M.I.A.

M.I.A.,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

It's with utmost sadness that I must report Dean's disappearance.

I guess -- since the first day we finally gave in and allowed him to go outside -- I always knew this day would come. I guess I hoped Frankie would be around to protect him.

We left in the morning but when we returned in the evening Dean -- who always returns home at night (hello...dinner!) -- was not there. We hoped he would show up sometime in the night and scratch on the glass like he always did. But, what was once considered a grating sound, never materialized...no matter how hard we listened for it.

One could assume that Dean met his end that weekend; however, since his remains were never found, I like to think that maybe he's enjoying the kindness of another family. Someday, we just may hear that grating sound of claws on glass once again. And when we do, I'll gladly open that door for my long lost boy.

Pedicure

Pedicure,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Frankie and Dean love Piper. So much so that Dean is willing to give Piper a pedicure every now and then. Now that's dedication.

Unspeakable

Unspeakable,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

That's right. At the Trillo home we condone the unspeakable...dogs and cats co-habitating peacefully together. Yes, even sleeping together. And in Parker's bed nonetheless!

All Grown Up

All Grown Up,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

I'm sure it's not his first but Dean proudly delivered a dead bird to the doorstep today. They grow up so soon! Now the question is whether or not I'm brave enough to dispose of the prize. Hmmm...I wonder when Chris is getting home.

Scavenger

What a let down it must have been for Dean -- to find a bag labeled
"goldfish" then labor to carry it down off the kitchen counter only to
discover it was filled with crackers.

Out And About

Out And About,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Yes, that's Dean...outside. As hard as we've tried to keep him inside, it just became too difficult. So, we will now let him out during the day when we're working outside. I can only hope that he becomes street wise sooner rather than later...before the hawks or coyotes hear about the new kid on the block.

BTW, regarding the neighborhood dogs that come over to visit...so far, they've chosen to befriend Dean...or fear him. NICE!

Silly Dean

Silly Dean,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Why am I not surprised that Dean thought it would be a good idea to hang out on top of the shower door while Parker took his bath.

And yes, Dean is taking it (literally) a step further by trying to walk on the edge of the tile that surrounds the tub.

This can only end badly if I don't step in soon.

Zzzzz

Zzzzz,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Sleepy, sleepy Dean. I couldn't resist.

Day 3 -- Coming Home

And on the third day, we were released from the hospital and allowed to go home. The entire family -- Me, Chris, Parker, Piper, Frankie, and Dean -- are finally united. Frankie and Dean were curious about the newest Trillo but they seemed to take to her pretty well.

2008, A look back

Well, it looks like I hit my resolution of out blogging 2007. With 163 entries, I even out blogged 2006! Currently, I also seem to be on track to out blog 2008. ROCK ON!

I did end 2008 heavier than I started it...but then I am pregnant. At a current weight of 188 , I guess the important thing is to end 2009 considerably lighter than how I started it.

I would say a few highlights from last year would include:

• Burns Night: Nothing better then having your baby rocking out in a bar!
• Pouring the Slab: The stalled shed project takes off again!
• The Road Ahead: New year, new job!
• What's Wrong With This Picture?: This maybe more of a lowlight but one can't forget the car accident Parker and I had last year that total the Saturn.
• Happy Birthday, Paarrrrker!: Parker turns 3!
• New Car: With the totaled car comes the new car.
• Death Valley Birthdaze: Parker's first camping trip and he loved it!
• Project Garden: Parker's garden was a total success -- providing pounds of delicious tomatoes, herbs (some of which are still hanging in there even after our recent bout of snow!), and even a couple of pumpkins!
• Welcome Dean: Dean joins the Trillo household. I can't believe how small he used to be!
• Go Baby, Go!: Official confirmation that Parker would soon have a little sibling!
• Baby's First Scan: Our first look at Piper!
• It's Time!: Parker ditches the diapers
• Morro Bay: Great family get-away to Morro Bay. Hopefully, it will become an annual tradition.
• Palin and Clinton on SNL: This isn't Trillo related but you've gotta love Tina Fey as Sarah Palin.
• Halloween 2008: How could Halloween NOT be a highlight, especially with Parker dressed as Woody.
• Yes We Can!: I was obsessed with the entire campaign but the most important thing is that the right man -- Barack Obama -- was elected as President.
• Snow Days: Everyone (at least hear in Acton) will be talking about the show of 2008 for years. It was totally awesome! Glad to have been stuck at home rather than stuck unable to get home (like Chris...but that worked to his advantage as he was able to NOT miss any work)
• Sledding: And of course, Tahoe is always a highlight.

Caught in the Act

Caught in the Act,
originally uploaded by Car2nGrl.

Oh the humanity!

Dean's Doing Well

So the trip to the doctor seemed to do the trick. The night after the visit we could hear Dean complaining about being quarantined to the master bathroom (to restrict the hairball/puke activity to an easily cleaned surface)...something that we hadn't heard in a while. This morning, he was puke free so he's been giving free reign of the house once again.

I also spoke with Dean's vet. The blood tests are normal and, based on his current behavior, he seems to have turned a corner.

Ultra Concerns

So today I visited to ultrasound guy. They took lots of measurements and it made me think all the data that's been captured of my kids before they've even been born. For both pregnancies we have data on femur lengths, head circumferences, kidney size, heart beats, and more. It's just kind of mind-boggling and weird.

With all the measurements taken of the little one, the doctor discovered that the kidneys appeared to be a bit inflamed, a slight indicator that the baby may have downs syndrome. Our genetic tests have been fine but this is pretty much our last chance to do an amnio (which, based on the odds, we had opted not to do last month) to provide more definite results. So I went for the procedure -- a needle inserted in my stomach to retrieve some amniotic fluid. By next Monday, we'll have the results so keep your fingers crossed.

Other than the kidneys, the baby looks fine. But with all the drama, we were not able to get any good 3D pics. But I think this ultrasound profile came out pretty good.

I went home early today because the doctor recommended bed rest for 24 hours -- ''bed rest as in sitting down or lying down,'' I asked. ''Lying down, preferable on your side,'' he responded. Pretty clear that sitting at work for the rest of the day wasn't going to cut it.

However, when I got home I did run one ''errand''. Dean hasn't been feeling well for the last week -- lots of puking and very little food going in the pie hole. Chris and I initially thought that it could be a result of a massive dog hair ball in the system (he loves to groom Frankie) or the jalapenos that he like to steal from the kitchen and bat around like a mouse toy. The vet, however, didn't seem to be too concerned about those activities. Instead, he felt it was more likely that Dean ate something that he wasn't suppose to -- like a small toy -- and it's blocking his system.

With that in mind, blood was drawn, x-rays taken, and fluids given. The x-rays showed nothing. Now, I have another set of tests results to wait on. In the meantime, Dean is on several antibiotics. So, another reason to keep your fingers crossed.

Green Thumbs & Orange Tail

Chris, Parker, and Dean ventured into the garden today. Chris and Parker picked a bunch of tomatoes (which Geof will be turning into a delicious tomato pie later today) while Dean explored this foreign thing called ''outside.'' Good thing the great orange hunter was on the loose because he found a mole! Chris soon dispatched the intruder and the Trillo men continued with their gardening. The harvest now done, they focused on cutting away any dead stuff.

Best Friends

So, within a few days, Dean finally realizes that he has nothing to fear in Frankie and the two become quick friends who enjoy wrestling and chasing each other around the house. And that's a good thing because Dean has too much teen kitty energy for me...especially around 3am. So anything Frankie can do to tire him out is greatly appreciated.

Day 3: No Love for Frankie

Who's a cutie pie?!

Yup, Dean's doing well as the newest member of the Trillo family. His current domain is the master bathroom which gives him plenty of place to roam, with out giving him a run of the house.

Of course, that also means he's safe out of Frankie's reach. Sorry pup. You'll have to wait a little longer for Dean to gain more trust in you.

Love is NOT in the air

Day 2 and, unfortunately for Frankie, love is not in the air. Dean puffs up, not willing to trust the dog that sits on the other side of the gate.

Check out that tail. It's like three or four times it's normal size.

Dean and Parker, on the other hand, have become fast friends. Each loving the other's high level of energy. Just watch out for those claws, Parker.

Seriously, how can Dean not trust this face?

Welcome Dean

Parker welcomes the newest member of our rat pack...Dean. Frankie, unfortunately has to wait as it's a bit too soon for dog-cat introductions.

When you can't find the cat...check the drawers. Some how Dean climbed up from the laundry hamper up into the cabinetry. Looks like I need to clear out this drawer.