It's Been a Week

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

And what a week it's been! I'm exhausted. And by the time my contractor gets done today I'll be broke too. Well, not really but I will be wincing when I write that check!

In retrospect Lachlan was so easy I was terribly spoiled. He's the kind of dog that even as a pup, when presented with something new, would sit back and think about it before doing anything. Declan, on the other hand, just lands on it. I'm calling him my Little Furry Wrecking Ball and the two of them collectively my Canine Demolition Derby.

I do wish I'd had my video camera going when suddenly Pixel was wearing 30 pounds of puppy. The look on his face was pretty priceless!

I finally got a solid six hours sleep Friday night and woke up to a dry and happy puppy. Whew! I think he's finally got just about all of that Purina Puppy Nuggets o' Corn and Sawdust out of his system and is adjusting, with the help of copious amounts of yogurt and pumpkin, to nutritious food. (Is there anything worse than the smell of Purina Poo Farts? Pass the gas mask, please!) He's actually responding to my voice too, and seems to be catching on to the idea that his name means good things might happen. (Ooooh, banana! Yum!)

Declan's into, on top of, or chewing through everything. The whole world is new and exciting and meant just for him to sink his teeth into or dig down through. Lachlan is merrily following his lead while I try to keep up and keep them both alive! Hmmm, I guess I did say I wanted to be more active this year.

On Wednesday while I was at work they decided to eat the back deck. Literally. Guessing the sitter took her eyes off of 'em for five minutes (that's all it takes, believe me) because Lachlan ended up vomiting toothpicks. Seems Junior Woodchuck was grabbing the vertical slats and ripping them off, then taking them out into the yard where Lach was obligingly eating the evidence. Then Thursday they decided to head for the back of the yard and play keep-away with lava rock, and THEN they decided to try to chew through the back fence! My long-suffering contractor is out there removing the slats (the wood is rotten and I'd planned to remove it eventually anyway) and putting up a temporary fence across the back part of the yard so they can't get to the dangerous stuff.

I've had many moments of "what the heck was I thinking?!" But then I watch Declan blossom with good food, a warm bed, and lots of hugs. And I watch the joy in Lachlan's eyes while they play. And I know that, if we can survive this year, it'll all be soooooo worth it! Heck, it's worth it already. When they're worn out from playing Greyhound Track in the back yard and suddenly I have a furry body pressing against each leg wanting hugs ... and I look down into those big brown happy eyes ... yeah, it's worth it.

A few "family" snapshots:

Lachlan: Now see, little brother, this is a cat.They're fun to poke. Like this.

Declan: Am I doing it right?

Pixel: Let me explain something to you, kid ...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great photo story. Hope things settle down soon.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Your doods are so cute!  I am amazed at the cat...what a good sport!

[Christine & Shelby]

Great photos.... and story!  I bet it's exhausting and incredibly rewarding!  Hang in there.... you can do it!

[Pat and Traveler]

Great story here, Jen!  Both blog and pics tell it, and it's just adorable!  Good luck with this crew--you'll continue to have a blast!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

so cute.. thanks for posting!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Things are certainly not boring at your house. The pictures are priceless! They are all so stinkin cute together.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Jen-these are great pictures that tell the actual story-poor Pixel! Hope things get calmer for you! It IS SO WORTH IT!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Jen, I LOVE this!  The pictures are hysterical.  It sure sounds like a fun time at your house, and I'm so happy that Lachlan has a new brother to "hang with". 

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Whew, actually got 8 hours sleep last night ... and woke up to a dry puppy, yayyy!

@Lucy, that's actually an off-white heavy-duty canvas, pretty critter-proof but sadly not the color I ordered. Twice. So I finally gave up and decided that I don't care how dirty it gets. The covers unzip so I can wash 'em and eventually, when the boys are a little older, that furniture will go down to the basement and be replaced with something a bit more attractive.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Love the pictures.  Really does look like he is teaching him about the cat!  I also have to say "Oh my, 2 dogs a cat and white furniture".   You really do have your hands full.