Yesterday was our first day together as girl tribe + canine unit and if this is an average cross section of the rest of his little life here - THINGS ARE GONNA BE OKAY. Unless with Norman comes rainy grey spring-bordering-on-winter days and then I'm getting rid of him ASAP. ;) Somewhere in the middle of our first puppy-night I was having some serious doubts about this second dog idea. And then I remembered what somewhere in the middle of the first night with Penn (and a few sleepless nights in a row with Pilot) I thought the same thing and I could not have been more pointed in the wrong direction. THINGS ARE GONNA BE OKAY.
Oh, Normie.... I found him in a bunch of strange places today. Having a nap in Penn's car seat. Having a nap under the couch. HAVING A NAP IN HIS KENNEL (three cheers for that) and attempting to have a nap in Penn's bouncy chair. I even caught him trying to climb into Penn's jolly jumper idea. And her Bumbo. And the toy boxes. And a potty. Strange but charming. I like his laid-back, but busy-bee style. I love that he is SO FAR non-barking. I love that he has been grandfathered in so seamlessly by big daddy Crash. I also really like that he is quite fond of both girls. Penn especially. Eventually I wised up to the fact that he was not going to stop trying to cuddle with her and I had to put her up high where he could not crawl onto her neck. She was NOT fond of sharing her personal space with a dog. AT ALL. Sorry Penn - today is a new day and I will keep the little rat out of your face. That is my promise to you, sweet girl.
Especially, especially, especially interesting to me was Norman's concern for Pilot yesterday. Pilot is SICK. She's got the horrible flu that's been going around and the poor thing was awake for a total of 2.5 hours all day. It was actually a little scary and a whole lot heartbreaking. For a short time in the afternoon she camped out in our Phil & Ted Traveller to watch a little Elmo and as you can see from the photo - Norman was keeping a close eye on her. That's something I can appreciate.
I also really appreciate the small dog advice. My vet said it best - he said, 'Dogs are dogs. Do what you did with Crash and Norman and will grow up to be a fine dog like Crash is.' (A fine and incredibly HEALTHY dog, in case you were interested. GO Crash!) Just the reminder I needed. Thanks Dr. Spice.
Today: I'm channeling my power to have a day without rain. RAIN IS GETTING ON MY NERVES. We're hanging low because Pilot needs as much healing as I can give her. Norman needs a hawk eye and the will to win to keep him from adding any more pee to our carpets. Penn needs to keep working on her joyful singing and I need to chill with my coffee. I've decided that other than our healing appointments this week - I AM IN MOTHER BEAR HOME BODY MODE* and we are focusing on each other and the things we are slacking on in our own backyard. LIKE FOLDING AND PUTTING AWAY LAUNDRY. Next week I CAN'T PROMISE that I will not escape on the first bus outta crazy town and if that's the case - I'd hate to leave the place without clean folded towels. Sweet.
*With the exception of the YOU-ARE-AWESOME posters and AWESOME-DAD prints. Father's Day is right around the corner.
I have lists to make and things to put away before we sink into a hopefully awesome Tuesday. COFFEE please. Check in tomorrow for a whole lotta LINK LOVE. GO!
