Degradation is just another word for I Love You.

At what age are your babies old enough to know the truth about the cruel harshness of the real world?  How young is too young?  And how old is too late?  There are certain things I don't want him to learn from his friends at the park.  He already trusts me so unconditionally, I wouldn't be able to stand it if that bond were broken by any feelings of betrayal.

Which is why I decided that this was the year I told him.  My best little bud, the love of my life, turned 3 in July and I realized he and his Sister deserve to finally know the truth.

After the initial and understandable shock wore off, I think they took it quite well.

These sweet puppies have brought me, E1 (Stella's Dad)  and E2 so much love and happiness it's unreal.  Little Mr. Milo makes me laugh on a daily basis and snuggles me extra good when I'm sitting in the dark crying for no other reason than the fact that it's Tuesday.  Pregnancy hormones are fun!

The other night after work, Milo and I were on our daily hike when I was overcome with an incredibly bizarre feeling.  It took me a moment to process what, exactly, it was I was feeling.  And then it hit me.  I felt happy.  There I was, sweating along a trail in the woods with my favorite little fuzzy love in the world, 6 months pregnant and on the verge of waddling, with a boyfriend at home who is in love with me and adores Milo and is positively ecstatic that he's going to be a Father and it hit me.  I am so incredibly lucky. Then my heart did this weird swelly thing, my throat constricted, my face became flushed and I smiled.

Immediately followed by a deluge of salty tears.  Naturally.

Milo immediately stopped his hunt for squirrels and trotted over to make sure I was alright.  I ruffled his fur and kissed his soggy nose and told him how much I loved him, even though he's adopted and not my real baby and not even human for that matter.

He took it all in stride, as he does with everything in his fuzzy little life.  Including the humiliation of birthday dress-up.

 Don't feel too badly for him.  He and Stella were both bribed with new toys as a reward for the indignity of it all.  They recovered within seconds.  A brand new Jolly Ball has that effect.

Happy 3rd birthday to Milo and Stella.  The twins of the litter and my personal source of entertainment and amusement. Adopting little Milo, despite some of the most important people in my life strongly advising me otherwise, was one of the top three best decisions I've ever made.  I should really learn to trust myself more.

Happy Birthday little Stella spitfire.  I'm so glad E1 decided to adopt you so you can keep Mr. Milo in line.

Happy Birthday to my bestest little bud and the fuzzy love of my life. Thank you for bringing so much happiness and laughter into my sometimes dead and decaying soul.  I absolutely adore you.