RIP Blitz

Blitz and I were out for a run today when a driver swerved off the road and hit and killed Blitz.  Blitz was hit in the head and knocked unconscious.  An other car was right behind the distracted driver and he witnessed the accident and rushed us to the vet, but Blitz never regained consciousness and died on the way.  The witness to the accident was a saint.  Apparently the witness had been following the driver for a little while trying to get his license plate because the driver was swerving all over the road.  The driver was trying to work on his computer and drive at the same time.  Blitz, I miss you.

Fortunately Xander is to little to understand that Blitz is dead.  Kids are so adaptable at this age, he just accepts that Blitz isn't here any more.

A tribute to Blitz, a good friend, a great running buddy and much loved member of the Lewis household.

July 2002 - Blitz as a brand new puppy.

 July 2002 - Blitz and Otto together.  Blitz tuckered out from hiking his first 14er.

November 2004 - enjoying a still warm late fall day.

 January 2005 - Blitz went out for a run with me on a cold foggy morning and came back all frosty.

March 2005 - Playing in the snow

December 2006 - Family Time

August 2007 - Playing Stick

February 2008 - Brothers together enjoying the warm fireplace

April 2009 - Blitz out for a first walk with Xander

May 2009 - All the boys together

July 2009 - Blitz keeping watch

April 2010 - Blitz enjoying the spring sun while Xander plays

September 2010- A boy and his dog

January 2011 - Xander riding Blitz

Mary 2011 - Blitz wearing Xander's hat

May 2011 - Erin and Blitz

September 2011 - Blitz giving Maya kisses

October 2011 - Blitz keeping watch from  Maya's boppy

Kathy Comes to Visit, Xander's Surgery

Being a mother now, I understand in a way that I never imagined what it is to love someone unconditionally.  My roll model for this is my own mother.  The older I get, the more I seem to need and appreciate her.  It's the big things, like the quiet bond that exists and the knowledge that I can call anytime to get her words of encouragement.  It's also the "small" things like knowing I can call on her to help me "anytime, anywhere."

In this case, we had Xander's surgery to correct his umbilical hernia in the same week I would have to leave for school.  I'd only be gone for 48 hours, but having an extra set of loving hands around "just in case" was a really good idea.  Mom came out a few days early to establish herself around our "routine"  (aka: barely controlled chaos), stayed home with Maya the morning of Xander's surgery, and then stayed through the weekend to help Jake while I was away.

The kids really love the grandma, and their faces light up so much to see her, it's amazing.

Xander's surgery went really easily, and he healed fast.  We did need to keep him semi-sedentary for a few days, and I think he watched "Finding Nemo" at least 5 times in 3 days and can now recite large passages of the story to us.  He also perfected some new puzzles and read lots and lots of books.

Maya also enjoyed time with Grandma.  I think they look alike... don't you?

Thank goodness Mom was around, because while I was away and she was at home with the kids, Jake and Blitz went out running and Blitz was killed by a distracted driver (please see our post on this).  Mom helped Jake in all the small ways and big ways that I couldn't, being so far away.  They worked on projects to stay busy, and she supported him with the love of a mother.  Thank you Mom!

Maya the Lounger

Maya has developed a lounging style.  She army crawls to whatever interests her and then props  herself up on one arm to play with whatever seems to interest her.  I don't remember Xander ever doing this, it seems to be a style all her own.

Speaking of crawling, Maya has developed a wicked fast army crawl.  She is still not really getting up on her knees yet, but she sure can get around the room quickly on her belly.  Look out world!

Xander the Shredder in Crested Butte

Our weekend in Crested Butte:  Full of beauty, fun, and.... my take-home test.

Xander taking advantage of the sun and the Crested Butte dirt bike park to practice his ascents and descents. Way to go Xander!

 And just in case you were wondering "What are they thinking??!!" here is ia glimpse of a local just-turned-5 year old clearing at least 12 inches of air. Shredder! 

While I studied and took a take-home test, Jake took the kids to see some fantastic fall glory.

Hiking Green Mountain

Took Xander for a hike up Green Mountain today.  I couldn't believe how well he did.  He walked all by himself almost all the way to the top and had so much fun.  When I say walked I should really say ran, because if he was moving, he was running!  He tuckered out near the top and we didn't quite make it all the way, deciding discretion was the better part of valor, we turned back.  What a wonderful day!

What happens when Xander doesn't want to take a nap and is enjoying "quiet time"

The Usual Suspects

Xander has a desire for order and symmetry. 

It's pretty amazing how much enjoyment he gets out of putting things in order. 

The Wild Things are at home reading

While Mom is trying her darnest to become a fashion expert (at least as far as the maternity world is concerned)  Dad needs a little remedial education...  He actually picked out this outfut for Maya to go out in public.  "It fits!" says Jake.  I'll give him that one- Maya is growing fast and is outgrowing a lot of her clothes- time to switch to the next larger size I think!

A Daddys' day-trip to the Butterfly Pavilion

Our good friend Doug is a stay-at-home dad most of the time although he also teaches soccer (can't wait for Xander to be old enough next year!)  We met Doug here in Colorado, but he went to Virginia Tech with us.  He has two wonderful kids, a boy and a girl, just a little older than each of our kids.  So, since Jake is taking every other Friday off (as am I) to be with the kiddos, it was a perfect opportunity for the dads to take all the kids to the Butterfly Pavilion.  I'm hoping that this can be a regular thing.