Puppy Love

Okay, I am sorry-- I haven't blogged in quite a few days--and I have a cute, little excuse--an excuse that licks and snuggles--and sometimes pees on my floor.

Yes, we got the kids their first puppy!! *pause for aww's*

We didn't really plan on this step in our life--like most of our other decisions in life ;).  But, here we are, and if it turns out like the rest of our unplanned surprises--it will be a huge blessing, and make our family that much happier.

So, here's the story of how Riley joined our family:

Last weekend we went to Cedar Rapids to visit some great friends, who were celebrating the addition of new babies.  We brought gifts, held, and kissed on the first baby--and then, on the way to the second baby-- Kyle looked at me, and said, "okay, we can have a baby, or we can get a dog."  This was not a joke.  He was serious.  I had to laugh, at the simplicity of his comment, as if having a baby and getting a dog required the same steps, responsibilities or commitment.

Had we planned on having a third baby--yes and no.  The idea excited us, but the reality of what a new baby brought to our family of 4, made us nervous.  Afterall, we have not planned either baby to this point--we had never sat down and said--Okay, let's have a baby.  So, this was new to us.  We talked about it for a little bit- going back and forth.  And, when I say go back and forth-- I mean I went back and forth and Kyle listened.  See, I have discovered I am equally left and right brained, thus creating a constant battle within myself of logic vs. emotion.  How did I discover this, you wonder?  A completely accurate and highly recommended Facebook quiz! (hehe)

So, we came to the conclusion--that a new baby may or may not be for us-- but, we don't believe our family is ready at this time.  I would like to have a year home with just Jaxen, when Alexis goes to school next year.  I think Jaxen and I both deserve a year together, without the interruption of the dominant child :).

We also realized that we did not agree or could not even compromise on the breed of a dog.  I wanted a big dog, that would scare the crap out of a possible intruder--and Kyle wanted a small, yippy dog.  Okay, he didn't say yippy--but everyone knows little dogs are yippy.  Great Dane vs. Yorkie--   Kyle was adamant about not having a Dane, Mastiff, Pitbull, Boxer, etc.  And, I was adamant about not having a little dog.  We were not meeting on any common ground.  Oh well, no puppy for us.

So, we saw the babies, while Grandma and Papaw spoiled their only 2 grandchildren,  (Hmmm...maybe, if our kids had cousins--I wouldn't need to have another baby).  We headed home, putting the baby and dog idea out of our heads.  

Sunday arrived, and I googled Pet Shelters in the area.  I came across a couple, and I also saw that it was Adopt-a-Shelter-animal-month.  So, we decided to take the kids to a shelter, and just take a look.  We would see what they were drawn to, and teach them a lesson in responsibility by showing them what happens to animal when their owners don't take care of them.

What we didn't plan on--was falling in love with a sweet little puppy.  She was cute and wrinkly, and clumsy....and she was also most likely,  part Pittbull.  (One of the dogs, Kyle or I didn't want).   The kids walked her, she kissed the kids--and Kyle.  It was love at first sight.  Kyle forgot all about his anti-big dog statements and anti-pitt statements.  And,-he actually fell in love with 3 dogs, all PITTS ;)--and the kids would have been happy with any or all of the animals.

So, we went for ice cream.  We were going to have a family talk--but, we all knew, deep down that there was a puppy with Hamer written all over it.  So, we went back--and adopted our first puppy.  We followed up with an expensive trip to PetSmart, where the dog formerly known as Caramel, got her first pink collar and leash.

It took hours to decide on name that night-- Jaxen wanted to call her Buzz Lightyear or Boy, I wanted to call her Xoe.  Finally, Kyle came up with Riley--and it just seemed to fit.  Although, Alexis does think that her name is actually Riley Cyrus ;).  LOL

So anyway,  I have been busy potty training a puppy, reminding Jaxen to be gentle, along with all of my other motherly duties-- I can't say I haven't thought for a second, that maybe we weren't ready for a puppy, because I have. It is that whole equal right and left brain thing.  But, then I see my kids snuggle with the puppy, or Riley get excited to see her boy--and I know that we were ready.

As for the baby thing--it could still be a possibility.  We will wait and see I suppose...but, for now, my hands are full!

So, please help me welcome RILEY to our family!!