Thanks. I love that little plush.
As for the camera, I got a Nikon D40. I also got a Nikkor 18-200 VR lens, a B+W Pro UV filter, and the little ML-L3 wireless remote (I believe that's what it's called) for the night time tripod pictures. I got the D40 because I like it's size compared to most other DSLRs and because it was cheap, but I'm already finding that I'd like something with a little better performance.
But I just got it, so I won't be upgrading any time soon. I also would like to get a lens capable of an aperture of around f/1.8. I've been using the camera quite a bit, but I still have a ton to learn.
Your pictures lately have been great, as always.