Sister-Sister ~

Today is my little sisters Birthday !!

Happy Birthday Megan !!

She turns a whopping 29 today - ONE more year little girl till the BIG three zero !!!

Meg is a great person, awesome sister and just all around FUN time !! When we were little Megan would always throw a royal fit, cuz my b-day was first and I would get presents before her SO my mom learned to combine our b-day parties since they were so close together to avoid the infamous Myers temper tantrums, so we've shared our birthdays early on. Although, when you get older its not soo exciting...but Megan always makes it an event...and we try to shower each other with presents, those are still pretty important to her. (you should see christmas at our house)

This year - I am at a loss for gifts.... HELP !

Happy Day Mushkins !!

PS> Lilly is doing great....a little TOO great - running and trying to do steps...holding her back is my biggest problem now...GREAT NEWS !

Recovery road....

We are on our way peeps.....

Miss Lilly came to work w/mommy today

Even at work was spoiled

Bed on desk

Bone in mouth

Recovery is going well

Happy Weekend - Enjoy it - I will !~!

32 years ago....

My mother did a wonderful thing - she had me !! :) Good Job Mom !

Yup, today is my Birthday !! I love birthdays - I mean getting older its inevitable - gonna happen whether we like it or not - so why not enjoy it and do it up right ? It's like a holiday in your own honor - how cool ! Most of my birthdays encompass a whole week of things - (just ask my husband) It starts the day of my birthday and runs to the following week. For the past two years I've been spoiled by celebrating my b-day in New York - on my 30th Jeff took me to Times Square for dinner with two very close friends and we stayed at the Waldorf Astoria overnight and enjoyed a lavash brunch the very next morning - that was awesome !! Last year Jeff took me to New York again and we enjoyed a broadway show and then met up with his cousin Laura and husband Matt for a marvelous dinner in there hometown, Brooklyn. It's becoming a tradition to spend my favorite day in NYC !

And of course a good birthday means having great food (can u tell)- the way to my heart !

This year however, I'm not in the B-day mood - I'm trying !! I really am ! Kinda a crazy week for us with Lilly having surgery - my parents are in Florida so I'm house and pet sitting for them - my sister is leaving for California today - not the norm. just sorta ho-hum about it.

So to get myself out of this funk and in the spirit - I took off on Friday - not only to spend sometime w/Lilly but I am going to have lunch and then a champagne pedicure with my good friend Nicole - best part about this is that my boys at work just surprised me with a gift cert. to the spa which I already planned to go to on Friday - hell yea !

As you can tell I'm getting in the spirit, just off to a slow start !

Best Present = Lilly coming home later this afternoon YAAYYY!!

have a great March 25th !! happy birthday to me !

xoxo

**UPDATE**

Got a call at 12:20pm - Lilly is out of surgery all went well during the procedure, no issues. Dr. said she is still very "out of it" and not able to move cuz of the epidural but resting nicely on oxygen in her crate - I will call later in the day to check on her and schedule a pick up time but doc. says she will most likely be able to come home tomorrow afternoon. GREAT NEWS !!!

She is my little power trooper !!

Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers....now onward to

a speedy recovery !!

Patient Admitted -

Today is the day - Lilly goes in for her leg surgery .... Daddy had to make the drop off to the animal hospital as I cannot stand to leave her in anyone elses care....way too emotional for me !

Had a little bread-down this morning - as I know everything will be fine - she has been thru so much this past month and she is still such a happy little girl - pulls at my heart! She was extra spoiled over the weekend with lots of treats and even a visit to see cousin Diggy and Baxter !

Update to come at some point today - keep our Lilly in your thoughts !

PS....it's my birthday eve - kinda sux ! fyi !

Lilly "runt-runt"

Just when I thought this week would be a little less hectic - we get a bomb dropped on us - As most of you know our little Lilly had a hip issue almost two weeks ago - an issue I blammed my mom's dog Digger for up until yesterday !! Tuesday afternoon both the girls went to my regular vet to get there stitches out from being spayed....which they have healed amazingly from. Lilly's limp and leg issue has not gotten any better in my opinion and we revisited that issue with my vet on Tues. This time we spent a while on Lilly's leg - this limp and x-ray review was undiagnosable by my vet, but they assured me its much worse then just being jossled around by a larger dog, there is a def. problem, bigger then we think. No breaks, no tears, but her blood supply to that leg is not good and if we didn't get an MRI or see an orthopedic surgeon she could possibly loose her back hind leg. WELL of course that is all I heard the vet say - MY dog was loosing her leg. I freaked !!!! WTF !?!?!? Not on my watch will a 7month old pup go thru that...no way ! I cried the entire drive home - and once I got that out of my system I became SUPER PUG MOMMA - I reserached and called everyone and anyone....to this is the outcome:

Jeff and I got an appointment on Wed. morning with an orthopedic surgeon in Whitehall, PA - Dr. Carlos Hodges at Valley Referral Vet Hospital - I went into work at 5am on Wed. morning, stopped by my vet to pick up xrays and Lilly's file, was home by 9am to pack up the runt-runt and off to the specialist. We had some luck come up - no need for an MRI (nice...) BUT we have good and bad news....GOOD NEWS - is the Dr. knows exactly what the problem is, BAD NEWS is she will need to undergo surgery to have it corrected. At least we have a direction !! TG!

The situation is this: Lilly was born with a disease called Legg-Calve-Perthes it is a form of degeneration of the hip joint, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs in small dogs and is due to damage of blood supply to the femoral head. This disease causes the femoral head to collapse and pain results, with limping, and loss of use to that leg. Usually onset by a trauma to the area, most owners think it is a result from an injury - but that is normally how it becomes detected.

Our only option is for her to have surgery on that leg. The surgery being performed is called FHO - Femoral Head Ostectomy - in this procedure, the damaged rough-edged head of the femur is removed. The remaining part of the femur forms a false joint with the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the area. Even though this false joint is not as good as a real joint, a significant reduction in pain is the usual outcome. While almost any size of dog can undergo this procedure, it is much more effective in smaller dogs. Obese animals and those with significant loss of muscle do not usually fare as well.
FHO is a fairly simple procedure, yet pets that have this surgery may return to almost normal function. The false joint that results is considerably smoother and allows for walking, running and playing. However, the new false joint is not a normal joint. It may exhibit decreased hip extension; the dog’s gait is different, but the joint is pain free.

We have HOPE and I have total confidence in Dr. Hodges, he was amazing and has performed this surgery hundreds of times. Recovery is long - 2 weeks of crated bed-rest and then 2-3months of light use to the leg - but she is looking at a full recovery to her leg and should be back to normal by June !! Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday - March 24th - Keep your fingers crossed and Keep my Lilly in your prayers.

A new week...

Happy Monday to all - I'm starting my morning with a positive outlook on my week at work...we'll see what time this happy face gets turned upside down, but for now, I'm in a good mood, I had a great weekend....already looking forward to another one. I have to say I have some totally awesome girlfriends - my girls night out was fabulous. We started out at Nicole's house with some wine and appetizers, everyone looked great, we had lots of great conversation, tons of food, fun night. We did venture out into Doylestown, and then wished we would have just stayed at Nicole's, once we got out, it was hard to keep tabs on everyone, and town was swarmed with youngin's....made us all feel old ! :) (i have pics, but left my camera at Nicole's so they'll be posted at another time)

Saturday I had a great day with my BFF Andi....we enjoyed salad and breadstix at Olive Garden ... a favorite of ours...and then did some shopping...another favorite, was great to see her and hear about the little man. Saturday night Jeff and I grabbed a bite at Reigelsville Inn - just some bar food, and we hit the hay early - 10:30pm in bed on a Saturday night....LOVE IT !

AND - our working Sunday turned into Lazy Sunday - we hit up Q-mart with some friends to get some veggies and lunch....and then relaxed on our sofa for most of the afternoon...napping here and there, had a nice little visit from Ms. Martha (my aunt-in-law) was great to see her and chit chat for a bit.....we went to my mom's for dinner - and a visit - She had all her grandchildren over, Megan was there with my nephew Baxter (9 month old jack russell pug mix) He is a cutie...and getting to be such a good boy - he used to be pretty high strung, but he is mellowing out and the girls just totally adore him, Especially Lilly....you can't pick Baxter up w/out her freaking out...she loves her Baxi....he deals with them, but I think the girls are a little overwhelming sometimes, but he tolorates them - and is just the handsomest little man.

This week is a little busy - tonite we are having dinner at Ronnie and Madison's house - the girls are joining us and tomorrow they go to the vet to get there stitches out (healing VERY nicely) Lilly is getting another check up on the hip situation (kinda had a tumble this weekend, on her own accord...outside with a stick, so still not good w/the leg) Lilly keeps me on my toes....always worrying about her....hopefully I'll have better news to report after Tuesday!

Happy Monday

Finally FRIDAY !!

This week has been LONG - very long...Work has been irratating for me -and I'm in need of some time off...just need to figure out when! Till then, I have some great plans this weekend, really looking forward to my girls night out tonite ! About seven of my closest and coolest girlfriends, including my sissie are all getting together for some great food, cocktails and lots of catching up. I've been looking forward to this all week, probably why the week drug so badly...but today is here and I'm ready to roll tonite ladies !

Saturday afternoon I'm having lunch with my oldest friend Andi, whom I don't get to see as much as I used too, she is a mommy now and Jimmy J is on his way to the terrible two's so she has her hands full - But it'll be nice to see her and catch up with her as well - We love our lunches together and try to squeeze one in at least once a month. I've known Andi since jr. high and we've been through some crazy times together, good, bad, sad, all of it - I love that we've stuck together thru it all.

Saturday night I am keeping open for the hubby - we'll probably just chill at home with the girlies, maybe rent a movie or something low key.....and Sunday we are dedicating to the house - spring cleaning - inside and out....it'll be a work Sunday - but a good one, much needed too.

The babies were slotted to go to Grandmom's tonite, but Lilly is still not 100% with her hip - still limping and not putting as much weight on it as I would like - so Daddy Daycare tonite - Jeff will be babysitting while mommy has a night out - (I'll letcha know how that goes) And since Grandmom is going thru pugger withdrawl....we'll most likely make a visit to see her on Sunday and maybe just maybe mooch dinner... :) love ya mom !

Happy WEEKEND... Cheers!!

Diva in training..

My first baby, Miss Bella aka Miss B, Belly, Bell, or B.B. was the Queen of our castle, she ruled the roost and pretty much got whatever she wanted....she had her dad wrapped around her little paw and knew it, she had me pretty well sucked in too, but how can you not love this face:

(Bella - summer of 2008)

Bell was extremely spoiled (I take all the blame for that) BUT she listened and as she got older she grew into such a mellow chick....she was super cool ! I miss her dearly .......

However, I am getting small glimpses of the old Bella in our first baby pup - Miss Lulabelle. Not only does Lulu look alot like Bell did at this age, they act ALOT alike.....Lu is a very demanding little girl, will not tolerate the word NO and has a mind of her own. What she wants, she will get and if she doesn't she will let you know - probably the most vocal pugger I have ever seen, as she whines to me constantly, yelling at me if I've left her for too long when I get home, and certain times I will get a howl or as we like to call it "singing" tune from her - normally only when the leash and harness come out. She is a handful - and often steals her sisters thunder. Lilly can never have a toy or ball, or anything when Lulu is around, cuz they are all hers. Lu has her dad just as wrapped as Bell did, and she has no problem talking back to him either. I hope in years to come she turns out just as cool as Bella was - but for now we will let her be the Princess she thinks she is.

(Lulabelle Lauble)

Survivors -

(sick girls - after surgery)

After leaving work at about 4pm on Friday - I was on my way to pick up my girls from the doctor, I knew I was in for a long weekend of playing nurse to them and giving out lots of snuggles, which I was looking forward too. Jeff and I had NO plans on Friday but to stay home and cater to them....and when I got to the vet, I knew it was going to be a LOONNG night. I walked in and talked to the receptionist who gave me all the medicines, and instructions needed and of course the bill - as soon as all the paperwork was done I heard one of the vet techs approaching from behind me saying "come on mommy's out here" with that I turned around and saw our baby (Lilly) out front on the leash, she saw me and that tiny piglet tail started to wiggle, she gave me those big eyes that said "finally mom your here, i'm soo happy to see you".....I knelt down and loved her up - she was pretty groggy but a happy girl, like my normal Lilly-Lulah - behind the tech was Ms. Lulabelle aka Drama Queen, taking her good ol' time in moving cuz she was utterly disgusted - I said "come on sweetie, lets go home and see daddy" with that she glared at me, walked right passed me and stared at the door, with the expression "take me home, you mean nasty mom"! It was apparent that Lulu was not happy with me at all - I was of course the one who dropped them off and picked them up and ruined her life on Friday - and she remembered it all !! We got home; Lulu jumped on the sofa and curled up on the one end alone, didn't want to be anywhere near me.......shaking, so I covered her up - she slept ... My Lilly girl curled up with me and napped. It was a very quiet Friday - UNTIL Daddy came home, Ms. Lulu was THRILLED to see her father, because he is Jesus in her mind - she went right over to him, cuddled up on him, "save me daddy from that nasty mother i have" .... which Jeff loved every second of that attention totally ate it up ! I proceeded to get the EVIL eye from Lulu all evening....Lucky ME ! At least I had my Lilly baby on my side.

The girls slept all night - ALL night -

and woke up on Saturday in much better spirits, Lulu got over her little attitude problem and was back to being a queen - and Lilly was back to being her cute little self too. They were slow moving on Sat. but alls well ! They had a special visit from Grandmom that just made there afternoon - plus the weather was fantastic; so they got alot of time exploring outside....All in all it was a good weekend, they are healing nicely and are pretty much back to normal - w/the exception of the slight limp to Lilly's walk - we are looking good ! Back to the doc. on the 18th to get our stitches out - which I'm sure Lulu will bitch about but what else is new....

You gotta love it !

(Lilly and Queen Lulu outside on Saturday)

"D" Day.....

Today's the day -Surgery for my girls....I'm sitting here in my office at work with my babies on my lap - getting ready to make the drop off to the doc. They've had a full night of lovin and lots of treats.....more of that to come when they get home !

Good Luck today sweeties......I'll be thinking of u all day

Mommy and Daddy love you

xoxoxo

UPDATE @ 2pm- Girls did very well - out of surgery - groggy per the vet. I can pick them up in an hour.....Little Miss Lilly had to have four teeth pulled - apparently she had some retaining baby teeth that needed to come out or could end up causing major health issues later on. Poor Lilly - always something with her.....she is my "special needs" girlie.

No stopping

Lulabelle - Full Speed

These rugrats even the one with a bum leg....they finally got a chance to enjoy the snow....and this bitter cold weather. I pray that it's the last blast of winter !!!!



Lilly - licking her chops

Lilly is recovering well, starting to put more weight on her leg, and is almost back to her regular Lilly-self. She trys to keep up with Lulu outside, but gives up quick and reverts to eating snow instead of playing in it...

ENJOY the outside girly's - tomorrow you will be extra spoiled...cuz Friday we are packing up and off the the vet at 8am - no breakfast either (prob. the worst part about it for these piglets) I'll be picking them up at 3:30pm and enjoying a calm, relaxing, movie filled Friday night with my babies and my babies daddy !! :) till then !!

Impatient pants...

That's me !! If you don't know me very well, you should know that I am probably the most impatient person ever, a trait that I share with my husband...... With that being said, Lilly went to the vet last night ! I couldn't wait until today - I can't stand to see her in pain, breaks my heart, and I just NEED to know what the problem is....we packed up and off to the doctor at 5pm yesterday.

Diagnosis: After two rounds of x-rays, they discovered that Lilly popped her hip out of the socket, they gave her a heavy sedative, and re-placed the hip all while we were there, she is home now, today is prob. going to be the worst for her, she is very sore; but is on the road to recovery. 4-5 days of rest, and meds....she should be back to her old self, I HOPE ! (thanks Diggy)

ALTHOUGH....little do the girls know - Friday they are scheduled to be spayed....its a pretty rough week for them ... I'll keep you posted on how Lilly is recovering and surgery on Friday; looking forward to a more mellow next week.

Never a dull moment...

Within the Lauble household....Our weekend was nice, I did however paint ALL weekend long, but I got it done, the entire apartment is ready to be rented, my work is done there !! Jeff layed new flooring in the kitchen area, looks awesome, he did however manage to break the stove (sore subject right now, we won't talk abou it). We also managed to enjoy some friends this weekend too, on Fri. night we had dinner with an old friend of Jeff's and his new fiance.....was nice to catch up with them. And then after a full work day on Sat. we grabbed showers and met up with our close friends; Jamie and Nicole at the Waterwheel for a bite to eat at the new bar area....which I have to say is fabulous ! The food was great, atmosphere awesome, wine was super yummy and company terrific ! Def. what we needed after putting in a full day with rollers and brushes.

On Sunday we ended up going back to the apt. to finish up trim and the floor.....FINEAT-O! (thank god) When we got home we headed off to grandmom's house to play and maybe mooch a little dinner (no interest in cooking this weekend, sorry hun).

The girls were super excited to see the Dig Man again, and I was happy my mom was making us dinner ! We took all the dogs outside to play and potty - and just like that, my Lilly girl got hurt, Diggy was running with her, and she fell somehow, twisting her left hind leg, she let out an awful Yelp, and the hobbling began. Diggy didn't mean to hurt his girlfriend, he often forgets how little these peanuts are and how big he is....but Ms. Lilly is def. not herself at all.... Lilly is my free spirit little romper, constantly jumping around and into something...not soo much after yesterday. She has layed on me for an entire day....and has no desire to walk anywhere. We both thought that maybe she just sprained or bruised her leg, I hope, thats why its sore and she won't put weight on it, so I'm giving it a day - today is that day - and she now has a dr. appt. tomorrow....she is not worse, but def. not better. I pray it's nothing major....

Needless to say - the girls have not been able to enjoy this snowy day - Lulu trys to but Lilly wants no parts, she is gimping along and it's heart wrenching to see but there has been lots of napping going on today - Daddy is loving it ! I just want my old Lilly back !!

Update with prognosis to come tomorrow.....Stay Warm !!