Well, I went down to Atlanta with NB for Christmas, and while we were there, we went to visit his cousin's family. His aunt came along with the litter of puppies, which were two weeks old at the time, and I fell in love. And to make it even more fateful -- they were born on NB's birthday. I spent the last month talking to friends and family and really finding out if I was ready for a dog, which I've been wanting for SO LONG. And it turns out the answer is yes. What's most surprising to me is how supportive and excited my mom is about the idea -- she's always been the one discouraging us from getting pets. But once Brendan got a cat, after babysitting him a few times, I think she realized how much she missed having animals around the house. So I guess I have Brendan to thank for buttering her up.

Anyhow, when I talked to NB's aunt last night, and I heard the good news about Earl, I told her that I wanted the other black puppy. Then I hung up and immediately booked a flight down to Atlanta to pick him up. I'm crazy for this dog! I'm going down and staying over a night with NB's parents, then flying back the next day with the puppy. Then I went online and bought just about everything I need in terms of supplies -- toys, shampoo, brushes, nail clippers, treats, collars, leashes, you name it, I got it. Everything except a crate and food. Now I have to start knitting him a kick-ass doggy sweater to keep him warm in this freezing weather we've all of a sudden developed. I can't wait! Here's hoping the next two weeks fly by. I can't wait to get my baby!