Lina digs the nail aisle at Lowe's

Sad News

Yesterday, we were notified that Violet suffered a spinning episode and overheated on Monday.  After using many methods to cool her down to allow her to relax without success, Violet's foster mother brought her to the vet.  They gave her a shot of Valium, but unfortunately it did not help.  At that time, the incredibly tough decision was made to euthanize her. Our poor, helpless, sweet Violet is gone. 

The heartbreak that Chris and I are feeling is immeasurable.  We thought we were making the best decision for Violet by surrendering her to a reputable Pug rescue organization, that another home would be a better fit for her, and that she would have more fun and be a happier Pug.  We are extremely saddened to know that she spent her last week and a half of life in a strange new environment without the people she was comfortable with and those that she loved in her own way...and especially with people that loved her as much as we did. We had the utmost confidence that Violet's foster family would tend to her needs just as we did, if not better, but we were let down.  We feel a tremendous about of guilt that we caused this to happen, but we know we made the right decision at the time and we need to continue to believe that, despite this worst-case scenario actually occurring.  We aren't naive to the fact that Violet had a neurological condition but her episodes were manageable and it shouldn't have come to this.

Violet's foster mom arranged a private cremation for her.  Despite the sadness we are feeling, we are happy to know that she will be right where she belongs.  Back to her forever home on BHL.  

Violet "Pugsley Magoo" Ciano : March 13, 2009 - April 11, 2011

If there is a doggie heaven, Violet most certainly passed through the pearly gates.  She is there participating in her favorite activities, snoozing in her comfy bed and receiving belly rubs as often as she'd like, with the occasional game of fetch. Now that's a good life.  

Violet, you will never be forgotten.  We love and miss you.  

xo 

The BEST Crib Sheet

When I first started to decorate Evelina's nursery, I knew I couldn't live without the Brooke crib sheet, it was part of my inspiration since the colors along with the cute owls and trees where perfect for my vision of the room.  For the first 6 months of Evelina's life, she was swaddled. She had imited blowouts/leaks during the night, but since she didn't really move around much and her hands weren't free to grab anything in fear of her smothering herself, we felt safe having a multi-use pad underneath her to protect the sheet from any messes (or spit-up mishaps).  Changing the crib sheet proved to be a difficult process and not easily done alone, especially with a bulky bumper impacting the mattress from being lifted out, so the pad saved us from having to deal with any mess in the middle of the night.  We could just swap out the pad and be back on our way to dreamland.    

Fast forward to a couple of months ago when Evelina started to prefer sleeping on her tummy.  Come to find out disposable diapers are designed with more protection in the back and middle, not the front. Even in a night-time disposable (I still haven't found a cloth option I'm in love with for night-time), the front of the diaper just doesn't have enough absorption for Evelina to accommodate 11-12 hours of slumber.  This results in Evelina's PJs being wet in the morning and many times, her sheet getting soiled as well.  It doesn't help that she likes to "unload" a big one as soon as she wakes up either.  Because of the increased frequency of leaks, changing her crib sheet was starting to become quite a hassle.  

After receiving a recommendation from my friend JoEllen (mom of the cutest Ruby), I decided to try the Clouds and Stars Quickzip Sheet. This has seriously got to be one of the BEST inventions...ever.  It has a fitted section that goes around the mattress and a separate sheet that attaches to the fitted section via a zipper.  If the sheet gets soiled, just unzip it and attach a clean one.  No lifting of the mattress required.  It takes about a minute, if that, to replace the sheet.   I LOVE IT!! Now, I wouldn't have traded it for the whimsical sheet we used originally and that we'll most likely use when Evelina transitions to a toddler bed, but for this stage, it is PERFECT.   

As much as I love the Quickzip sheet, ideally, I would like to avoid tummy leaks all together.  A couple of methods I plan to try are:  

• Putting the diaper on backwards so the more absorbent back is in the front - I wouldn't be surprised if Evelina decided to sleep on her back or side that night!! 
• Putting on two diapers - This just seems like a waste
• Using a Flip or Grovia diaper cover over her disposable - I may try this method tonight.  
• Use a fitted cloth diaper with a wool cover - I've heard this is bulletproof thanks to the wool, I just need to pull the trigger and find the perfect combination for the right price. 

Oh, in case you were wondering, safety first in the Ciano household.  Once Evelina was no longer swaddled and became quite the mover in her crib, we switched out her beloved Brooke crib bumper and replaced it with a breathable bumper. A great invention (since traditional bumpers aren't recommended anyway) that keeps the crib cozy while protecting arms and legs from going through the rails.  It certainly makes me feel better knowing that if she happens to stuff her face into the bumper, she will still be able to breathe.  Although, one of her favorite activities during the night is to untie the bows that hold it in place, but I like knowing she enjoys exploring.  Too cute. 

Photographing.....

an infant/almost toddler who is constantly moving and looking for the next thing to touch, chomp on or play with, is becoming increasingly difficult.  I think the days of the monthly sticker may be over. The month 10 sticker is history.