are lucky!  We are all very grateful for good people willing to share their spares.  We encourage you to check that box on your ID.
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Talk and Walk

I'm getting a little tired of talking about my favorite subject, the weather.  In typical early Spring fashion, we have been teased with a few nice sunny days and brought back to reality with the threat of snow.  In our state, we have a chance of snow until mid-May!  The forecasters predict rain for the next few days.  I guess that's all right if it doesn't get too cold.  The rain will help the grass and trees turn green.  If it stays warm enough, it will help our sure sign of spring - the lilacs - I can already smell them in my mind!

Mommy had an interview late last month.  It was on a pod-cast with a woman named Donna Seebo.  I think Mommy did a great job.  She talked about some of her challenges in life and our books.  I heard her say our names a couple of times, so I know she talked about us, too!  Mommy likes to talk, which is a good thing because the interview was 30 minutes long.

Mommy has been busy lately.  She started Physical Therapy for her broken foot last week.  The machine she uses sounds really cool!  It's called an anti-gravity treadmill.  Somehow the therapist zips this huge bag around her waist and pumps it up with air.  The process takes away the gravity so she can walk without putting weight on her foot.  AWESOME!  She is up to 15 minutes per session.  She also rides a bike with a little resistance for 10 minutes.  We have a bike at home, so the therapist said she can start riding it at home as long as she doesn't overdo it.

Ringo and I will have to watch her.  Mommy is very motivated to get back to her normal activities.

Rudy's Little World was very happy to receive a big book order from our friends at Child Life Services at the U of M Children's Hospital.  They have been great supporters all these years and we really appreciate them.

Daddy had some time off from his school for the Easter/Passover holidays.  He will be back at it working as hard as ever very soon.  It seems like there is always something going on around here.  I think that is good.  If nothing else, we can all take a walk around the backyard and enjoy the new smells of spring and say hi to the neighbors!  Life is good!

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

Random Acts of Kindness - Birthdays

A few weeks ago, Mommy had a birthday.  Birthdays are a big deal around our house.  Of course, we bring out the Birthday Bear to sing.  The one celebrating the birthday has "Happy Birthday Fun Day" where they get to choose whatever they want to do that day.  Mommy and Daddy usually go shopping and out to dinner.  When it is my birthday, I play Frisbee, get a new Frisbee for a gift and have a special treat.  I usually share my treat with my brother.  Ringo hasn't figured out his "Fun Day" routine yet, probably because he has only had one birthday.
I must explain something very special that happened on Mommy's Fun Day.  Mommy and Daddy had gone out to eat at one of their favorite places they don't get to visit often.  Shortly after being seated, the server brought over their favorite wine and said it had been paid for by one of Mommy's best friends.  That was a great surprise!  Mommy and Daddy continued enjoying their delicious meal and laughed about many events that had happened over the past few days.  I bet they told stories about Ringo and me, we're pretty funny!  In case you didn't know, Mommy and Daddy like to laugh and they do it often.  They enjoy each others company.
Towards the end of the night they asked their favorite server if she would take a picture of them.  Big smiles all around!

When the server came out with the bill, she leaned in and said, "A table just down from theirs picked up the bill and said they wanted to treat them."  Mommy and Daddy were stunned and overwhelmed.  The server went on to say these nice people do this sort of thing on occasion when they are moved by someone they feel deserves their kindness.  Daddy managed to squeak out a 'Thank You' as he was still overwhelmed.  After she left, they sat there in silence for a moment.  Those kinds of things don't happen to Mommy and Daddy, so it was very touching.  Daddy and Mommy were both misty eyed, but Daddy composed himself enough to approach their table to thank them.  The woman from the table came over to Mommy and wished her a "Happy Birthday," and gave her a hug.  The woman's name was Pacy!  (Mommy's other name is Stacy!)
When Mommy and Daddy got up to leave, they stopped by the nice people's table to thank them again.  Once there, the table started a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Mommy and even sang harmonies!  It was quite good!  What a wonderful evening made even more special by random acts of kindness!
I can honestly say the giver and the receiver of a random act of kindness both feel awesome - kind of warm and fuzzy all over!  Try it!
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab