Throughout my pregnancy, I think the puppies sensed that something big was up (and I don't just mean my belly). Dakota seemed more protective, Lilly a little more snuggly (if that's at all possible). Then, on the eve of Westley's scheduled birth, Brian gave the goldens a hearty scrub down. They were shampooed, clean and ready to meet their new best friend:
While we were in the hospital -- and during our first day home -- the pups stayed with my in-laws. We wrapped Westley in a doggy print receiving blanket, hoping it would capture some of that magical baby scent, and sent that home for them to sniff. And then there was the grand introduction. We probably could have predicted how both pups would react. Dakota picked up a baby blanket and pranced around the house showing it off, and Lilly gave Westley kisses. Some things have changed, of course, for the dogs. They're not the center of attention. They don't get as much snuggle time, especially if Westley is on the couch or bed with us. We don't take as many walks, they don't get to go on car rides as often, and we haven't gone camping this summer (something very unusual for this family). But we have been spending more time at home, and we have received many visitors.
On Westley's first Saturday night, my family came to our house with dinner and to spend some time together. The pups weren't invited to the party:
Surprisingly, Dakota and Lilly don't react to Westley's screams or cries. They seem to know when we start getting stressed out by them, though, and come and sit at our feet. We're trying to teach them that the blue stuffed elephant and other baby toys are not for them. And we're pretty convinced that there's a good chance our son's first word will be "doggy".
Meow Meow knows she's more likely to find a warm lap these days, and she's taking full advantage:
It'll be fun to watch our pets become Westley's playmates. It's difficult to predict whether a two- or four-legged one will be the instigator of all the household trouble.
