My baby boy,

Chase, the new dog, is absolutely insane. I’m pretty sure you would have been an absolute fan of him. I haven’t had a puppy since Apollo, before having kids, so I don’t remember this stage. Today he managed to get out under the fence without being detected twice. The one time I just walked past the front door and he was outside waiting by it to be let in. He howls like he’s some part hound dog when he gets upset, he can jump the height of the front door, and went onto the trampoline today. Bella is still not a fan, he’s way too much for her energy level and patience.

You’d definitely love wrestling with him, chasing him, and throwing things for him to go get. However, he is a huge fan of chewing any Legos on the ground, so that’s would probably annoy you. In honor of you, his middle name is “Captain Pickles”.

I feel like we somewhat got him because I lost the “protector” that I had. Before we lost you and we were getting ready to move, I knew I would always have you looking out for me and as you got older, you could protect the house. Then I lost you.

I at least had Apollo, who up until you were in the hospital I could only hope would be a guard dog. Poor Lt. Col. Buckingham was the one who discovered Apollo was protective when we went into our house when you were in the hospital and nobody was home. After that incident, I did feel safer with Apollo though.

Once we had to put Apollo to sleep, there went my extra protection. It was like that extra little “layer”. Let’s be honest with ourselves, there’s no way Bella would ever protect this house. If anyone ever broke in, she would run over to get any attention she could from them. Bella just wants to be loved, it’s okay, I get it.

Then came Chase, who I never planned on getting, but somehow he’s now in this house. Elijah is not a fan at all and says that “puppies have way too much energy” for him.

Tomorrow we have the Caring Place and we are going to work on the planning for our quilt squares. I’m thankful we are making them there, I never got to make the one for the Legacy of Life that I wanted to. Maybe after doing this, I will get enough experience and be knowledgeable enough to put together one to send to Hawaii. I will make sure there are Legos, Minecraft, and pizza on your quilt square. I’m not sure if your siblings help and in what capacity, but I will let you know.

I’m starting to lose hope that you’ll ever come visit me in another dream, but I will always be waiting. I love you more than anything, my baby. Goodnight and sweet dreams.