Our newest addition!

Yes, we are getting a dog. A puppy to be exact. I've wanted one since my own dog (a yellow lab) died when I was sixteen. We've not been in a place yet where it made sense to get a dog. We've either been in a small condo downtown or renting. And we wanted to wait until the boys were a bit older.

Seth was more reticent than I was, as he wasn't raised with a dog. He grew up in China and was always moving and a dog represented (and still does) restriction. But we figure by buying a house and having two little kids, we're already pretty restricted. And to me, I can't imagine raising kids and not having a dog. I grew up with one, and times playing with Gabe are some of my favorite childhood memories.

Frankly, I think i'm more nervous about bringing a puppy home than I would be bringing a third child home. At least with a baby, i'd (sorta) know what I was doing and know what to expect. And my youngest, Harrison, would not be terrified of a new baby. Harry is both fascinated with and terrified of dogs. He calls all dogs "scary puppy"--he always squeals when he sees them and desperately wants to pet them. But he just can't work up the courage. Brice, on the other hand, is fantastic with dogs. Very gentle. Puts his hand out for them to inspect him. He really wants to help me with the puppy and is hopeful that someday the dog will sleep in his room with him.

So, it should be quite a summer. New house, new dog, new neighbors. I'm sure it will be fine, right?

I mean, how hard could it be?? (cue ominous music...)


(note: our puppy has not actually been born yet; the above photo is a pic of a puppy who was born last year from the same parents we're getting ours from)