Four Friends and a Dog

Why is it 4 friends- 1 dog? The time had come. For various reasons/illnesses we put Kito down. I miss my little friend, my constant companion for 8 years. Optimus is pouting a little and I’ve been just trying not to think about it. That is a terrible experience- essentially executing your friend unbeknownst to him. This is him the day before he died.

In better news- this month I celebrated my 29th birthday. I actually enjoy getting older. I care a lot less about trivial things and care a whole lot more about things that do matter. I like being married and having a child and creating a life together. Josh got me an underwater camera for Hawaii (yes!) and I was completely spoiled with flowers and gifts from my family.

My best friend and her beautiful, sweet, happy baby also came to visit. I forgot how much fun I could be! There is something so nice about hanging out with someone you’ve known for almost a decade. There are no fronts. No pretense. We do fun things just because they’re fun. We don’t feel the need to dress all out for breakfast or plan all day. We just genuinely enjoy being together and that’s the best. Our little boys loved each other too! They had so much fun playing and teaching each other new things. I hope they’ll be friends for life.

Eli: Month 18

I say new words like…fish, Jesus, juice, milk, poop (ha!), puppy, shut up (sigh…from us telling the dogs not to bark)
I weigh 25 lbs 12 oz
My favorite food is bananas (they’re back in favor), cinnamon toast
My favorite toy is my chompy shark Jayci got me or my Dig In book. I also enjoy anything mom frowns upon. I love to stand on the coffee table, check the trash to see if anything good is inside, switch the surge protector on and off, and jump from the end table onto the bed (while holding contraband from the end table like nail polish).
Some other things I do include… helping mom do the dishes, holding hands when praying, and “reading” books quietly by myself.
A Memorable Moment for Mom was: when Eli climbed the oven and inched a pan of brownies to the edge so he could grab handfuls of chocolately goodness. He was so smart about it. He’d grab some and then hurry down so when I checked on him he was just looking all sweet and innocent. The handprints in the brownies gave him away.

Have a great July!
-Shantel

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