Mokey's 3rd Birthday

 Mokey turned 3 years old this week! In celebration, we went out and did a few of her favorite things...

This year Mokey got a new water toy (mostly because it was on sale the day before her birthday) - turns out, there was a reason it was on sale. The picture on the packaging shows the water shooting up and going in all kinds of crazy directions (it aught to have been great Momo fun). But it was a complete and utter birthday flop. The water sprayed upwards about a foot in a slight drizzle - it was so pathetic even Mokey looked at it like 'what's this for?'. Oh well, we promptly put it away and got out her metal sprinkler.

The above is a series of pictures that accurately displays the water hose play cycle. Initial play involves chasing the water around like a lunatic. After the initial frenzy has worn off, taking a break over the cooling spray is appropriate and beneficial for rejuvenation. Then more crazy play is required. Finally, after exhaustion has been reached a thorough face drying is appreciated. This having been concluded and the hose having been put away, a search for any lingering water sprayers is implemented. After which time, the play cycle is concluded with an invigorating roll in the grass.

We've also been practicing Mokey's search skills. She's now doing pretty well at cars and is even able to practice in parking lots. Of course, we're in the back of the lot and she goes back into the car if any people come near, but at least she's able to work in an environment that she normally finds stressful/scary.

 Mokey also had a very disgusting looking birthday dinner (the above picture is mostly posted for my sisters benefit). She had a chicken, liver, sweet potato/peach mixture that the entire family agreed was disgusting, but of course she loved it.

So, here's to three years with the big baby. Mokey still loves to have her morning face rubs, people greetings and toy sucking sessions. She's obviously still an avid fan of the water hose, people glompings, duck treats, and prefers going for a 'ride' over being left at home. Squirrels still run in terror and she still loses her brain whenever she sees a dog or stranger. She's a work in progress even at 3 but I suppose, she's our work in progress and we smile more because of her. Right now she's playing with Chase, racing from the living room to the sun room and then up the stairs to jump on my bed before galumphing back down the stairs to undoubtedly begin the process all over again. She's also the reason my garden fountain needs constant refillings (as seen below). Silly baby!

Mokeys Spring Love

I think my sister nailed it on the head last week when she reminded me that I'm a terrible 'blogger'. I guess that's pretty much true since it's been five months since the last post, but hey, life happens. Moving on...

This spring Mokey has discovered a new love. Our latest garden addition - A fountain. It's not an impressive fountain (it was a DIY project, come on, how impressive could it be) but nevertheless it is a working fountain! My first attempt at this water feature went horribly awry when Mokey expressed her undying devotion by pulling the entire pot over (rocks and all) - the pot cracked and split and crumbled into pieces - much like my heart after I realized what she'd done. That fountain had been up for maybe twenty minutes. All that work.... anyways, we tried again. This time with a larger pot and more rocks (lots of rocks) and eureka! Success was mine! And Mokey's blissfully back in love. Of course I should have guessed she wouldn't be able to leave it alone - it's running water and it even bubbles a little! Now at least she contents herself with head dunking instead of pot dumping.

Mokey's also a little spoiled. Last year Mokey discovered the joy of rotating sprinklers; but like most things that Mo loves - she promptly broke it and sent it up to plastic sprinkler heaven. So this year, as Mom and I were shopping, we happened to pass by a rack of metal sprinklers. Let it be known that I was not the one who caved and bought it. Mokey's grandma was. So today Mokey spent a wonderful half an hour outside with just her and her sprinkler. Ah, doggy bliss. Of course I should mention that while ridiculous, her love of water has come in handy. Our fence connects to the neighbors fence in back and the neighbor has a little, yippy dog who likes to come up to the fence and smack talk with Mokey. Mo isn't allowed to do that (yet dearly loves it), so when she hears the jingle of little tags and her heart races at the first high pitched yip I can tell her to 'Leave it' and then reward her with some water. She loves the water so much she'll come away from the fence. A win for everyone. Of course, she doesn't get water every time, but Mokey lives on the edge and is always hoping for that one time when I'll get her water pitcher and sprinkle some wonderful wetness around the yard.

 It should be noted however that bath time is horrible. Completely horrible. And usually results in cuddling on the couch with blankets.