Y'all, I am really sorry, but I do not have good news.

Y'all, I am really sorry, but I do not have good news.

Yesterday morning around 6 I woke up and Oreo wasn't on the couch with me. I thought "Oh no. Let me find him." He was in the laundry room on his plush bed. He felt a little cool to the touch. I curled up around him and thought "His heart feels slow. He's dying." So I laid there crying and holding him and telling him he was a good boy... Until he got up to pee. 😂 I was like "Well, that was unexpected, but I'm happy he's still with me."

He came back to the couch after and seemed lethargic, which is why he ended up at the vet. Dr. Cooner noted that his heart seemed slow, so I knew then that I wasn't crazy for thinking that.

Today Dr. Nelson checked him and said that his symptoms are not typical of heartworm infection (although he does still have them) and scanned his heart. He found clots. 😭 He said it could be caused by ingesting mold or bacteria while scavenging for food. They've got him on blood thinner to see if that will help.

There is also some concern that his liver isn't doing well. They are going to syringe feed him in the morning and test his blood again to check those levels.

We won't know until after testing if any of this is reversible or treatable, so we wait. 😭😭😭

I am hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. If the news tomorrow is not good I will take his plushy bed and favorite treats to the hospital and send him off with all my love. If he's treatable, but unable to travel then I have a temporary foster home lined up until either I can come back or a friend brings him to me. If by some miracle he's able to journey home with me tomorrow that would be excellent news, but I don't think it's likely.

My heart is heavy, but I would like to thank all of you for taking this journey with me and this sweet fella. I hope tomorrow is not the end, but if it is I take great comfort in knowing that I won't be grieving alone. ❤️

I haven't heard from the doctor yet...

I haven't heard from the doctor yet, (there's only one and he's in surgery), but Oreo is probably staying another night. I went to visit and my buddy doesn't look well. He's not eating and he didn't want to see me - he wanted to go lay back down. I feel bad for disturbing his rest, but I was afraid he felt abandoned and I didn't want that.

I petted him and kissed the spot on his head and left him to rest. I'll update again when I hear from the doctor.

I called to check on Oreo.

I called to check on Oreo. He's drinking water and has eaten a little bit on his own. They haven't needed to give him the appetite stimulant or anything for vomiting yet. Other than that, he's just resting. I am thankful that he's doing ok. ❤️

I love and miss my sweet husband.

I love and miss my sweet husband.

When I called him today, the first thing he said was "What happened?!" (He got a notification about the large charge from the vet on the card, as I knew he would). I love that his first concern was Oreo and not the money.

Then while we were talking he checked the mail, and Oreo's house key had arrived.

I know that he's more pragmatic about things than I am and that he wouldn't have jumped in with 2 feet like I did with Oreo, but he is wonderfully supportive of me in pretty much everything I do - even if he's concerned it's not the best thing for me. And believe me:  He didn't think that picking up a starving stray was the best thing for my mental health or finances or the ease of my life on this trip.  And he's right.

But my heart is full. I've missed fostering and helping animals. I don't want to be overwhelmed like I once was - at the end of my rope with compassion fatigue and no possible way to physically or financially take in another. But I do miss helping.

And I'm trying to keep it positive over here, but I do worry that Oreo won't make it home with me. And that thought makes me incredibly sad. I've fantasized about buying him his first pup cup. About him feeling healthy enough to play with Cub. About him piling into our super soft bed at night and never being alone or uncomfortable again.

I just don't know if that will be our reality. And I'm trying to be ok with the thought that a few days with us in an Airbnb might be the best he gets, even if he was not feeling well. That he was happy to see me despite all the trips to the vet where he was poked and prodded. That he endured a hard life and only got this much time to know comfort.

It doesn't sit well. It doesn't sit well at all.

So yeah. My mental health has taken a little hit. But I'm ok and no matter what happens, Oreo has been worth it. Every single one of my fosters were worth it, and I'd do it a thousand times over again. I think the important part for me is having the space to recover before jumping in again. That is why my husband and I make a good team. He protects me because I don't when I see them needing help.

I wish we all looked out for each other like this.

Oreo has been admitted to Animal Medical Center.

Oreo has been admitted to Animal Medical Center. We did bloodwork and the vet said it was "surprisingly boring" which is a relief. Thankfully there were no major red flags. Electrolytes were good. One liver enzyme was a bit elevated. I think that means his organs are doing ok.

He's staying overnight to get fluids. They are going to try to get him eating again. Entyce (an appetite stimulant) is a possibility. He's down from 37 lbs to 34.5, so it's a priority.

I don't have a ton to report; we will know more tomorrow after he's hydrated.

This is my buddy right before being admitted. I hate to ever have to leave their side, but he's in good hands. I'm hoping with everything I've got that we can get him turned around.

Send him all the love and good vibes and prayers. We also wouldn't mind seeing his GoFundMe shared again if anyone feels inclined to do so. The vet bill today was over $1400, and I easily DoorDashed $200 worth of food and supplements the other day trying to find something he could eat and keep down.

❤️❤️❤️

https://gofund.me/a475896e

Oreo is more lethargic today...

Oreo is more lethargic today and feels more dehydrated. He's not showing interest in food or water, but I used a pill popper to get his anti-nausea medication down.

I talked to his vet and we're going to stop the doxy for now. I think that's playing a part in the nausea and vomiting.

He's got an appointment at AMC in an hour. I am hopeful that they will give him fluids. I'm going to also see if a feeding tube would be something that could help him.

Paws crossed we can get him on the mend!

Oreo has by and large been asleep since his vet visit.

Oreo has by and large been asleep since his vet visit. He's nibbled at food here and there, (mostly the Freshpet stuff and a little of the Satin Balls), but that's about it. I'm hopeful that his new meds kick in and help his digestive tract out. Until then, he sleeps.

Today has been a roller coaster.

Today has been a roller coaster. We finally got some food that interested Oreo... but then he threw it all up a few hours later. 😭😭😭

We ended up seeing his doctor again. He lost a pound, but he has less fluid in his abdomen (which is a good sign!) so hopefully that's where he lost the weight from.

He got another injection for nausea and some nausea pills to start tomorrow. He also got metronidazole for his gastro issues. And he also has some FortiFlora probiotic being picked up by Shadow here shortly.

He drank some water when we got home and went to sleep. He's still out. I know the vet is so scary and he got another painful injection on top of that. I feel so bad for him.

Gonna try the food thing again when he wakes up. Wish us luck.

Super Thank you to Taimi...

Super Thank you to Taimi for making Satin Balls for Oreo and bringing him a sweater. He ate one and has crashed out. I'm gonna see if he'll eat another in an hour or so. Paws crossed!

Oreo has gone back...

Oreo has gone back to finish the Freshpet puppy food! I didn't even have to persuade him! I could literally cry happy tears! ❤️❤️❤️

I've been DoorDashing like crazy this morning.

I've been DoorDashing like crazy this morning.

Puppy Milk was a no.

Bone Broth was a no.

He ate some Freshpet puppy food.

My friend Emily bought him some Instinct Gut Health mixers the other day and he ate them all. This morning he was nudging the bag (I was saving it to cut the coupon off), so I bought him a large bag of those and he ate a few.

We have a few more things unopened to try, but I'm sure he's full right now. I will keep you all updated. ❤️

Current Status: Napping.

Oreo threw up...

Oreo threw up sometime between midnight and 3 am. At first I panicked, but after more research I read that vomiting and diarrhea (which he thankfully hasn't had yet) can be expected in malnourished dogs. So, I have calmed down. About that part, anyway.

What is still bothering me is his low appetite. He's not consuming nearly enough calories in a day. He's just not. The only thing he consistently has shown interest in consuming is milk and icing. I've got dry food and canned food. Sometimes if I put milk in the canned food he'll eat a small serving, but if I try it again he refuses.

I'm DoorDashing some puppy milk for him because at least if he would drink that it would be the right mammal. I also have Freshpet food coming from PetSmart, as well as some Instinct Gut Health Meal Toppers that he liked before. And vitamins.

According to an article I read I should have been force feeding him after 2 days of low appetite. I REALLY don't want to do that, but I will if I must. I just don't want to damage any trust we have built.

This is hard, y'all. I really think he had one foot out the door when I picked him up and I am so scared he's just not gonna pull through. 😢

I feel like this is a nice picture of Oreo.

I feel like this is a nice picture of Oreo. Look at this baby. 💗💗💗

Sometimes I look at Oreo and think "He definitely looks better."

Sometimes I look at Oreo and think "He definitely looks better."

Other times I look up and see this and my heart breaks all over again. I have to remind myself that it's only been a week and we're taking baby steps over here. ❤️‍🩹

Whew!

Whew! The prednisone has this puppy all fidgety and needing to pee every few minutes. I'll be glad to get him home and teach him how to use the doggie door!

Good morning from this bright face. ❤️

Good morning from this bright face. ❤️

It is really cold here. I think I'm gonna need to buy him a jacket for his trips outside and for the trip home in a few days.

I think that Oreo has had an ok day.

I think that Oreo has had an ok day. I've been trying all kinds of creative ways to get him to eat. Dog food cereal was the winner tonight. He's still taking his medicine as long as it's in icing. I finally got his dewormer meds down.

He's still resting a lot, as he should. He spends most of his time on the couch tucked in with a blanket and snoozing. His poor body has so much healing to do.

We're back at it again.

We're back at it again. He definitely wants physical contact today.

He keeps thrusting his spine into my ribs and it actually hurts quite a bit. But I'mma keep snuggling him anyway. ❤️

So, we're cuddling.

So, we're cuddling. This is more than when he rested his chin on me the other day. He initiated it, scooted in a few times, and got his head comfortable on my lap (I'm sitting kind of curled up, myself). This is good. My heart is full. 💗💗💗

He still sleeps a ton, but he looks more lively when awake. I am grateful for his progress. ❤️

I just woke up to a certain puppy barking!

I just woke up to a certain puppy barking!

He heard some other dogs outside barking and decided to join in.

He felt well enough to participate in dog things!

My heart is happy. ❤️❤️❤️

I had a great time...

I had a great time at my birthday party at the skating rink. Thank you to everyone who came to see me. It meant so much! Super Thank You to Emily and her family for cake and setting everything up! It was so fun skating and seeing everyone! ❤️❤️❤️

I want y'all to see this pup, though. He slept for most of the day and was low-energy, but when I got home with leftover cake he got EXCITED. I have never seen him so waggy, nor have I seen him beg for food or stand on his hind feet. But here he is counter surfing!

I gave him some icing because I'm unsure if red velvet would be ok for him since it contains chocolate. We've tried to get him to eat dog food this evening, going as far as making a dog-food sandwich for him (which he did eat a bit of), but he seems to have a sweet tooth.

Edit:  Icing seems to be the sugar that makes the medicine go down. He's spit his pills out of everything else. I bought a pill popper this morning. Grateful to not have to use it!

Birthday Party Time!

Birthday Party Time! I'll be at Sunshine Skate Center until 10:30. ❤️

Oreo's Recovery

Oreo's Recovery:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/bjs7z-oreos-recovery

Obviously there is fluid in his abdomen, but...

Obviously there is fluid in his abdomen, but look at all of the bullets - and these are only the ones that lodged in. This poor baby has been through it.

Busy day. I'll get his GoFundMe up later. I love you all for caring about him. ❤️

I consider myself to be a smart and skeptical person, but...

I consider myself to be a smart and skeptical person, but I'm probably about to sound crazy.

Oreo woke up and stood in the middle of the floor. I kept trying to get him to go outside to potty or get him settled back down, but every time I would tuck him in and get comfy he would get back up.

Finally he got up again and I followed him to the kitchen. Then he did that thing again where he looked me in the eyes, but then chomped his teeth together 3 times. When I said "Are you hungry?" and got his plate, he ran back to the couch (where I served him dinner last) [bad habit, I know] and laid down and watched me chop and warm his food. I brought it to him like I did before and he ate it. Then he got up, drank more water, went outside and peed, and now he's settled back down.

This is a terrible schedule and I don't really want him eating on the furniture, but I feel like getting him to eat is the most important thing at the moment.

He literally has the same thing he just ate from a plate on the couch in a dish next to his water, but it's untouched.

What I'm saying is that:

1)  I really believe he is intentionally communicating with me when he does that intense eye contact thing + an action, and doing it pretty well.

and

2)  He might literally be starving, but somehow also seems simultaneously spoiled and I don't understand that.

Please help me understand.

I know it's a weird angle, but...

I know it's a weird angle, but Oreo is sleeping so good and I didn't want to disturb him.

When we got home today, he had only picked at his food. I noticed that when Kira was having dinner he was interested in that. She gave him a small piece of roll with mac and cheese on it and he ate it. So I went to the corner store and bought a few different kinds of wet food for him to see if anything would get him interested.

When I got home I made a big production of putting it on a plate, chopping it up, warming it up, and pretending to eat some. He was watching me, so I offered him some. He ate it! I feel so relieved! ❤️

The vet's office...

The vet's office was unable to email the x-rays, so I'm gonna pick them up on disc tomorrow morning. I don't have a computer with me that has a disc drive. I guess I'll try to see if a library has a computer I can use to email the images to myself.

He nibbled at his food while we were gone, so I'm glad he ate, but was really hoping for more. I might go get him something different to see if I can get him interested. If I can't get him eating again I'll have to call the vet back tomorrow.

I have received an outpouring of love and support for this pup. I wasn't expecting that, but I'm grateful. In light of that I'm considering setting up a GoFundMe for him. I'm not opposed to paying for his vetting since I picked him up and took this on, but I don't feel that I should deny anyone else the chance to participate in his recovery in whatever way they feel moved to. So I might get that created tonight or tomorrow.

I'm very tired. The "being shot multiple times" news really took it out of me this morning. We're supposed to be here visiting friends and family and we are, but I just want to sit here and keep eyes on this pup until he's all better. 🙁 I feel a little guilty leaving him alone, but thankfully he's a very good boy and getting plenty of rest.

Enjoy this photo of Oreo looking cute in a blanket.

I think that trip to the vet exhausted him.

I think that trip to the vet exhausted him. I literally carried him from the front door to the bed and tucked him in. We've been home for over an hour and he hasn't moved. 😔

Quick Oreo update:

Quick Oreo update:

He was understandably upset about having a fecal done, so we weren't able to do it. We're treating him for intestinal worms anyway because they're likely.

He's heartworm positive, of course. So we're treating that.

He growled when his abdomen was examined, so we did x-rays. He's got fluid, but it could be because of the heartworms or some other things relating to him being starved.

He's getting prednisone for inflammation and appetite.

He got a shot for nausea.

Slight arthritis in his hip.

His broken canine has dentin covering the nerve so shouldn't be causing him pain.

Oh, and he's full of bullets. Thankfully they seem healed and not causing problems. But when I say that my heart shattered... 😭😭😭

I'll post his x-rays when I get them.

Re-check on Friday.

I should have brought his bed. 😕

I should have brought his bed. 😕 I feel so bad for him on this cold, hard floor. I guess my sweater will do for now.

He weighs a whopping 37 lbs.

Oreo slept in the bed with me last night.

Oreo slept in the bed with me last night. He was a gentleman, but a little fidgety. This mattress is a bit firm. It makes my back hurt, so I can only imagine how he felt.

Vet appointment in a few hours - thank goodness. He hasn't eaten that I can tell since he vomited yesterday. Still in good enough spirits, though. Resting a lot, which I'm sure he needs.

I'll report the news once we return. ❤️

Did y'all miss the Oreo updates today?

Did y'all miss the Oreo updates today?

We had to leave him home alone for quite a few hours, but he did great. (The kids checked on him between family visits). He had one pee accident and that's nothing I'm gonna be upset about. He's still a great boy and I was happy to see him when I got home. I think the feeling was mutual. ❤️

This is how I found him:

I am being snuggled.

I am being snuggled. Goodnight, y'all. ❤️

He's back in from sunning.

He's back in from sunning.

I guess he CAN get into my bed on his own. 😂

(Note his bed on the floor.) 

Whatever makes you comfortable, buddy. I'll snuggle you when I'm back tonight. ❤️

Last night we slept on the couch together for a bit.

Last night we slept on the couch together for a bit. He laid on my feet and I had to move almost immediately. Those hip bones are no joke!  After a while, I received my first kiss from him - a gentle lick upon my chin when he needed to go out.

Later he went to my bedroom and laid in the floor. The bed is high and I don't want him injured, so I brought his plush bed in there and that's where we spent the rest of the night.

This morning he woke me up with a whine and we went outside. He vomited a stringy, slimy yellow substance. Prior to that he'd been eating pretty well and finally pooping, so this is new. I read that it could be a lot of things going on with him, especially with the condition he's in. I'm not super concerned because he is seeing the vet tomorrow morning and he's not acting as though he feels any worse than usual.

For now, he's choosing to soak up some sun (in the fenced-in back yard). After as wet and cloudy as it's been I don't blame him. The warmth feels nice. I'm sitting with him for now, but I'll have to get ready to start the day soon. I'm not worried, though. He already knows how to get back in the house if I leave the door cracked. It's really crazy how fast he's adapted to house life, especially without another dog here to show him the ropes.

I can tell that he has known love, but I'm most shocked by his amazing house manners. It's hard to believe he had homeless owners. This sweet Oreo is one smart cookie. 😉 I feel that he communicates what he wants pretty well while remaining very respectful. Like last night when I checked on him and he was ready to see the rest of the house. He came up to me and paused while looking me in the eyes, then slowly (but not apprehensively) passed through the doorway, giving me plenty of time to stop him if it was unacceptable.

I don't know, y'all. I've had foster situations that worked out with varying levels of ease, but this one is going as smooth as butter. I'm over here feeling like the lucky one to have met him. ❤️

OMG, Kira is the sweetest.

OMG, Kira is the sweetest. Oreo got up to eat, went to see her, then laid back down. Then she came over and tucked him in. He's going back to sleep.

😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

Pardon the doggy bits, but...

Pardon the doggy bits, but I believe he's starting to feel comfortable. 😂😂😂

Shaun ain't right, but I love him. 😂😂😂

Shaun ain't right, but I love him. 😂😂😂

Look who's clean-ish and not necessarily thrilled about it. 😂😂😂

Look who's clean-ish and not necessarily thrilled about it. 😂😂😂

I used my goat-milk bar soap on him (because that's all I have with me and I wasn't planning to wash him here). It didn't really help his smell, but I'm sure it was gentle on his skin and we got some major dirt off. Didn't spot any live fleas, thank goodness.

He only tried to get out of the tub a few times. He mostly did well. Even let me pick him up and put him in there.

Bonus pic:  Me trying to coax him into the bathroom. He was mid-chew and just stopped and stared like "Can't you see I'm busy?" 😂😂😂 He might be a funny one.

Sorry, not sorry: Another Oreo post.

Sorry, not sorry:  Another Oreo post.

Ever since yesterday when he goes outside he scratches his belly with his back feet. Like, a lot. For minutes at a time, one side and then the other. I looked, but didn't see anything wrong. I'll get a closer look when I bathe him. I wonder if he's allergic to something...

Also, I noticed that he prefers wet food over kibble and often drops food from his mouth. I didn't get a good look at all of his teeth, but did notice right off that he's got a broken canine on the bottom. I bet that hurts and  is probably a contributing factor to him being so skinny. 🙁

He's got double dew claws on the back and they dangle when he walks. I just find that amusing. 😂

I checked on him earlier today because I heard him whine, but he didn't need food or water or want to go outside. So I sat down and petted him. After a few minutes, he changed position and laid down with his head against my leg. That's the first time he's initiated contact with me. Progress. ❤️

Toebean (our orange kitty) had oral surgery today.

Toebean (our orange kitty) had oral surgery today. He just got home and looks happy to be there. I bet he feels a ton better. We've had this appointment booked for so long and it sucked that he had to wait, but I'm just thankful it's done. ❤️

Would anyone be up for meeting me...

Would anyone be up for meeting me at Tractor Supply or Pickette's after 6 and helping me wash Oreo? I doubt he's ever been bathed and I don't know how he might react.

He's not aggressive so far. Just a bit shy / skittish.

I can send money for your gas and / or time.

I bet Oreo thinks I'm crazy.

I bet Oreo thinks I'm crazy. I work from home so I'm set up in the living room. Every time I hear him shake, eat, or drink I go check on him.

This is a pretty good setup because I want him resting unless he needs something, but I bet he wonders why I'm constantly busting in any time he moves. 😂

Good things from our last trip outside:

• He kicked after he peed
• He rubbed his face on the grass
• He wagged his tail a little when I called him

I love seeing dogs do dog things. He hasn't felt well enough to do any of that before today. ❤️

I did a few errands this morning before work...

I did a few errands this morning before work - one of which was buying Oreo a thicker padded bed. I bought the bed that's in his crate because it looked easy to clean in the event he was a messy boy (I've had fosters come in sick with vomiting and diarrhea), but he's not doing any of that, thank goodness. I noticed he was shifting around every few minutes on his crate bed, though, and I'm sure it was because of the pressure of bones against skin. ☹️ So now he's got a nice plush bed and he's been resting much more peacefully. He seems to be perking up a bit, too. Slowly, but surely. 😊❤️

"You brought me chicken in bed?!"

"You brought me chicken in bed?!"

Look at that face. 😂❤️

He's chilling with his bone chew. That's pretty much all he does, but he obviously needs the rest so that's ok.

He finally pooped this evening. Came back to me at a slight trot after. That's the most / quickest I've seen him move. I hope that's a sign that he feels a bit better. ❤️❤️❤️

I've been here less than 48 hours...

I've been here less than 48 hours and I've already gotten a call about 2 more dogs.  I want so desperately to help them, but this is not my house and I'm trying to be respectful of that.  I also don't know how much my current vet bill is going to be, so taking on vetting for 2 more feels like a bad idea.  Also, I have no way to get 3 dogs back home with me, not to mention that Shaun is already not thrilled with me spur-of-the-moment taking in one like I did.  (He has a kind heart, but worries about my mental and physical health).  The constant need here is exhausting.  🙁

In other dog news:  I found out that the dog I took is named Oreo.  He belonged to a homeless man who passed away.  He then took up with another homeless man who also passed away and I guess he's been on his own ever since.  I don't have the timeline on all of that, but it sounds like life has been rough on this fella.

So far Oreo is doing quite well.  No accidents indoors.  He whines or barks when he needs to go out.  He is not reactive to being barked at by the neighboring dog.  He's pretty quiet except for moving around a lot; even though I got him a padded bed I'm sure laying on skin with bone directly underneath still gets uncomfortable fast.  He's doing ok on the leash.  He went into the crate I bought him last night unprompted.  He did fine in the car when I brought him home yesterday.  He looks more relaxed than before when I pet him (not completely, but I'm happy with progress).  He's already started coming back to me and into the house with just a little sweet talking.  He even tried to poke his head through the laundry room door so I feel like he'd enjoy being in the main part of the house, but I'm holding off until he's clean and flea-free before I allow that.

He's got a vet appointment Friday and I'm planning to take him to Tractor Supply or Pickette's for a bath afterwards.  I want him to be more comfortable with me before I try to do something as uncomfortable as a bath to him.  But so far we're doing ok and I think he's gonna blossom into a really great companion. ❤️

Not even here for 24 hours...

Not even here for 24 hours and I'm back on my bullshit. I saw a photo of him with his location last night and cried myself to sleep. It was so heavy on my heart.

I want to be mad, but I can't. Jonathan Moses posted his photo and location to get him help. The Sonic employees were feeding him and called me at my request when he showed back up today. He was also being fed by a volunteer Kathleen Blow who showed up just as I was bribing him into my car. She sent food and money and dishes to help me help him. So it sucks to see a being in this situation, but there are good people out there and this was a group effort.

I'm gonna rest easy tonight because this fella is fed, has access to clean water, has gotten flea and tick meds, and a warm place to sleep. I'll call the vet tomorrow and see what I can do. I work until 6, but if anyone could take him to the vet tomorrow or Wednesday I can pay for the visit. If not, he'll have to wait until the weekend to be seen.

So far, he eats gently from your hand, but he's skittish. I'm assuming that he hasn't been treated very well, unfortunately. But I think he'll end up a sweet fella.

Having some nice New Mexican food...

Having some nice New Mexican food before I head back to Alabama. QuesaBirria tacos give me life. ❤️

Look at this perfect little cinnamon roll. 😍😍😍

Look at this perfect little cinnamon roll. 😍😍😍

I made a quick trip to the bathroom...

I made a quick trip to the bathroom and came back to Scar watching work for me. Then he flipped over looking all cute. Two minutes of my job must have exhausted him. 😂😂😂

I took this yesterday after work.

I took this yesterday after work. I think this is the first time this one has bloomed. She's got a whole crown coming! ❤️

I'm finished swatching...

I'm finished swatching 8/12 of my helmers, or 48/72 of my helmer drawers. Or I'm just 2/3 of the way finished, if you prefer that. 😂

I'm taking the rest of the week off. I do have 2 small paint shakers, but I've been hand-shaking each bottle after the machines as well. Since I've been working on this basically every day since I started (in August? September?) my hands and wrists are hurting and I don't want to damage myself. And I'm tired. And since I'm about to be away from home for a couple of weeks I want to spend my time with Shaun.

I'm so excited to be closing in on a "maintenance phase" for this project. I'm having a great time playing with my polish, but it's gonna feel so good to my brain to have it all organized. Plus, it'll be so much easier to plan out nail art and jewelry. 😊

I think they're cold. 😂😂😂

I think they're cold. 😂😂😂

I definitely am. That's why I'm still snuggled in today.

The snuggle is real. ❤️

The snuggle is real. ❤️