Dogs

Abby's best friend is Jenna, a lab/pit mix. She is a adorable and tons of fun. We offered to have her for the day as Jenna's dad, Paul, went to a wedding.

When Jenna came over she immediately made a bee line for Molly, our 12 year old cat. Molly [aka Toothless] is fierce - even though she has no teeth and no front claws. She continues to remind Abby who is boss around these parts and always welcomes a new challenge. Jenna was no match for Toothless, but boy did Jenna try and try to get her to play! For those of you who have older cats - you know that they dont play. Anyway, Jenna wanted Toothless and Abby wanted Jenna...eventually Jenna gave up her cause and decided it was time to give some attention to her gracious host!

Once Jenna discovered Abby, it was all over! The two of them played and squeeled and tugged and jumped and couldn't get enough of each other. It's interesting because when Abby goes to Jenna's house, Jenna is always the instigator. When Jenna came over to see Abby - roles reversed! I don't think we ever saw them both laying down at the same time!

Unfortunately, there was one casualty. The racoon Abby received last Christmas from Grandpa Johnson is not in its original form any longer. The girls managed to tear the head from the body during one of their games. We've memorialized the racoon head by placing it as a bottle topper [see 1st picture - proof that Oke really is drinking non-alcoholic brews!].

So goes another Saturday afternoon...

No alcohol for 9 months, really?

Really?

There are a few simple exceptions. Atlantic City and Vegas. I have been to Atlantic City once and those first 5 Miller Lites may have been the best every produced. I am scheduled to go to Vegas in a few weeks, which at this point is the last scheduled drinking until the wee one enters the free world later this year.

The first 2 months has been an eye opener, it is harder than one may think. Once I tried to drink only during 'special' occassions. There are a lot of special occassions. There really isn't a good reason for me not to drink, other than supporting Liz. I think this year will be a good one for me. Who knows, maybe I will find it refreshing to go through all of life with a clear head.

Then again...

My first thoughts...

It is true, we are having a baby. I am thrilled! Some will say that the end of life as we know is rapidly descending upon us. I have given this some thought and I really feel that we are entering the best years of our lives.

Liz and I have shared some amazing memories over the past 10 years together. I am looking forward to making new memories with new members of our family. People have told me that I won't be able to play poker as much or I won't be able to hang out as often as I once did. That doesn't bother me. I know that if something is still important enough to me that I am willing to miss time with my family, than Liz will understand. If she doesn't understand than I will resort to such things as bribery and maybe a little trickeration.

All in all, I am excited that once again Liz and I will be able to share our new adventures with our family and friends.

-Oke

Heartbeats...

We're having a baby!! Most of you are probably thinking and saying FINALLY! Those two have been together long enough and it's time to start a family! We took our time and are now joining the ranks of most of our friends - look out world because here comes baby Johnson!

Baby is due on or about December 27th - Oke says it MUST arrive by 11:59 this year! I told him that I'll do my best to make that happen :) Pregnancy has been a fine friend to me so far. Other than feeling more tired than I have felt after a day of snowboarding, Baby is treating mommy well. We're coming onto the last week of the 1st trimester and I hear that the next few months are the best to come. Oke has been a wonderful source of support and strength. He reassures me whenever I get scared about something I read and pampers me to no end! I don't ever want to stop being pregnant!

We had our 11 week appointment last week and heard Baby's heartbeat. WHAT AN AMAZING SOUND! We are reassured that there really is something going on down there. It truly is a miracle to think that there is a mini-me or a mini-oke inside my tummy - we can't wait to meet it!

To those who are wondering - we are NOT going to find out the sex of the baby. We want to be completely surprised and overjoyed regardless of what it is.

Stay tuned!

Memorial Day Weekend

My mom and my sister, Shaina [10 and a 1/2 yrs old], came up for the weekend. While my mom was at a workshop in Crystal City, my sister and I had an action packed weekend! We spent lots of time at the pool, played board games, washed cars, and went to the movies.

As a 10 year old, she soaks up everything - she has a memory like an elephant and never forgets! There is no fooling her! She really wants an IPod so we asked her to help with a few things this weekend and paid her a few dollars for her assistance. Now she wants to be paid to do everything - I think we may have created a monster! Hopefully, she'll learn that when you want something it's important to work hard for it and save your money to get it. We'll see.

We also celebrated Kari's 27th Birthday. We ate at a carribbean restaurant in Towsen - it was pretty tasty. She finally got a new mattress and is very excited about it!

With everyone gone, the house is pretty quiet - except for the occasional bark from Abby. It's nice to have visitors but it's also nice to have the place to yourself again :)

Kari's 27th Birthday Dinner

Cathy and Chip







Kari and Aunt Susie










Shaina, Mom, and me

New Front Yard

We finally did it! We decided enough was enough with the small patch in the front yard and after a few hours of hard work - Viola!


Before...










After...