National Puppy Day? It sounds like something from one of Taylor’s story books. I’ve never really understood these bogus “holidays,” but an entire day dedicated to puppies? I’ll take it! Our puppy (he will always be called that, no matter how old he is) happens to be the best companion for all of us. He is pretty much my shadow. He waits for me while I shower, he sits next to me (or on me) on the sofa, he begs to come in the car with me, and he sleeps cuddled against me in bed at night. Although he’s my buddy, he loves Todd and the kids, too. He’s especially fond of Taylor. He can not wait until her bedroom door opens so he can see her. He sits on the floor staring up at her bed and whines when he wants her to wake up. He covers her in kisses each day as she leaves for school, and is equally as excited to see her upon returning home. It really is amazing for me to see that they have such a strong bond. She calls him her “little baby” and spoils the heck out of him, as it should be. She even said to me yesterday: “Mom, we need to make sure the Easter Bunny brings something for Ranger. Since he doesn’t have a basket, he can share space in mine.”

Taylor and her class made adorable bunny baskets at school (thank you to everyone who helped collect milk cartons for her class) and grew grass in them. She couldn’t wait to get home and show Ranger, but she wanted to make sure he knew that he “couldn’t pee on this kind of grass.”

After school, we made a Costco trip. It’s always interesting, mostly because I get stopped 48272 times for people to tell me I have my hands full and ask if the boys are twins. When we walked into the cooler section, the boys started screaming “Milk! Milk!” They were so excited! Taylor even asked if we could take a picture with all of the milk. Whatever keeps them happy. Anyone who knows Costco knows that on the way out, they check your receipt against your purchases and make a mark on your receipt. Well, Taylor has gotten very used to all of the people there making a happy face on our receipt for her. When the woman handed her back the receipt today, T studied it hard and then said “Umm, hey lady! You did this ticket wrong!” The woman looked at us like she was worried that she actually made a mistake. I had to explain to Taylor that not all people make happy faces and she should just appreciate it when she gets it. Secretly, I wanted to crack up and had to hold my composure.