So, What About the Dogs?

Ah yes, the dogs.  My two furry older children that occupied my world before Walter.  Throughout my pregnancy, I wondered how Sydney and River would react to a little baby.  They’ve been around small children (briefly) before, but never around a newborn.  I wasn’t worried, so much as curious.  And a little apprehensive about making sure the dogs still felt loved and wanted (hey, I’m a dog person.  I care about these things).  I knew a newborn would take up more of my time, and pull me away from the dogs more.  I knew our walks would be postponed for awhile at first.  I knew that I would have to give most of my attention and time to caring for a little baby.  And all of those things have come to pass.  Of course I love Sydney and River just as much as I always have, but of course Walter comes before them now.  I can’t walk them very far right now (still recovering from labor).  And walking two dogs at once was pretty much my limit; I can’t really picture myself walking two dogs and navigating a stroller!  But this has given way to the “family walk” – Jason handles Sydney and River while I push Walter in the BOB.  And it’s nice to have the entire family venture out and get some fresh air.  And with the weather finally turning cooler, I hope to have our family walks more frequently as I get more and more mobile.

Beyond the walks, the dogs have done well inside the house around Walter.  Sydney continues to be very interested in Walter, and River seems to ignore him (save for the occasional drive by licking of Walter’s head).  Sydney is very concerned when Walter cries and likes to be near us when we are feeding.  And while I was very much curious and a little nervous about integrating the dogs and the baby, I have a feeling that things are going to work out just fine.  I think in a few years, Sydney and River are going to have a great little buddy to play with.

Tummy time!

Nothing beats a good nap!

Tags: dogs, Walter