We'll always refer to Chino as our "first born", which isn't too far from the truth. Even though he's a dog, he's managed to teach us so much about what kind of parents that we hope to be. When we brought him home, we were expecting "rainbows and sunshine", but what we got was a crying, screaming puppy that had no idea what was going on. Once he settled in, that was a whole other story. We had a crazy lunatic puppy on our hands. He was housebroken, but felt that crate living was beneath him and also had predisposition for chewing on and eating random things. We eventually figured it all out though. He was patient with us and we tried our best to be patient with him and what started out as "what did we do?" ended up as "what did we do without him?" This is what I expect our transition into parenthood to a two-legger to be. We're in the planning stage right now, and before you know it, you'll be here. It may take us a little while, but we'll figure it out and before long, it will be like you were here the whole time.
A few things that your "big brother" has taught us:
- Its always important to take turns
- It will all be ok. Adaptation is key.
- Unconditional love is the best kind (he doubles as momma's on-staff psychiatrist)
- Its ok to fake it 'till you make it
- Don't ever underestimate learned vocabulary
- Just when you think your house is childproofed, you'll probably find something (he found a rum cake, a ball of yarn, knitting needles, a digital camera, an ink pad, pens, carpet, the wall and lots of paper)
- Ice cream cones fix almost anything
- Bribery is ok...sometimes
- Always follow signs that tell you to "keep your dog on a leash" (this will apply less to you, obviously)
- Family time is mandatory
- A good walk is fuel for the soul
- Bunnies are evil and must be chased out of the yard, at all costs
- When its time to play, its time to play. Everything else can, and should wait.
- Breakfast and dinner must be served promptly at all times
- A good routine keeps the household running smoothly
- Family members don't necessarily have to be two-legged
- Trust is earned
As we get ready to welcome you to our crazy life, its important to us to make Chino feel loved and included. To neglect him after so many years of happiness and love would just be unfair. He's been a part of the whole preparation process, so far. As we were getting your nursery ready, he was there to watch and observe. Actually, because of the curtain debacle, he was also able to overcome his fear of the power drill and tape measure. He came to our first baby shower in Pittsburgh and was on his best behavior. He enjoyed the cake and helped momma open some presents.
Everyone who knows us, knows how important he is to us and is always asking how he'll do when you get here. My answer has always been "He'll be fine...he has no choice." We're going to proceed cautiously, but if you get a lick in your face when you come home, that's just your big brother saying hello and seeing what you've been up to. We're pretty sure that he already knows you're there, based on how protective of me he's been lately. You've probably been hearing his voice during these last few months. He runs a tight ship in the backyard and if he's not walked every night, he usually barks his head off around 9pm every night, while we're relaxing and watching TV. Hopefully, you're used to this sound because we have no idea how to make him quit. So far, I haven't felt you startle when you hear him, so maybe that's a good sign.
Here's hoping for a baby who sleeps through crazy barking fits!
Love,
Momma
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