I'm Totally Crazy

I've been called crazy a few times in my life. Like when I got married at 19. Or when I got pregnant with Coby before Cameron was even a year old. Or that time I had a few too many Long Island iced teas at Curtis's office Christmas party and didn't realize they were so strong and ended up taking off my - well, never mind. Point is, I've done a few things in my life that call my sanity into question - but for the most part, I've managed to prove the naysayers wrong. I've been married for almost a decade ... am managing three boys just fine (well, okay, for the most part) ... and that Long Island tea incident didn't even end up on YouTube.*

*Because it happened before YouTube was even invented probably, but oh well.

Anyhow, despite all this, I have recently made a decision which makes even ME wonder if I've gone off the deep end. And it's this:

This "crazy decision" is a full-blooded Chocolate Lab, seven weeks old, who goes by (but does not necessarily answer to) the name Josie.

As you guys know (and read here and here if you don't), we very recently had to say a painful and difficult goodbye to our ten-year-old dog, Andy. And my mom, God bless 'er, tried to dispense a little advice afterward in that way she does ... phrasing it as a very subtle suggestion, as if trying to implant it into my subconscious so I'll think it was my idea (I'm onto you, Mom). "After all this, I'm sure you won't want to think about getting another dog until the boys are older," she said. Followed by some reasoning that my brain tuned out because, well, if I've learned one thing in my 29 years it's how to completely ignore reason.

Yeah, it's a talent, be jealous.

I knew we could never replace Andy - but what I needed so desperately to replace was Andy's presence. Those first few days without him here were horrible. Every noise I heard sounded like him. Every dark shape caught in my peripheral vision - the couch pillows, the clothes on the floor - looked like him. I hadn't realized, until he was gone, that a huge part of my life consisted of our simple daily interactions. 

So I guess it was grief that drove us to pick out a fuzzy, pudgy little bundle of puppy. Our new little girl, our Josie. She didn't bring Andy back, of course, but she helps me cope with his absence - although I tend to think of them both being here. Like, she'll run back to the bedroom and I'll think, "Oops, Andy's isn't going to be happy when she disturbs his ... oh." And then, like I do at least three times a day so far, I'm hit with a wave of sadness that momentarily paralyzes me. 

Wanna know what else momentarily paralyzes me? Stepping in puppy poop in the middle of the night on my way to the bathroom.

And that, my friends, is why I'm crazy. Because I signed up for this. Because I willingly chose to have a four-year-old, a two-year-old, a six-month-old, and a seven-week-old puppy. Because it's such a great experience to have two that are teething and two that are potty training!

(Not really, I just made that last part up.)

She's such a sweet girl, though. Very smart. And she's already in love with the boys. Colin's a little afraid of her (but this is the child who is also scared of playground swings and artificial flowers - yes, really - so I didn't expect anything less). Cameron, the one who got a dog bite to the face requiring 40 stitches and thereby the one who should be wary of dogs, yet isn't, adores her.





... as you can plainly see. :)

So anyway, Mom, you were kinda right about the struggles of having so many needy, teethe-y, poopy-and-peedy little babies at once. But this too shall pass - it did with Andy - and at least I'll have plenty of blog fodder in the meantime.


 

Comments

  1. OH I LOVE HER!! You may be crazy but it will be worth it. I love the picture of her and cameron eating in the dog bowls!!! so cute!! I think it was a good decision and just remember the good times and her cute face when you feel that slimy ooze between your toes.....

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  2. She's sooooooooooooooo cute! That last picture is perfect! I'm a HUGE sucker for PUPPIES!

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  3. Adorable puppy! And I would have done the same thing. It is so great that he isn't afraid!

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  4. She is so cute! Good luck with all the puppy adventures.

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  5. Oh. My. Gah, woman. You? Are certifiable! But I love you just the same! And the pup? Adorable. You got your girl!!!

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  6. CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!!! You aren't crazy, once you are a family with a dog, I say you need a dog to complete the family. She is adorable.

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  7. Congrats! She is adorable!

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  8. Ok you are a bit crazy but I think that this is an excellent way to heal. :)

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  9. She is cute and a good addition to the family. Now you got your girl!

    I love the picture of Cameron drinking out of the water dish.

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  10. OH MY WORD. I'm so coming over right now!!!!!!! ADORABLE!!!!!!!!

    :)

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  11. Squeeeeeaaaaal!! She's precious! I don't fault you, one look at her and all thoughts of, "This is INSANE!!" would fly right out the window. :P

    Our mothers must talk, mine is the exact same way.

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  12. wonderful choice and I applaud you! this puppy will grow with the boys and she will fill the lonely place left by Andy. I am so happy for you (and puppy potty training, glad it is you! lol)

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  13. She is sooo stinkin' cute. I don't know if I could have resisted either. And anything for blog fodder, right?!

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  14. LOL Okay, I'm busted! The real reason I had hoped you wouldn't get a puppy right away is because I know I'll be responsible for all the pee and poop when I come stay with the boys this summer while you and Curtis are gone for a few days.

    But she's adorable, and how could we NOT love her?! She'll make a wonderful family pet and help fill the emptiness left by our beloved Andy. I can tell she's already making her place in the household and I can't wait to meet her in person!

    Love you guys....and girls! :o)

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  15. I recently replaced my wonderful 10 year old lab. It was like replacing the void in my heart more than anything.


    Stopping by via SITS.
    Have a great Saturday!
    http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/03/i-dont-really-know-who-corey-heim-was-to-be-honest-with-you/

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  16. You're not crazy! I did the same thing this week, only it was a stray pup. A lab, too.

    I passed an award on to you cause I really like your blog:
    http://tinylittlereveries.blogspot.com/2010/03/blog-awards.html

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  17. LOVE her. I got my chocolate lab at 7 weeks, too, and granted it was a few years before my baby came alone, but they are best buds now. You might be crazy, but it will be soo worth it!

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  18. What a cute puppy! A new baby all over again but will be worth it. Bet the kids are loving this!

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  19. That is my ideal dog, oh my God, how beautiful!

    You'll have so much fun! It's wonderful having a family pet. It's hard when you've lost another loved animal, but the kids and the puppy will grow up as best of friends.

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  20. Well I think getting a dog now and letting her grow up with the kids is a good idea! Now your sanity in taking it on with three little ones, now that's another discussion. ;)

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  21. Awwww love the 2 pics of Cameron & her. He's so adorable (and funny)! And LOL to Colin & his fear of fake flowers.....this one is new to me!

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  22. Those pictures are adorable! My kids have wanted a dog for a while, but I have one that is sooooo afraid. She said she'd move out.

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  23. Oh, I love furry little puppies! We have a 5 1/2 year old yello lab girl named Riley. I can remember when she was all nice & fluffy like Josie :-) Now, she lets our kids crawl all over and even put clothes on her sometimes. They are the best!

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  24. Stopping by from SITS. Congrats!

    Puppies bring so much joy!!! I love my Chihuahua puppy, Chuy! I have written about him a few times on my blog also.

    Good luck!

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  25. Oh that puppy! Oh I am drooling - I want one! You know how some people get over newborn babies - they do speak to me too, but a lab puppy. Oh! I just want her. We have two girls, both now 8 (a black and a yellow). And you know the secret to a happy home with a lab? Training! Preferably clicker training.

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  26. Sad you lost Andy but it's nice to provide a home for another puppy. He's a cutie and I'm sure is very happy to be a part of your family. OUCH! for Cameron though. I'm amazed he isn't afraid of dogs after being bit like that. Hope your dog stops chewing those cords real soon!

    Congrats on your SITS day!

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  27. I stumbled on your page and i had to chuckle cause I two have 3 boys and a brand new puppy lol and yes it can be trying at times that is for sure but what isnt? Good luck and cant wait to read more

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  28. Happy SITS day! Your new puppy is adorable. Off to check out the rest of your blog!

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  29. I'm sorry for the loss you've had with Andy. Pets are never "just" anything, but family members. I get it.

    As sad as it was to let him go, I'm glad you got a new puppy, piddle puddles and all!!! Hugs to you all.

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  30. The things we do to keep our audience entertained... We bloggers should get an award just for that! But the puppy is VERY cute and I love your pictures.

    Happy SITS Day!

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  31. She's adorable!!! We have two black ones who are 3 and 1. Everyone told me I was crazy for getting the second one after the first one ate all the dining room chairs. But the chairs were already destroyed, so what did I have to lose? Apparently, the carpet on the stairs and two of the spindles in the banister.

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  32. HAHAHA, They are precious. I think the puppy is beautiful! Good Luck have a Blessed day!

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  33. You are a brave, brave woman. Such cuteness is hard to resist though. Blog on!

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  34. Hi, I'm a new follower :-) I loved this puppy post. It's always hard losing a member of the family. Even if they are an animal. As for stepping in poop in the middle of the night.....I woke up one morning to my boyfriend removing our bedroom door from the hinges. Turns out puppies get an "upset stomach" while teething and pooped in front of the door.....which opens IN....and was closed......Why we had a screw driver in the bedroom is beyond me.

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  35. Congratulations on your new baby. She is beautiful.

    So, I never, ever do this, but when you have a moment, cause you have so many with your SITS day and your 3 boys and your new puppy, take a gander at this post if you're so inclined.

    I have 2 puppies, labradoodles, and their mother. I'm not sure if I had a moment of total insanity when I decided that yes, I needed 3 freakin' dogs in my life along with 3 kids and a husband, but I must have. This is the story of what happened the other day when my daughter forgot to lock their crate and Moron and Morona, as I like to call them these days, were left alone in my house all day to unleash puppy hell.

    http://laundryhurtsmyfeelings.blogspot.com/2010/03/lessons-i-am-learnin-you-todayyou-are.html

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  36. I love your site!! It is awesome. I too am a SITS follower.

    The story of your Lab warms my heart. We lost our sweet lab 2 years ago and I think if getting a new one all the time. Love her and have a blast!

    Fatnsassy Mama

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  37. i love this post! It is right up my alley since I have 5 daughters, a dog, and recently aquired 2 cats. everyone thinks i'm nuts...i think they're right. But...as far as you go...i would have done the same thing. Its super hard not having a pet when your used to having one.

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  38. awwwww you have such an ADORABLE puppy!!! awwww!!! she would totally get along with our choc lab/pitt mix lealu! :)

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  39. I put my dog to sleep a year ago after she bit my almost two year old. A week ago, we got ourselves a new puppy as well! Good luck with her training! I know just what you're going through. :)

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  40. THAT is a cute puppy. Of course, my theory is that that's how they reel you in. Babies, puppies and kitties. If they weren't cute, who would stand for all the destruction and havoc they reak?!

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  41. Ahhhh.. Josie is adorable and I absolutely LOVE that picture of her eating and your son drinking.

    My condolences on the loss of Andy.

    I've recently had the same two experiences, one dog got killed and we got a black lab puppy.

    Happy SITS Day!

    Cheers :-)
    - CoconutPalmDesigns

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  42. Oh, my, what a cute puppy. :) We have a seven year old full-blooded chocolate lab and she's still every bit a puppy. We entertained the thought of getting another one when I was pregnant but never got around to it. I'm thinking that was a good thing!

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  43. Arable! Though I tell you truly, I would be terrified of getting another dog. Like ever... but that's just me.

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  44. Hmmm I thought I commented already but didn't see my name.. strange!

    Happy SITS day!

    Your dog is sooo cute! :D

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  45. Found you on your SITS day! I guess you know what they say about labradors- they make the perfect dog... if you don't kill 'em the first two years! :) She's beautiful... congratulations!

    Oh, and your blog is gorgeous!

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  46. I'm sea-sick again. ;) Sorry for the loss of your dog...It must of been just heart breaking for you and your family. You did the right thing however, your baby has to come first, your my hero...I don't know you but I'm proud of ya all the same.
    The new puppy is very sweet...just watch lots and lots of Dog whisperer, thats what I did when we got our new pup and I dont know how I would of done it if I hadnt lol. Now he's 9 months and a wonderful dog.

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  47. She's adorable! Labs are such good dogs!

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  48. Okay. I sorta see why you did it. Sorta.

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