Happy Birthday, Cragar!

Cragar,

You were born three years ago today. We brought you home 8 weeks later and you were as small as a rat! You were about 2.5 pounds, with floppy ears and a questionable sense of balance, and were the cutest little guy we could ever dream of!

You've aquired several nicknames over the last three years, including Cragar Pie, Craig R. Pie, Cragar-Pie-Tiny-Hiney-Smoosh-Moosh, Bubba, Bubby, Dinky, Stinky, Handsome, and Sweetheart, among others. I'm proud and surprised you actually remember what your real name is! You also developed several endearing habits, including shoving your nose under our heads in the morning to wake us up, giving sloppy puppy kisses when we sneeze, snoring, bed hogging, and rolling over for a belly-rub as soon as I come in the door after work. I'm sure one day I'll even find your incessant toilet-licking endearing. For now though, just quit it, ok?

You've also developed quite an ear for certain words. You know "treat", "ball", "go to Gramma and Grampa's", "go for a walk", "what's that?", "go get Daddy", "hafta go potty?" and even "drink your water". But it's "go for a ride" and "go outside" that really drive you wild. If someone even says "ride" or "outside", you go nuts, howling and barking until you get to go!

You celebrated your birthday today with some yummy hamburger and rice for dinner. You then helped me get the mail - "get the mail" is another one of those phrases you know and love, then played with your squeaky balls in the yard. You ran and ran like a maniac until you heard a banging noise down the street, then you got scared. You don't like loud noises. But then we came inside and had some good snuggle-time. You're currently zonked out on your bed in the office.

We are so lucky to have you as our little guy - in fact, I like you better than most people! I only hope you're just as happy.

Happy Birthday, Cragar!

Love,
Mommy