From Russia With Love

April 18 Day 39

Didn't get her hair brushed out after her swim... oops

We're all going swimming today since it's Corsa's water therapy day. I figured that Nickel will enjoy the warm water. She didn't swim in the cold lake with her mother and nephew yesterday.. the little wimp...LOL. I know that both Ico and TinTin enjoyed swimming when they were pregnant. I think it feels good to get the exercise and take the weight off their feet at the same time. I'll try to take some pictures today.

I learned about Dog Water Therapy years ago when I started bringing Corsa to Cindy Horsfall. Sadly for us she moved to Sequim but in 6 Degrees Of Separation she is now friends with Stoli and Belle's owners Joanne and Jack. It's a small world. If you want more information about Cindy's work and her spa Click Here.

April 16 Day 37

Well some of the poos when swimming today and although it has nothing to do with pregnancy... I had to share just because I couldn't believe they'd go in on a day like today! AND it was Mica's first time in the water. He went right in after his Gramma TinTin. Of course in the areas where TinTin was full-out swimming, Mica was simply wading.. ha ha ha.

April 15 Day 36 Begin Week 5

Mean and range of the gestational age at the first

ultrasonographic detection of the fetal structures

Embryo 22.80±1.03 21-24

Heartbeat 23.00±0.94 22-24

Limb bud 29.70±0.82 28-31

Fetal movement 30.40±1.64 28-31

Stomach 33.40±1.07 32-35

Gall bladder 32.90±1.73 31-35

Urinary bladder 34.90±1.19 33-37

Skeleton 35.10±0.73 34-36

Lung 36.10±0.51 35-37

Liver 35.40 ±0.70 35-37

Nickel's waist measured 22 1/2 inches this morning

April 14 Day 35

Nickel has actually been back to *near* normal level of playing, retrieving and some rough housing. She definitely seems to be feeling better. In between her activities she sleeps Very deeply. Here she is on our walk this morning:

Since I had no case at work, I'm still recovering from the flu and Mica is visiting Auntie Cat, I decided to crawl back into bed after our walk. Hummmmm.... none of the girls argued with me :) I got my lap top and started working and Nickel and TinTin snuggled in beside me. I get a kick out of the way TinTin 'mama handles' Nickel. Reminds me of a little old lady babying her 250 pound 50 year old son around..

Later today I hope to load an assortment of Nickel pics... from puppihood til today. Stay tuned!

April 13 Day 34

Here are some pictures of the Ultrasounds taken on Monday. Because the puppies are distributed through two uterine horns and some may be up under the rib case, the vet has to search for the pups.

Looking Back

Here are some of Nickel's ancestors on her Mother's side:

April 12 Day 33

3/13/2006-4/11/11

I'd like to dedicate this day to the beloved boy Monty, owned by Robyn and Bob Scola, who was lost too early in his live by a tragic accident. He was Nickel's secret love... as they'd find each other at the dog park and flirt and flirt and flirt. Monty was known throughout the dog park because of his Rasta Hair doo and his dynamic personality. He always had a smile on his lips whether it was due to an impish desire to tease another dog or simple joy in a full-out chase with the ones he loved. Monty had his femoral head removed at a very young age but bounced back from it in such a way that it was hard to detect. He never let anything get in the way of his joy and he believed that every day was a reason to celebrate.

Monty we will all miss you terribly. You were an Adonis ... a rock star... and a Romeo.

We send many many poodley hugs and kisses to your family.