....and baby makes 5

Our baby has finally arrived!  The stork did not miss our house this time.  He arrived right at 41 weeks gestation, and even then did not want to come out.  After a very long labor process, we welcomed Samuel Christopher into our family Friday morning at 2:48am.

After being discharged from the hospital (god bless the post-partum nursing staff; that is a job I would not want!!) we arrived home to introduce Samuel to his big brother and sister, Duke and Daisy.  Jesse had brought home a hat and blanket that Samuel wore while in the hospital so that the dogs could get a smell prior to meeting him.

I was not 100% sure how the dogs would react to a new baby.  They have been our center of attention for so long.  We take them for long walks every day and to the park on the weekends for an extra long walk.  I assumed the dogs would be really interested in the baby, but did not know what to expect of how they would continue to react to our newest family member.

When we brought Samuel home, we allowed the dogs to sniff Samuel in his car seat.  Duke went first, and then Daisy had a turn.  We took Samuel out of his car seat and sat on the couch, allowing the dogs time to sniff him up close and personal.  We did not let the dogs get in his face, as they needed to learn to show him some space.

In terms of how the dogs are getting along with their new brother, they have gladly accepted their role of big brother/big sister without hesitation.  Duke thinks it is his personal job to be Samuel's nanny.  Duke is very watchful over Samuel.  The first night we brought Samuel home, Duke spent the majority of the night in his nursery, sleeping on the floor between the crib and the door.  I often find Duke making his rounds to check on Samuel, peeking over his pack-n-play or sneaking into his nursery to make sure he is safe and sound in there.


Daisy is interested in Samuel too, but more for the smells and sound that come with a baby.  She otherwise gives him space. Both dogs have been great sports about the change in their daily routine- they don't get walked as often and trips to the park will be on hold for a while.  My parents stopped over the other day and my dad offered to take the dogs for a walk.  The dogs LOVE going for walks, but Duke refused to go, as he wanted to be home and on big brother duty.

Duke seems to really relish his new role in our family.  It is like he was always meant to be the protector, he just needed somebody to protect.

Because it has only been 4 days since Samuel arrived, I am sure there will be lots of new surprises along the way with our bullies and baby.  More to come!!