The Third Child I Never Thought I'd Have

[Jennifer & Truffle]

No, I am not pregnant (that factory closed 8.75 years ago). My third child's name is Truffle. And he's technically not a child but a canine.  But like Chloe and Sophie, he demands much of my time, attention and affection.

If you had asked me a couple of years ago whether I'd ever write about a dog in a loving and maternal way, I would have laughed you out of my house.  But look who's eating crow now.

Truffle is my toddler with four legs. He doesn't wear diapers but he requires an endless supply of poop bags. He wasn't potty-trained to go on a toilet, but instead prefers the mulch in our backyard. Like a toddler, he tries my patience, makes me laugh and sometimes causes me to yell. He's a selective listener. He gleefully struts around naked, just like my girls when they were little. He doesn't cry, but his bark is a lot more grating than toddler tears. He jumps on furniture, encouraged by Sophie, who also jumps on furniture. He doesn't always nap when I'd like him to nap.  He squirms when I try to clean his ears or brush his fur.

Truffle unknowingly makes me feel guilty when I ignore or berate him. He follows me like a shadow and sometimes makes Sophie a little jealous when I focus on him and not her.  "Mom, that's not fair! You're feeding Truffle before you feed me!"  Does the addition of Truffle to our family make Sophie a middle child? Although Truffle doesn't attend pre-K and will never be a college graduate, in the 10 short months of his life so far, we've spent more money on private training and obedience school than I care to admit.

To read more about my third child and our first experience with matted fur, click HERE.

[Christine & Shelby]

I get my Shelby shaved about every 2 months beginning in March and ending in October sue to the extreme Texas Heat. She loves when she gets a summer cut and becomes exceptionally feisty! I think she looks adorable both fluffy and sleek. Her fur is so soft and she feels so silky after getting shaved.