Brinkley and a new baby

[Heather & Brinkley]

Some of you may recall that we got Brinkley three years ago after many unsuccessful attempts at having a baby. All of my friends were having babies and we had wanted a Goldendoodle for quite some time... so we decided it was the time to bring Brinkley into our lives-- so we had another being to care for.  He is the love of our lives and I can't imagine life without him.  He's spoiled rotten and he gets so much loving from not only my husband and I, but my parents and my husband's parents as well.

Well, after 8 years of infertility struggles, we experienced a miracle and will be welcoming a new baby boy into our lives in late September.  Totally unexpected.  We are overjoyed.  We know that Brinkley is fantastic with children so that's not a worry.  He's spent many hours with the neighborhood kids playing "dog show" as the pull on his collar and direct him to "run around the show ring" and he seems happiest when he's out their trotting around with ten or so kids.  But, Brinkley is used to getting all of my attention.  All of it.  He wants to be the one snuggled up to me and he makes known if he's not the one cuddling by my side.  What is the easiest way to get Brinkley used to the new baby?  I want him to love the new baby-- I don't want Brinkley to feel like he's getting less of me because a new little human enters our lives.  How do I keep his naturally jealous tendencies at bay?  I know he knows 'something' is up because he often puts his head on my belly and lays there for a long time.  I'm assuming he can hear the baby's heartbeat.  

I appreciate any feedback.  Hoping to make this any easy transition Brinkley. 

(Here's a picture of Brinkley on our routine Saturday morning 2-mile walk around the lake before I let him loose to swim.)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Woo Hoo, Congratulations! I have no helpful advice but I'm sure you will be fine.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh my goodness, congratulations!!! How wonderful for you. Brinkley sounds like he's going to be an awesome big brother!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I don't have any suggestions but I am sure there are others here who will help on that score. Just want to say huge congratulations on this wonderful news.

[Kyoko]

Congratulations!! How exciting!! I don't have any advice but I'm very happy for you!!

[Wendy and Myla]

Oh, that's wonderful news!  How exciting!!!  I don't have any advice either but I'm sure that Brinkley is very secure and will share your excitement and love the baby as much as you!  He might be a bit jealous at first, but there will be lots of time when the baby is sleeping that you can devote to him! and after a while, he will be the big brother/protector and playmate that he obviously loves to do!!!  So happy for you all!!!!!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I can't explain it, but somehow they just know that this is one of their people (albeit a small one)--I imagine it is the "family smell" and all of my dogs (who were not doodles at the time and more territorial) immediately LOVED the baby and would sleep under the crib or next to the playpen, etc. I think that Brinkley, who is obviously already a stable dog, will learn to lie at your feet and be happy there as you do what every you need to do with the new baby--a lot of people are so nervous and anxious when they bring a baby home to a dog that their anxiety is probably felt by the dog--better to just act natural! He will follow right along....
SO HAPPY for you all--congrats!!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I know there is a doodle mom with a beautiful daughter Charlotte who I am sure could give you advise!  I am so bad with names...help me out here!  how wonderful that you will be blessed with two bundles to love!  

[Donna K & Quincy]

I think Elizabeth would be suprised to hear that. :>) 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I know, Donna, I went back and edited....oops....

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I did say I was not great with names.....

[Donna K & Quincy]

That would be Allyson, Peri and Taquito. I knew that's who you were thinking of but just had to tease a little. :>)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

haha, gave me a start!  If Elizabeth saw it, more of a start....I am so bad with names.  Charlotte did stay in my head, obviously because she is so pretty and sweet....