The exciting tales of Lindsey, Sophie and Luey

They are growing up fast!

Luey update (july 24, 2009)

We took Luey to the neurologist for a re-check on Wednesday and all we heard was good news! I quote "for as bad as she was, she is doing good and on track for a full recovery". So, Todd and I were just in oblivion, I guess, to how bad the situation really was since all of her extremities were affected. Anyhow, her reflexes are back. Her "stepping" reflex (as I will call it since the DMD did not tell me the name) is back in her front legs but just a little in her hind legs. Luey continues to walk like Bambi but is getting stronger by the day. I can actually get her outside and down the steps by myself . . . getting in the house is a bit more challenging considering I may have to lift her and I have a 3 year opening and closing the door (trying to be of help, of course). So, as far as we can tell, Luey is on her way to a full recovery but it may take up to 2-3 months. We'll take it! Luey actually walked out of the vet's office with a little sling under her hind end and a slip on protective sleeve for her front right paw. This sleeve helps her get traction and protect her skin when she bends her paw under, but it is nothing like a brace like we were expecting. This is good though; it will require her to work harder and get stronger. After all this, Luey is still a whopping 70 lbs! She has lost about 2-3 pounds from all of this . . . not a bad thing but she is still hefty! Way to go Luey! WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU FOR OUR DOG! (we'll post more video soon)

Lindsey learns to dance

little help from the dancing bears

loves the tap shoes

Luey's Story

Luey is our 5 year old (just turned 5 this June 2009) chocolate Lab. She has been with us since 9 weeks old and has welcomed our 2 "adoring" yet, challenging daughters with love and licks. On Tuesday July 7, 2009 when Todd and the girls arrived home from work/school, they found Luey struggling to greet them at the door. Luey could not move her right hind leg. We took Luey to the nearest 24 hr ER and was told this condition was likely to be an FCE (fibrocartilaganous embolism). This condition has no known cause. It seems to happen in 3-6 year old, large breed dogs, usually male (Luey is a female, despite her name). Her condition worsened over the next 24 hours, progressing to no use of her right side, and minimal use of her left hind leg. Her right eyelid even began drooping (Horner's syndrome). As we were told there is nothing you can do, except be patient, for this condition to change, we immediately began physical therapy (well, OF COURSE!). Treating her with range of motion of her legs and weight-bearing in her legs, she began her slow recovery. The neuro vet told said it may take up to 4 weeks to get her back to function, but substantial improvement shoud occur by 14 days. It's an amazing workout lifting a 72 lb lab up and down. No, I can't lift her (although I have tried) but Todd is doing an amazing job. She has to be carried in and out of the house for toileting - sometimes she makes it and sometimes she doesn't; it's OK. The prognosis is questionable at this point. We have spoke with a few vets and have some hope. It's just a waiting game now.
As of today, July 15, 2009, Luey is making gains. She has her spirit back about 75% and will eat and wag her tail. She can "shake" with her right paw. She will make attempts to stand when motivated by someone or something new. She has a difficult time putting weight through her front right and left hind leg. Her ability to feel her limbs "in space" in quite limited.
It's hard at times for all of us. "They" say not to let the dog know your sadness, as she can sense what you are feeling, but boy that is tough, when all you want to do is cuddle, cry, and lay with her (and of course, massage her to recovery).
We are not giving up and neither is Luey. We'll keeping waiting, praying and hoping.
Thank you for all of your warm thoughts during this time.

We love our Luey

Here's to a quick recovery Luey! We love you and want to see you make a full recovery! XOXOXOX Hang in there, we know you can do it!

Happy 1st Birthday Sophie - What a Year!
June 20 ,2009

Our (parents only) Lake Tahoe Trip

a look down from one of the ski runs

sunset on the beach

****************************************************

On our recent, brief trip to St. Louis, Todd and I took Lindsey to her first Cards game (better luck next time Cards) - not to mention my first time at the new stadium! We enjoyed watching Fredbird dance. However, when it came time to get a souvenir, Lindsey choose who we now call "Fred Bear". I guess he just appeared a little more cuddly than Fredbird. Lindsey also visited Grant's Farm and fed goats milk from a bottle. Todd and I even got to catch up with a few friends and meet their newest family additions. Thanks for a great visit STL family and friends.

2 little Sophies . . . 1 is very hungry!

THANK YOU

My wonderful Mom's day was spent getting hand and foot prints of my sweet, yet full-of-surprises little girls, at a local clay store. I was also able to enjoy a nice walk with the whole family around the river. (I even snuck in a nap!) A great day and the weather cooperated. Thank you Todd and girls!

Happy Easter!

Then . . . (March 2006)

Now . . . (March 2009)

Lindsey Turns 3!

Oops! Although we are almost out of April, we will reflect on our little Lins turning the BIG 3 on March 16th! We celebrated the big event Princess style (as other Mothers have warned me that ALL girls will go through the Princess phase at some point in their lives . . . our little one is no different . . . yippie??!!). We had all our family in town which was wonderful along with friends from the city traveling up to see the festivities. Lindsey continues to enjoy playing with all of her b-day toys - not really forgetting any of them. She is becoming quite the focused child. Sometimes she even spends 1 hour playing with the play-dough sets she received. We can't express enough how fun it is to see Lindsey grow and learn. She changes weekly. I love watching her "motherly" instincts with her "new baby" and with (old baby) Bella. Sorry Bella. Lindsey enjoys playing with her neighbor-friend Emily, who is also in her preschool class. We like to watch them running around together and actually playing together. We are excited for each new adventure for Lindsey but also sad to see her grow up so quickly. Happy Birthday Lindsey - WE LOVE YOU

As we approach her 3rd birthday . . . Lindsey has her first haircut!!! Yippie! She 'survived' and was actually quite impressed, despite the pouting picture.

Bella must accompany us on all trips!

Finally! A picture with both (I mean all 3) girls smiling . . . awwwwhhhhhhh

Daddy, Mommy and the Girls

Sophie (5.5 months)

Lindsey and Bella (January 2009)

Happy 2009!

Bitzer Family Christmas - Midwest Style with LOTS of snow

Christmas was a great celebration this year as Lindsey was fully aware of Santa, Christmas tree, and presents. We were lucky to have 2/3 of the grandparents present and Aunt Hallie and Uncle Joe too, to witness Lindsey's extravaganza of gift opening. Yes, she was a bit spoiled but isn't that what Christmas is all about . . .at least at this age? I guess you could say Sophie enjoyed her first Christmas too, although she was snoozing pretty much the whole day (6 hours total of naptime! yikes!). All of Sophie's presents (except clothing) are currently being tested out by Lindsey. I can't wait 'til Sophie can fight for her own toys . . . well, maybe I can; not so sure about this sibling rivalry thing yet. As we bring in the New Year we have a TON to be thankful for . . . most of all, happy (most of the time) and healthy children, the best dog of all time, and a family bond that grows stronger by the minute.

Lindsey tests-out her new dress up princess outfits

Sophie shows-off her Miss Santa outfit

Thanksgiving Day

Lindsey helps to nourish her little sister . . . please note, she has entered the "I dress myself" stage . . . on days she does not go to school, Lindsey chooses her own clothes! Oh well???

Mom and Dad's Hike . . . without the girls

We recently went to Starved Rock . . . about 2 hours southwest of our home. We had a great time hiking with Luey and reminiscing about the good ole' days in Oregon. We will continue to explore the Midwest in search of scenic hikes (preferably ones without boardwalks! HA!) Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Fuhrmann for babysitting!

Visiting the Brookfield Zoo

gotta love those sunglasses

Our pumpkin adventure

click the pic to see more of the pumpkin patch

Lindsey leads the way out of the corn maze!

Here is a preview of my Halloween costume . . . I love looking in the mirror! . . . I'm a monkey, just in case you were wondering!

First day of school! (Oct. 2008)

So, last week was the girls' first day of school. To "prepare" Lindsey I took her to school the day before she started, just to look around. She was fairly interested but clingy to me the entire time. And listen to this one . . . she didn't want to leave; she wanted to keep playing! (unfortuately things wouldn't go the same the following day).The next day (real school day), after we said our good-bye's to Sophie in the infant room, we went to see Lindsey's classroom . . . didn't go as great as the previous. I spent just a few minutes showing Lindsey around and playing with the other kids and 2 teachers, then decided to leave . . . Lindsey clung to me for dear life and basically ripped off my jacket as I tried to leave. Tears came from both sides that day . . . I called the daycare (of course!!!) an hour later and spoke with the teachers . . . they told me Lindsey was doing great and enjoying her music class. She even napped well and played with our neighbor friend who happens to be in the same class! The next day at school went much smoother with no tears, just a slight hint of sadness.In case you were wondering, Sophie was oblivious to my departure both days during her first week of school . . . actually smiling and flirting with the teachers as I left! Hmmm, the wonders of infancy.

Who's Who????

Bonding with Luey

Luey, not appearing very thrilled with the pose, but none-the-less, cute photo op

Big Girl bed time . . .

So, we are in the "transition" phase of sleeping in the Big Girl bed. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have not read any books on this so I don't know any tips. We still have the crib assembled in Lindsey's room, along with the toddler bed. Lindsey chose to sleep in the big girl bed for 1 nap (Way-to-go Lins!) and the rest of the naps/night-times have been in "good ole' faithful". The one nap went pretty successfully with only 1 trip back to her room to re-assure her she was OK. She hasn't "chosen" to go back to the new bed yet, although, she does insist on reading books and playing in it. I guess we will have to go cold turkey and see what happens . . . UGH!

Don't worry, this is just playing around, not really falling out of the bed!

Ready for Buckeye Season!
Let the countdown begin . . . OSU vs Wisconsin - a "get-away" for Mom and Dad!!! They will be gone for a whole day and night - party time with Grandma and Grandpa ("tee-tees" aka. "cookies" galore!)

Welcome to the family, Sophie Grace

Sophie Grace entered our family on June 20, 2008 at 2:28 pm (I was napping) weighing 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long. I think we look pretty similar but I guess it's a little hard to tell since Sophie is not a week old yet! I love my sis and can't wait to help take care of her!
To see more pics, click on our family photo!

I guess you could call me a "Midwesterner" now!?

After a few months of serious soul searching, Mom and Dad decided to finalize plans to move us to the Midwest. After Dad and Luey driving (Luey didn't drive - just rode - ha ha), Mom and I flying and driving, we finally arrived in town mid April and have been getting settled since. Mom seems to be very emotional - we can blame it on my baby sister and her hormones but we all know that's just her! Dad is already working and appears to be enjoying our new home - especially daydreaming of boating on the various lakes that are around us. We can't forget about all the Buckeye football we will be around now too! Luey is a bit confused - no bay window to look at neighbors but nevertheless, she's a well adjusted dog!!! I am finding Illinois quite interesting. A lot of playgrounds to choose from, more dogs to meet and play with (Kipplee, Ditka and Bosley) and I love my new home - the stairs are sooooo fun! I am getting so good, Mom and Dad decided to hold off on the gates!

Oh by the way, I am starting to get tan lines . . . never had that issue in Portland . . . also, Mom and Dad are inventing new (not so nice) words as they deal with these things call mosquitos and ticks . . . yuckie!