As you know, we have been wavering on the fence for some time about another baby to add to our Bunch. But, alas, hubby and I decided our current Bunch (with all their extraordinary energy) were enough for us to handle for now. Since then I have picked up extra hours at work, hired a cleaning crew for twice a month and a sitter for two afternoons a week to help me work more efficiently during my limited "working hours." All was going smoothly, until three weeks ago.
That was when the puppy arrived.
Let it be known it is never, ever a good idea to take a work call on the weekend. Because while engrossed in conversation with my boss, my Bunch and daddy slipped off to get a puppy! (Yes, I was in disbelief as well.) As I issued commands from home like "turn the car around and come home," I realized that my OKing the idea of a puppy a few weeks before left the window wide open for his imminent arrival.
And so Diego came to be part of our family, canine though he is, he's now here.
Just in case any of our readers are contemplating getting a puppy, I'd like to provide you with some insight into what a puppy can do for you and your Bunch. Remember that my bunch is on the older end with my oldest nearing 6 and youngest at 4 1/2. My kids can dress themselves, wipe their bottoms (most of the time), brush their teeth, and go to bed without too much fuss. Enter the dog. Think it's like having another baby? No, it's worse. It's like having a toddler that is......well, a dog. All the things we tolerate from our toddlers we do because they are in a massive developmental phase and an investment in our legacy. Someday soon, they will be little people with their own personalities. A puppy does all the same toddlery things, but he's still just a dog.
So I now spend my days, watching the dog to make sure he doesn't pee/poop on the floor because he will if you let him out of your sight. (Do they make doggie diapers?) I have to take him outside constantly to reinforce the outside potty usage. My kids who were so enthralled by the dog two weeks ago do nothing but make the dog a crazy nutcase then run to hide in their rooms while I deal with the repercussions. The dog has destroyed dresses, shoes, sofas, table in only a matter of weeks.
Balancing your Bunch takes patience, percision, smarts, trial and error, and bravery. Picture standing on one foot, with kid on breast, other kid in arms and phone on ear (with dinner on the stove and laptop on the counter). We moms work very hard perfecting the balance and it can take years to even get close. There is nothing like a dog to come swooshing in at top speed, toppling you over and reminding you how one little drop can affect the whole pond.
Linda- I must say, I am shocked! You would be one of the last people I would have pegged to get a dog anytime in the near future! Good luck with that...
Posted by: Julie Hamilton | Mar 24, 2010 at 07:53 AM
Congratulations, you must share some photos! This sounds just like our family. My kiddos are 4 1/2 and 6, and we just got our pup a week and a half ago. It's been like having an infant again! The first two nights she cried/barked/whined all night long. But things are looking up now that she's sleeping through the night and mostly housebroken. It's been great to see the kids step up to take care of her.
Posted by: Emily Korff | Mar 24, 2010 at 08:07 AM
Julie--Ha! Yes, Im shocked as well. Im a cat person so this dog has really rocked my already crazy world. Super fun! :-)
Posted by: Baby Bunching | Mar 24, 2010 at 08:40 AM
Emily, Your dog is adorable. Im glad to hear your kids have stepped up to help out. Mine are slowly getting there. Right now they just sigh about having to take the dog outside.
Im sure there will be many more dog posts to come. I will post a picture.
Posted by: Baby Bunching | Mar 24, 2010 at 08:42 AM
It will all be worth it in the end!! Our dog is just about to turn 2 and all the hard work has paid off. There is nothing better than curling up for a nice doggy cuddle once the bunch are in bed!!!!
Posted by: Clare D | Mar 24, 2010 at 03:26 PM
Awww, congrats on your new puppy! I think all kids should have a dog as they grow up. When I see how much my sons love our dog it makes me forget the first few months of puppy-training!
Though I must say it is wise to get a new puppy when you don't have the added stress of a helpless newborn to worry about. It IS like having another baby for the first little bit!
Posted by: Melissa | Mar 25, 2010 at 01:20 AM
I so feel your pain! We got a Jack Russell when I was pregnant with our first (2 months before I was due). Boy that was a laugh - new baby, our first, and puppy. I actually blogged about it at: http://sierrarix.blogspot.com/2010/02/true-story-tuesday-it-aint-easy-sayin.html
Honestly, I think the 5 month old is more with it than the dog. We love him, but kids grow up and dogs don't!
Posted by: sierra | Mar 26, 2010 at 02:52 PM