Getting things done

I've been busy around the house tackling lots of those little jobs that keep getting put off.  Over the weekend, I pruned back the trees between our place and the neighbour.  It really opens up that side of the house, but also makes me lament how much work still needs to happen along there before we can really use the yard to its full potential.  The grass out the front is looking good, though.  For a while, you couldn't go outside without shoes on because there were so many bindis.  But now, not a single one in sight.  Bear was playing in his blow-up pool out the front yesterday, and running around with no shoes on.  It was great.  And the grass is so lush.  I am so proud of Mr for managing to get the weeds under control. 

I also cleaned and conditioned the leather lounge.  It came up really well.  Tom loves the smell of the leather polish, and is now sleeping on the lounge (cheeky dog). 

Tom has recently decided he is a dog.  I know that he is a dog, but it recently appears that he has finally decided to accept his fate.  He has started doing doggy things, like exploring in the garden, digging holes, and flaking out on the floor for a nap.  Before, he would run downstairs, pee, run upstairs, hide.  That was about it.  Oh, and bark.  A lot. 

But now, he is starting to offset some of the barking with genuine doggy behaviour.  He seems so much more relaxed, and happy.  It is lovely.

Bear loves Tom.  Last night, before bed, he said goodnight to EVERYONE he knows.  It went something like this:
"Night-night, Mumma.
Night-night, Daddy.
Night-night, Nanna (my Mum).
Night-night, Oodle-Loodle (my Dad).
Night-night, Vonny (my grandma).
Night-nigh, Dennis (her brother).
Night-night, Nanny (Mr's Mum).
Night-night, Pa (Mr's Dad)
Night-night, Grandma (Mr's grandma).
Night-night, Shell (FDC carer).
Night-night, Paul (her partner).
Night-night *other kids from FDC.
Night-night, Sally.
Night-night, Tom.  Woof-woof.  No barking.  Too noisy.  Noisy dog.  Love you, Tom. Night-night."

And when he leaves for day-care now, he says, "Bye-bye, Mumma.  Love you, Mumma.  Out the back, dogs.  Bye Tom.  See you later.  Have a lovely day." 

It is so cute.