Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Babies, Meet Beans. Beans, Meet Babies.

The reason we have Beans at all is because she couldn't handle living with kids.  But that was almost two years ago, so with her puppy energy behind her, I was hopeful that we could welcome the boys into a family that included Beans.  Most of our Chinese friends think we're crazy for having both a dog and kids, but the meet-and-greet-get-to-know-you adjustment has been going well.

Sami is pretty ambivalent to the dog.  If we'd let her, she would lick him for an hour straight, and I don't think Sami would mind at all.  (We don't let her, of course.)



Micah, on the other hand, has had a few more misgivings about the strange creature that is about the same height as he is.  Over the past week, he has progressed from screaming when in her presence to shirking around her to actually initiating interaction with her.  I think they'll be best good buds in the near future.


But the boys haven't been the only ones who have had to adjust to having a dog around--Beans has had to adjust too!  She's been a little confused as she's been trying to figure out exactly what to make of these two new little things in the house.  She's spent some extra time in her closet when we can't wrangle both her and the boys.  She's had to share some attention, but I've tried to compensate for that with some extra petting and head scritching.  I've literally looked her in the eye once or twice and told her, "You are a valued member of this family."  And I'm quite convinced she understood.  

On day two, Kevin was almost ready to get rid of her, but if that happened, then I would have to figure out a new way to clean up all the dropped food particles left over from meal times.  So if Beans can manage not to destroy all the boys' toys and not  to lick them mercilessly every time I turn my back, we're pretty sure we'll be able maintain our current floor cleaning employee. 

9 comments:

David Pope said...

A good, long dog-licking never hurt a little boy! GO Beans! hehehe

Will and Vanessa said...

How sweet. The boys will love having a dog. Great point about the food, wish I had that!

PS Micah looks like a real cuddle-bug.

Christy said...

How funny! I was recently talking with one of my friends who has 2 dogs and a 6 month old baby. Her baby hasn't been sick at all, and she and her husband are convinced that it's due to the built-up immune system from the dog slobber!

I don't even have kids yet, but I love that all I have to do is tap my foot on the floor and whatever was dropped is cleaned up. Way to go, Beans! :D

Amber said...

LOL!! That's why we still have dogs!! They literally know the command "Earn your keep." They run straight to the kitchen and start hunting for dropped food, lol.

Courtney said...

so cute! love the pics (especially mama holding Micah, sweet!) still SO happy for y'all! :)

Susan/Mama said...

I'm glad you reminded Beans that she is a valued member of the family. After all she was there first. And who would want to lose that floor cleaning arrangement? Not me. We totally have to watch for Molly before we walk in the kitchen. They will be best buds before you know it.

The Young Family said...

Beans will adjust, but never quit eating the toys, it just comes with the territory! Get over it Kev!

The Foster Family said...

I LOVE that last picture of you and Micah and Beans. So precious! And, yes, the food cleaner upper is the ONLY thing I miss about our dog living inside. That part was quite convenient.

ksenia16 said...

What a challenge, you are so amazing and strong balancing both wiener and babies. Hopefully someday Mark and I will fully comprehend the balance as well as you and Kevin do. I'm sure deep down Beans is exciting to have siblings. All our love to you all!!!!!
Sister-in-law