Kit's Spot

The great thing about going to Utah before Christmas... participating in Eric's Family's Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Night. We missed this last year since we didn't go to Utah until after Christmas. Eric's Mom makes these awesome Gingerbread Houses and then everyone usually comes up with unique ways in which to decorate them. And as a bonus you get to eat candy the whole time you are decorating! Another great thing about going before Christmas...Snowboarding at Brighton with NO crowds. This was fabulous, there was hardly anyone there, which always equals a good snowboarding day!And the final great thing about going before Christmas...having a row all to yourself on the plane ride home, because no one is traveling on the Thursday before Christmas!

For those of you reading this that don't like dogs you can ignore all my dog blogs. I will not be offended! I just wanted to share a little about Rocco's week in Utah. First of all, he loved the snow! We thought he might not want to go to the bathroom on it, but there was no problem there. He would go out, go to the bathroom, then start romping around on it. He would dig in it and eat it. It was quite entertaining to watch. We took him to a Vet Hospital that does dog sitting two of the days while we were in Utah. When we went to pick him up the first day, we were expecting him to be super happy to see us and really hyper from being in a cage all day. Well, he came out with a bunch of other dogs and didn't even acknowledge us. He was just playing with the other dogs. I guess they didn't even have him in his cage all day. They have a front area where they bring a few dogs out at a time. Well, they loved Rocco so much that he was out front all day long playing with the employees and the other dogs. They said his favorite friend was a great dane. Right when we got in the car he passed out. When we got home he was starving. I am sure they tried to feed him, but when he gets distracted he won't eat or sleep. So, Eric took him again today, and same thing. They said he was up front all day and as soon as he would lay down to sleep he would get distracted by a dog and start playing again. We also went over to our friend's house one night who has a german shepherd. Rocco chased her in circles, trying to get a toy, for an hour and a half. I am so happy we have a dog that loves other dogs and kids!!! We opened our Christmas presents from Eric's family while we were there. Rocco had a field day with this!














Before Leaving to Utah: When I was putting together are Christmas Cards, Rocco was being entertained by the scraps of paper.

A few weeks ago we went to see Brian Regan in concert. Alot of our friends were going, and Eric really likes him, so I thought what the heck? I had seen him once on TV when Eric was watching him but I didn't pay too much attention. But I was seriously laughing the entire time. He is so funny, and clean! If you ever get the chance, I would definitely go see him! Here is a little sample of his act:

I don't remember who I was talking to about this a few weeks ago, But I LOVED American Gladiator when it used to air! Then, a few days later... I find out it is coming back, with Hulk Hogan as Host. I am so excited!!!

This year we decided to include Rocco in our annual Christmas photo for our Christmas cards. We didn't take into account how much more difficult this would make it. As Jocelyn was taking the picture, Brady had to stand behind her and get Rocco's attention. Needless to say, not many turned out. But here were a few good ones and some other not so good ones...













And the winner was... It was the ONLY photo where Eric and I were both smiling and Rocco was looking at the camera. Thanks Jocelyn and Brady for being patient with us!!!

Here are are Christmas Card Photos from years past:

2006...
2005...
2004(this was before I started sending out cards)...

My sister sent me this video on facebook. I watched it at work and was laughing hysterically; everyone was wondering what was going on with me. I thought all my married friends would appreciate it! Enjoy!

Yes, I am obsessed with this show! I knew I had to go see it on tour this year. So, when tickets went on sale I was all over it! It ended up not being at the most convenient time for others to join me, but my sister and I had a fabulous time! Cute, cute Neil was in a ton of the dances and he even took his shirt off! Hawk was there as well, which made me SUPER happy! Here are some of photos of the dances:









I loved, loved, loved the show. It didn't last long enough! Girls(you know who you are), you HAVE to join me next year! It will be a blast!

With Eric's school schedule, we decided it would just be easier for my parents and sister to just come to our house for Thanksgiving. My mother, of course, still made the Turkey. I wouldn't even know where to begin! We helped with the side dishes. I finally got to use the china I got from my Grandma when she died over two years ago. It is just so nice, it is hard to justify using! Rocco was licking everyone's fingers, because we were touching the Turkey. We put some of the gravy on his food - he wanted more and more. We had to cut him off! I am so thankful that I got to spend Thanksgiving witht the people I love the most. Chad and Ashlie, we missed you! Can't wait to spend Christmas all together!

Earlier this week, Rocco thought he would help me as I was sorting clothes to donate to Goodwill. He loved the hat so much, I let him keep it for a chew toy!














I thought it would be fun to put this on him. He wasn't as excited about it and kept trying to chew it off. I love how tough he looks in this photo!Every once in awhile, while he is sleeping, he will roll over onto his back. I love how this shows off his big belly!One late night, my sister and I were sitting around and I decided to put my baby wrapping skills to some use. We wrapped him up - he was okay at first but quickly got himself out!
We took Rocco on his first "official" walk the other day, including his first visit to the ocean. We wanted to take him to Marshall Beach, but it is still closed due to the oil spill; So we had to make due with Baker Beach. He had alot of fun, but was so pooped the rest of the day.

On Tuesday morning I went to the San Francisco Airport to pick Rocco up. It was kind of weird - I just went to the cargo baggage claim and waited for them to bring him out to me. I took him out to the car and then let him out of his crate. Right away he gave me kisses! He wasn't too happy when I had to put him back in his crate to go home. He cried almost the whole drive home!














It has been an interesting couple of days and nights with him around. Everyone told me a puppy is alot of work, but I didn't realize how much time he would really consume. Hours go by and I realize I have done nothing but feed, played and taken Rocco to the bathroom. The potty training has been the hardest, but I know it will be well worth it in the end. We started crate training him and he is doing really well with that. He peed in the crate the second time he was in it, but no accidents since.














I took him to the vet on Wedneday and the vet, Dr. Schwach (he was recommended to me on bulldog meetup of San Francisco) talked to me for a whole hour about how to take care of my little bully. He takes care of over 600 bulldogs in the city. Crazy, huh? I was really happy to find a vet who knew how to take care of bulldogs. He told me Rocco should not have too many health problems due to the way his bite and nose are. This made me SUPER happy - less vet bills are always a good thing.
Usually Rocco's schedules goes something like this: he wakes up, goes pee, eats and drinks, plays for about 20-30 minutes, goes pee and poop, and then plays for another 30 minutes, then sleeps for an hour and then the whole cycle begins again. The only time this changes is at night - he usually sleeps for 5-6 hours, goes to the bathroom, then sleeps for a few more hours before he wakes for the day. I know now why people say puppies are good training for babies! Rocco has quite the personality. He likes to chew on everything: cords, rugs, shoes, toes, ears, blankets, etc. He will chew on his toys, but prefers things we say "NO" to. When he gets tired he loves to snuggle and give kisses. We just love having him around! We can't wait for everyone to meet him!

To Celebrate the November Birthdays, the "dental wives club of '09"(how else do we describe ourselves???) decided to go out to eat at PF Changs. We will use about any excuse to get together, especially when yummy food is involved. Afterwards, we went back to Mindi's house to eat icecream cake and watch "The Bachelor...Tell All." You can't get a better girls' night than that. Thanks girls for another wonderul night! Happy Birthday Rocia, Nadine and Jocelyn!!!