August Summer Finale

August always feels strange to me.  It's the height of summer, but it always goes by too quickly and there is a constant feeling of "only XX  days of summer left" throughout the month.  This August wasn't about endings, though, but rather new starts. 

After getting home from ComicCon to a dogless house, I told Chris that though we decided no more dogs for a while, I hated how empty our house was.  He looked at me and said "thank God - it's really lonely here during the day."  So, after many hours on PetFinder, we found Bob and a new relationship started for the whole family.  For Lily he's quickly become a treasured best pal.  For Chris, he's a daytime companion, for me he's therapy for a broken heart, and for Matteo he's alternately a beloved pet an utter annoyance (can't win 'em all).  We were all amazed at how quickly and effortlessly he fit into our family - the missing piece to our puzzle.  I think it helps that he's a young dog that we got together, so rather than bringing too much baggage or bonding with just one of us, he's become the first true family pet we've ever had - loving us all equally. 

For Matteo it was also the start of learning to swim (rocky), Lily moving into a new gymnastics program (rock star), our family's newfound appreciation for kite flying, discovering Whidbey after living here a whopping 11 years, and getting ready for the start of a new school year, complete with a new desk for Lily she loves so much she insisted on eating breakfast at it every morning for a week.  Oh, and the start of a huge growth spurt for Matteo.  After complaining his legs hurt all month I measured him -  he sprouted a whopping 1.5" in less than 3 months. 
I'll sum it up in pictures and quotes:

Picking up Bob from his foster mom - it was love at first paw.

He was this dirty every single pickup.  Every day.  Seriously.

Flying kites.  Doesn't Lily look like a super hero?

Napping on Whidbey.  They're like this a lot.

Lily: I like trips because we see new things and explore new things and have adventures

He ate 1/4 of the loaf before we got home from Farmer's Market

Lily, joyfully every time Bob rolled onto his back for a belly scratch: Look mamma he trustes me!
Me: He does!  He loves you!  But it is "trusts"
Lily, matter of fact: I know, but I just say it that way

 

Me, realizing that awful smell is Filbert is peeing all over his wheel: Ugh, he's so gross
Lily, with "well, duh" tone: He's a boy

 

Lily, skulking off: I'm going to the corner I like to fart in
Me, calling after her: You have a corner for that?!
Lily, returning: Yes, don't go there, it's stinky

 

Matteo patting his belly: BABALOOO!!!  (this is followed by him laughing hysterically)

 

Me: You're being so sweet to Bob
Matteo: I miss Paco, but I have Bob 

Me: (heart breaking)

 

Lily:  Matteo! Stop yelling in my ears!

Matteo: I DIDN'T! I NOT YELLING!

Me: You kinda are, pal.

Matteo, next five minutes in whispers: Mama, Lily, how this? I not yelling!
 

Matteo, sitting down next to me, taking my hand: You are my family!

I sure am, buddy, and I couldn't be happier about it.