Ooh Arp you little lurker!
8 months is absolutely amazing brilliant superb massive!!!!! That's the number one thing after all. The rest is a bonus yes? Awww Jess......we had a little Westie called Jess and later got a brother for her called Jack when we were kids. I'd absolutely love to get a dog but I just about cling on to my parenting skills with 2 daughters and a man-child boyfriend it's a no-no sadly.
Hugs to you Arp....I know you're not big into girlie hugs etc but tough! You're getting one anyway