Day 1: The cutest little puppy ever.

I did a month of thankfulness in November of last year, so I decided to carry on the tradition and do it again this year! It is a great experience that really allows you to appreciate life during such a busy time of year!

Today, marking the first day of being grateful... I'd happy to have my sweet little Diego. 

Who, yesterday, was Diego the Shark Dog. 

Okay, so he may not have been happy about it.

I know I'm biased but he is the greatest puppy in the world.  Even when he gets mad at me for taking a gazillion pictures of him.

This is his, "seriously-another-picture-are-you-kidding-me-right-now" face. And also his "I seriously need a haircut" face.

I don't know if you are an animal lover, but either way you need to get a dog. It will make your world go round. 

(P.S. Super late pregnancy week 20 update to come soon!) 

I'm Back!

And the world's worst blogger of the year award goes to... :)

I apologize.  I wish I had a great excuse but the truth is that I have been L.A.Z.Y.  Okay, maybe I haven't been 100% lazy, it's probably 50% lazy and 50% very busy!

Summertime in Alaska is unlike any other place in this world.  Sunlight 20 hours/day, mountains begging you to explore them, trails to run on, parties to attend, friends to see, and camping trips to go explore our giant, beautiful state.  So, if you really want to know where I've been?  I've been enjoying and savoring every single moment of summer!  And what a summer we've been having!

I wish I could say that is normal to be in the 80's in Alaska, but unfortunately the highs usually stay around 65, maybe 70 if we're lucky!  I'm glad Alaska rewarded me with a wonderfully beautiful summer after 2 years of being away at school. :)

I am adjusting well to being a graduate and living back in Alaska.  I won't lie,  the first month was pretty rough... but it was to be expected.  Jake has been amazingly patient and understanding as I've settled into our home and started to find my way in the world as a "non-study-aholic-normal-person."  It is our first time living together since our wedding on December 30, 2011!  And forgive my cheesiness, but I am more in love with him now than I was a year and a half ago.  There is nothing quite as amazing as being married to your best friend.

Diego, aka the best puppy in the world, is doing great.  He is growing like a little bean and is currently 7.5 pounds!  Every day is such a joy when you have this face to look at.

Don't get me wrong, he's still a puppy and likes to chew on sandals, my favorite running headband, and iphone headphones...

Luckily he is a great listener, loves to snuggle, and 90% of the time he just wants to be near you.

I appreciate all of the love since I've been gone - all the comments and e-mails are appreciated!

I hope all of you are well!  How has everyone's summer been?

Home Sweet Alaska

Where have I been?

I apologize for neglecting the blog.  Isn't it funny how I found time to write daily when I was the busiest and most stressed I've ever been? Since I've been home, I feel like I needed to take the time to reestablish myself in my forever home!

Diego is adjusting to Alaska like a champ.

Even when it snowed.

Yes, it is almost June.  Yes, we did get over 4 inches of snow.  And yes... I did want to leave on the first flight back to Cali.  :)

I am also adjusting to being back in Alaska.  I'm not going to lie, it's been a challenge getting back into the groove, but I'm finally starting to feel a little bit more settled!

And Alaska finally decided to turn into Summer.  The trees have little buds on them, the sun is shining, and my thermometer hit 71! It's good to be home.

Adventures in Santa Cruz

Note to self: Traveling with a puppy is a great way to make friends.
I mean, who can resist this face?

Jake and I got an awesome Living Social deal that put us right on the ocean front at the Casablanca Inn. Our relaxing vacation in Santa Cruz involved a lot of resting...

Staring at our twin in the mirror...

Playing with toys in our hotel room...

And walking the downtown streets of Santa Cruz. Human walking that is. Diego has not quite mastered the art of walking with a leash.

He likes to sit and stare at you like you're crazy when you take a few steps. So ridiculously cute.

After some intense training (and by intense, I mean 10 minutes. That's like 2 days in puppy time), he started to get the idea.

All that puppy training worked up our appetite, so we ate at a few delicious restaurants including Las Palmas.  Delicious Tacos and a Vegetarian quesadilla for under $10!

The living social deal came with a voucher for dinner at an adorable German restaurant, Tyrolean Inn, in a small town called Ben Lomond about 20 minutes from Santa Cruz. I've had some German food in my life, but nothing as delicious as this!  It was a real treat!  I highly recommend it if you are in the area!

Yes, I am one of those dog owners.  Don't judge.

True Story!

As much fun as we had in Santa Cruz, we know that all good times must come to an end.  Yesterday we left Santa Cruz and drove to Northern Cali where we will be enjoying wine country at its' finest for the next few days!  Have I mentioned that I love being done with grad school yet? :)

Welcome to the Family, Diego!

On Monday our family grew from two to three!

We made the 3 hour drive to pick up our little friend from his breeder.  I said this before, but I cannot say enough positive things about his breeder at Cee Cee's Puppy Palace.  The kennels are spotless, the breeder is extremely knowledgeable, and the dogs are loved.

We were originally going to pick up Diego next week when we leave for Alaska, but we couldn't wait a minute longer!

Jake was nervous about their first meeting, but that quickly faded away when Diego came running up to him!

The breeder even said, "Diego doesn't usually give a lot of kisses!"  That was before he met his Daddy.

It's love.

I like to think he remembered me from last week.

I can't imagine the emotional rollercoaster he must have been going through as we drove away from his mom & dad, friends, and first home in Reedley, California.

However, he tolerated the drive well and before we knew it, we were in Santa Cruz to start our first family vacation!

He got to see the ocean for the first time, hear the barking of sea lions, and look at all of the fun rides along the Santa Cruz boardwalk.

Tuckered out pup.

He is the best puppy and only cried once during the night to go to the bathroom, then he sleep until 7am without a peep!  We are so blessed!

Meeting Our New Puppy!

This morning when I met Diego, it was like a slow-motion scene in a movie.  Diego came running down the dirt path as I ran toward him... and he lept into my arms...

Our first meeting!

Okay, maybe not quite so dramatic, but he did come running towards me and I definitely would not let him go for about 5 minutes.

So happy!

Has got to be the cutest dog in the world.  Don't you agree?

My favorite is when he makes faces like this:

And this:

He is a cuddler, but also likes to be independent and explore on his own.  He has the cutest white spots on his chest, forehead, chin, back paw and the tip of his tail.  He also is pretty much potty trained at 8 weeks.  I'm pretty sure that means he's a genius.  Couldn't be more proud of my lil guy.

It was so hard to say goodbye to him today, but I know we will be together soon!  I am counting down the days until we get to take him home for good.  It will be the best.

Hasta Pronto, Diego!!

Puppy Love and Fun in San Diego!

I'm sure you were starting to miss this little guy's adorable face, so here's Diego's 7 week video courtesy of his breeder:

He's the adorable medium sized one with the white spot on his chest that is attacking his brothers.  Way to make mom proud, little guy... ;)

On a side note, what did we get ourselves into?? I haven't seen that much energy since I babysat a 2 year old.  Good thing I already love him more than I ever thought possible!
____________________________________________________

The past few days in San Diego were a whirlwind of fun!

A hike with my fave running buddy...

Biggest smile of the year award goes to....

Multiple visits to Pannikin for my GF Chocolate Chip Muffin and amazing coffee (which Dennis gave me a pound of to bring home!  Best present ever!) ...

And runs on the beach.

It was an amazing vacation, but all good things must come to an end.

Farewell my favorite city, farewell...

Back to San Francisco to get ready for graduation!  Can't wait to see my family, Jake's family, and classmates in just 9 days!  This 2 year long ride on the PA school rollercoaster is finally coming to an end!  :)