Guess Who Turns 1 Today?

Wow, they grow up so fast? I can still remember that feeling of panic and passion that arose when Kyle called on that anxious August afternoon to tell me our new puppy was coming home a few days early. For all four of us, curiosity, frustration, laughter and then love followed.

That first day home, he look petrified. Today, we are petrified of him (he does weigh nearly 70 pounds). That first day home, he crawled up Kyle and nestled around his neck high atop the couch. Today, he takes up two full couch cushions by day and a good part of the bed at night. That first day home, he stared up from the passenger seat that dwarfed him with these saucer-sized eyes. Today, he makes construction workers smile when he hangs his head out the sunroof (even going 80 on the highway), his blubbery lips billowing in the breeze until it looks like they'll burst. That first day home, he had one name: Nikon. Today, he has dozens including Con Man, Conardo, Hip Hip, and Little Man. That first day home, Alder was annoyed. Today, right now, they are curled up together on the couch, her head resting on his silky smooth haunches.

He's been through one pair of brand new Cole Haan boots, two L.L. Bean beds, three throw pillows, and about four zillion other items of interest including a video camera and the toughest Kong they sell (that took about 2.3 seconds). They are lucky to have had his attention, for he is the sweetest, softest, gentlest, goofiest, cuddliest, happiest hound that ever was. We are so BLESSED!

As Nikon turns one-year-old today, I couldn't say which of us adores him most. To him, it matters not. There are butterflies to chase, a big sister to bother and if he plays his cards right, a deep dish of vanilla soft serve.

Happy Birthday, Little Man. Not so little anymore are you?

Taking a nap on the picnic table.

He is all legs!

A special birthday stick.

When the dogs get in a mood, they get "lower lip". It's kind of like my pout.

What a poser.

Wop... I am totally busted.

And, I just have to share this shot of Alder. I could say this is what Alder thinks of Nikon's birthday, but she couldn't be more celebratory for him. After all, they are both Gemini's, and we liked to think of them as twins in spirit. But, ...when she eats sticks, she gets little woodchips in her mouth and so she keeps sticking her tongue out to try and work them out. At once hideous and hilarious.