Second Child Syndrome

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

I am a second child.  My brother has tons more childhood pictures than I do.  My mom had a baby book for each of us. My brother's is filled out in great detail...mine, well, there is a one liner about the fact that I was born and that is where my mom lost interest I think.  So I swore I would never do that to my second child.  Turns out human children weren't in the cards for me so my first "child" was Murphy. I have a lock of his hair, I have several of his baby teeth, I have a photo album filled with his first year. Anyone remember Murphy's first birthday?  The planning, the invitations, the party, the cakes and cookies, the people food, the organized games and trainer hired to lead all of the games, the hand made goodie bags for each guest, the decorations, the presents, the poster made and framed special for his party...Murphy had the perfect doodle birthday. See my page for pics if you missed it.

So.....next week Wilson will be one year old.  I have done NOTHING.  OMG!  I have done what I swore I would never do!  I am the worst doodle mom on the planet!

I am trying to throw together a small doodle playdate for the weekend after his birthday.  I feel terrible..I know Murphy is telling him all about his party and making Wilson feel neglected.

Wilson is my second child, and like lots of second children he has been slighted .  BUT I love him with all of my heart and soul!  His birthday may not be a big "event" but it will be very special and he will know he is loved.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I only have one 2 legged child and one 4 legged child so I can not relate to the "second child syndrome"..But I did go back and look at your pics of Murphy's party...It looks like it was a fun time...Spoil Wilson on his special day and he won't know the difference...

Went to your website too...wish I lived closer...your pictures are wonderful!!

 

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Oh boy, can I relate to this (the human 2nd child part at least!).  I, too, was the second child - few pictures, no baby book, etc.  As a matter of fact, my mother was a life-long scrapbook maniac, recording every event (large or small) with incredible detail (think restaurant receipts, show tickets, etc.), yet the first mention of me was four months after I was born in an entry showing the apartment where we lived while my dad attended summer school.  The entry - "There are four of us now".  Talk about fodder for therapy!  And as far as the baby book - after years of "teasing" my mom about the lack of a baby book, she finally put one together for me - I was 45!!!  So Doris, you still have plenty of time!!!

Wow - somehow I feel so much better after this impromptu therapy session.  Guess I should thank Wilson for the opportunity.  Happy birthday, Wilson!  And Ronna - you're a great doodle mom!!!!  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Ronna, This made me laugh, because I am thinking about my two daughters. I had tons of pictures for the first one and not so many for the second daughter. Now mind you, the second one had huge medical problems, so I was busy with that, but she once asked me where her baby book was and I said, "I know the date you were born and that is about it." My sister is almost 60 and still goes on and on about being the middle child :) You are a great Doodle mom and Wilson is not going to know the difference. That is another great thing about dogs. Happy Birthday, Wilson!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Fortunately, dogs don't know it's their birthday, lol! I think that some special treats will more than make up for the lack of fanfare. :) I am sure that Wilson knows he's loved, and that's all that matters.

As a first-born, it makes perfect sense to me that my baby book was filled out from front to back cover with every detail of my fascinating first year, including "loves fruit", "does not care much for eggs", "says 'dis' for 'this'", etc., while my next sister's book is pretty much empty except for her footprints and her date of birth, because after all, I've always been so much more interesting than my sister.....

If it makes you feel any better, though, even only dogs end up getting slighted in the birthday party department as they get older and the novelty wears off. I don't think JD's 7th birthday was marked by anything more than a new leash and a piece of tilapia for dinner. I don't think he minded. :) 

[Anna and Achilles]

Well you said it. that is all that matters. He knows you love him. OH and he gets the benefit of you knowing more about doodles. So whisper in his ear that you practiced on Murphy, he will feel better. Happy Birthday Wilson!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

If he knows he's loved, that's really all that he cares about.  The best thing about dogs is that they're happy with a couple meals, a good walk or run in the yard, a pat on the head, and just being with their people.  That's really all they need.  Happy Birthday, Wilson!

[Carol and Banjo]

Being the first of 4 I can attest to the fact that Murphy is indeed relishing in the re-telling of his lavish affair.   ; -)

Happy Birthday Wilson.......you're the cutest little redheaded "lion" ever!!!!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Oh, Ronna, I hope my daughter doesn't read your blog. She's been saying the same thing for years, lol! Maybe if I got off of DK and finished her baby book she'd be happy, but what's the hurry --she's only 20!! There's time for that later!

I bet Wilson finds his party next week to be just perfect! Wish Knox and I could be there!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am a second child and their were many more baby pictures of my sister, so I share your pain : ) But I take lost of pictures of both my doodles and have solved the party problem by having none for either of them. I do wish them a happy birthday and usually remember a special treat. But I have two children of the human variety. It's just human nature to take more pictures of the first baby and there's somewhat more time to note milestones and other things. So you are a good, "normal" doodle mom.