Brinkley and the new baby

[Heather & Brinkley]

Hi guys!

I gave birth to our wonderful son one week ago. We brought him home last Friday. Before coming home, my parents brought a blanket that was wrapped around baby so Brinkley could smell it before we came home-- which helped; but I can't help but notice that Brinkley is having a bit of a hard time adjusting. Don't get me wrong- he's great with the baby-you can tell he's taking on the protecter role so he's accepting him as part of the pack but he certainly is not used to a baby being in my arms all the time. Of course I'm still recovering so our normal activities have been taken over by my mom (walks, play time, etc). Every morning I do spend 20 minutes rubbing his belly so he gets some time with me, but I feel badly that he seems mopey. I am sure he can also pick up on and smell that i am "hurt". I took a walk with he and my mom today for the first time, and he did well with the stroller coming along, and the fact that I came on the walk seem to perk him up. He has always slept in r room with me but the last few nights he wont. instead h goes to sleep with my mom. Is there anything I can do to help him adjust better?

[Bonnie and Kona]

Congratulations, Heather! I was so hoping to see a picture of your little boy. Maybe you can post one of him and Brinkley one of these days.

I know that the first week feels like everything is hard. Every transition requires a time to process, and I think it sounds like Brinkley is behaving really well. His confusion about what is going on with you will dissipate quickly. Giving him special rub downs is a great idea. Are you still feeding him or is your mom? Maybe you could be sure to be doing that one thing even if you cannot be exercising him. 

[Heather & Brinkley]

I do feed him each morning, so that's good! :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Congratulations on the baby. I think Brinkley will be fine and you are doing what you can. Give everyone some time to adjust.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Congratulations Heather!  I am so happy for all of you and would love to see your baby boy!  I cannot help with the adjustment period as all our kids were grown when Libby joined our family.  I'm sure with time and lots of love Brinkley will be the best brother ever:)  Sounds like you are doing a lot for him and they will pay off in the end.

[BG and Gavin]

Congratulations Heather!  I too was hoping for a picture ;)  Sounds like you are doing everything just right.  IMO dogs are very adaptable creatures and Brinkley will get used to the new normal in no time.  I would not worry about him for one second.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations, Heather! What is the baby's name? I can't wait to see pictures.

Brinkley will be fine, he just needs some time to adjust to not being your only boy any more. 

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks everyone! I'll be sure to post a picture when I get on my computer. I can't load then from my iPad for some reason but soon, I promise!

I'll give it time and as many special rub-downs as possibl!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Congratulations! I think he will be just time, given time. It sounds like you are doing great helping him with the transition

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Congratulations ... ditto to what everyone else has said!  Look forward to pictures.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Congratulations on the new baby and kudos for doing things to help Brinkly adjust, I am betting you will all do very well.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Congratulations on your new baby!! I think Brinkley will adjust over time. Just give him some time and some extra hugs.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Congrats on your baby and just give Brinkley time to adjust and he will be fine.  I would do special things with him throughout the day, like little 5 minute one-on-one time with you.  The dynamics of your house hold have changed and he will make those changes too :)