Baby Stuart Update - a chunky monkey

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

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Stuart was at the vet's today for his last set of shots and he weighed 21.1 pds (14.5 weeks)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My gosh - Rooney only weighs 21.5 and he is 11 months.  In 5.5 weeks Stuart went from 6.9 to 21.1 - wow that Orijen & Primal is dangerous - lol.  So is this where I double his weight and add 5 or 10 pds?  That would make him around 42-52 pds as an adult.  Yep - I could handle that.

 

 

Taken from our balcony - sun setting over Lake MichiganI thought I'd write an amusing recount of our doodlecation travels and other stories - but unlike Laurie - I'm just not that funny.  Anyhoo - the Rooney, Stuart and I drove round trip 2,645 - to Michigan and back to Flordia in the puppy hauler 2011, our first big road trip, Daddy of course flew between NYC & MI - so I did this alone.  The boys did very well in their car seats and slept much of the time or layed and chewed on a bully stick.  I had that SUV packed to the roof with dog items; ex-pen, softsided crate, toys, food, bowls, on and on, the entire back window was blocked.  I could barely get my one luggage in there.  In each door well I kept poop bags, puppy wipes, treats and their gulpy water bottle.  It was time consuming when I stopped to potty two puppies but we made it work.  Stuart would try to climb out of his seat and into Rooney's at times but hey - I like a good snuggle too.  Having them strapped in really gives you peace of mind while driving and I loved the remote start on my car - I exit the vehicle, hit the remote start which locks the doors and the suv runs with the air conditioning for the boys so that mommy can go potty too.

At the condo the potty training became a bit of a struggle - Stuart thought that as long as we left our front door that it "was time".  Sadly - this just left us in the carpeted hallwall waiting for the elevator, which resulted in a trip to Petsmart for cleaning supplies.  Thank goodness the neighbors never saw.  Stuart is a good boy, sweet and gentle - except to Rooney who will be have to have his ears shaved - Stuart has chewed them into hair mats the size of golf balls.  It was also at the condo that I could really see for the first time how much Stuart sheds - we have dark wood floors.  OMD!!!!!!!!!!!!  I could sweep 3 x day and not keep up - big ol hair puppies were rolling every place.  YUCK.  I love Stuart but the hair is a problem for me.  I might try shaving him into a hairless Chinese Crested puppy (don't laugh - I'm not kidding).  The boys had a great time except for the fireworks right out our balcony - Stuart could have cared less - Rooney & I spent most of that time in the bedroom with the tv on trying to stay calm, funny as thunder doesn't bother him.  Stuart is getting neutered on the 19th and I can't wait to see his weight - he eats like a moose and during the month that I've had him has pooped more than Rooney has in 11 months.  I don't think I can afford the Orijen at this rate and need suggestions on a less costly but good quality food, Karen? 

On the up side, I've decided to spend the summers in MI starting next year - it made me happy to be next to my beloved lake MI, near family & friends.  We are buying a boat slip in the marina by our condo so maybe next year we'll get the Puppy Cruiser 2012.  Anyone know of good boat names that incorporate the doodles?  How bout "What The Dog"?  Send me your idea!

So we've missed the past 2 weeks here (no internet at the condo) and I've missed out on so much!!!  Glad to be back to DK!!!!!  Doodlecation photos are on my page.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Wow Stuart, another week and you'll be the big brother!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

There is a place that DH and I always stop in IN on our way to WI (Madison)...it's Sauder Village. They have a lovely hotel there and a chicken restaurant (buffet style). Have you been there?

What a great accomplishment for your boys...farming, a lot of hard work but such a wonderful life in my opinion. Nature at it's best.

 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I was born, raised & lived in a small town in S.W. MI for my entire life till I was in my 40s, then moved to GA for 3 yrs, back to MI for 3 yrs & now in FL.  Michigan is home, a small town right on the lake, facing towardsChicago, about 25 minutes north of the Indiana border, 40 minutes north of South Bend.  I can be in downtown Chicago on I94 in 1.5 hrs.  Both of my sons are full time farmers in the area - farming aprox. 9,000 acres in MI & IN.  The majority of my family are there, including both my parents.  I love MI - just not in the winter - lol.  I'm going to be a duel cititzen starting next year!!!!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a gorgeous sunset. I think wintering one place and summering another sounds wonderful.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Where exactly is your condo in MI Jane? All of my family is in Michigan as well.  I love it there (once you get through the Detroit drive). Very good friends just South of Mackinaw and family everywhere else.

We missed you while you were away. If you do the summers in MI you simply must be connected!

:o)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

"Doodlicious" would also be a good boat name. Sorry to steal the teeshirt idea...

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Jane! I was wondering where you were hiding. What a beautiful photo! I'm glad Stuart is doing well, as is Rooney. How about naming your boat "DoodleKiss" or "Michigan Sunrise"?

[Camilla and Darwin]

Sounds like fun! I've been looking at the photos you've been adding and loving it. I always love hearing about your two adorable doods

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Hey everyone - come on up next summer - what a blast!!!!  We better get a bigger boat - lol - have to fit all the doodles. 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

You are one brave women driving so far with two dogs!

Sounds like a wonderful trip. We have missed you! 

Oh and can Peri and I come to the lake next summer?????