Cast of Characters

I’m sure you’re probably wondering which name belongs to each person… well, here goes:

Officer Dad (OD) 

My loving husband... He is a part-time police officer in a small town... meaning, the town is nice and quiet – and I really hope it stays that way. I don’t think I could handle it if they had the action that you see in a larger town like Chicago. He is also a full-time computer geek for Mayo Clinic – he pretty much lives for computers, which is handy… but I’m glad it’s his job and not mine. He likes to build things (something about power tools seems to attract most men)... and is an amazing father to our son. We've spent the last 14 years of our lives together - 8 of which have been in wedded bliss. He's supportive and loving, and he respects me. 

Little Monkey (LM)

Our precious miracle.  At 18 months, he never fails to amaze us. He talks up a storm, runs everywhere (never stops), gets into things... and his logic and reasoning skills are just fascinating. He speaks English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (basic signs)... and sometimes, we swear he's picked up Chinese somewhere (his toddler babble). He loves to laugh and play (he's ALWAYS happy), tease people, and show us things. I know I'm his mommy... and I have to love him, but he makes me beam with pride every time we go somewhere. The kid is just a gem.

Monkey Mama (MM)

This is little ol' me. I'm a working mom, I also work for Mayo Clinic at the IT Help Desk. I wear many hats.. and I’ve spent 10 years of my life in different capacities at the ‘Desk. I cherish every single bit of time I get to spend with my beautiful little boy. He is the center of my universe.(I never knew such a tiny person could garner such strong affection from an adult.)

I can't even describe how amazing it is to wake up to his smile each day... he melts my heart. My goal is to be the absolute best mom I can be - to be there for him, to guide him, and to make damned sure he knows he's loved. It’s pretty easy… he’s a great child.

My other goal is to be the best wife I can be. I try to make sure my husband feels supported and loved, and that he knows that I care for him deeply.

Bella

Our 3-year-old Ragdoll cat. We jokingly say she’s a large dog in a cat’s body… she is protective, playful, soft, and cuddly. She is the most patient and gentle cat I have ever met. She loves to play with the little monkey... and often taunts him. When he sleeps, she sleeps by his little feet. When he cries, she checks him and comes to get someone, if we haven't shown up. 

She amazes us with her ability to adapt to changes and be patient with the little monkey. She has all of her claws, and very sharp teeth. She withstands pokes, pulls, slaps, and flops from our son; and never once hisses, growls or so much as bears a claw. She's truly the kindest cat I've ever seen.

Apollo

Our 6-year-old Golden Retriever. He is loud, boistrous, rambunctious... and has a knack for getting into trouble, pretty much everything a Golden Retriever should be. He may be almost 7... but you would think he's a puppy. There was a time in his life when allergies had him on steroids to avoid him chewing his legs so badly they bled and were bald. The medication caused him to weigh nearly 135 pounds... he now weighs a happy 85 pounds - and he's like a brand new dog. We watch his diet carefully... and have him on allergy treatment shots that are steroid-free. Thanks to an awesome vet, he’s now MUCH better – which is nice… I grew tired of explaining to people that he is a Golden Retriever with allergies, I often got a look like “sure, he looks more like a mutt with mange.”