People and Pets

Well, more specifically, babies and pets. For many new parents, introducing their human offspring into their existing pet-populated home begins with a little bit of worry. Will the babies be allergic? Will the new arrivals spark a jealous streak? Will they fight over toys? Will they enter into a predator-prey relationship? And if things go wrong, what are the options?

For us that began with Fiona, our beloved and somewhat crazy cat. We got Fiona from a shelter - she was given up by her previous family because of allergies (the baby was allergic, not Fiona). We certainly did not want a repeat of that scenario. And returning two babies can be problematic from what I hear.

I am happy to report, so far so good! Gaby and Alaina love the cat, and in return Fiona provides occasional interest that has grown significantly as the kids begin to drop food.

Fiona has learned that if you sleep on someone's feet, they are immobile:

Fiona is usually nice enough to share her blanket:

I will spare you the 629 additional pictures we have of the kids and the cat. But there are other pets to consider too. Between the nearby grandparents, there are a total of 3 dogs. Each of various size and, ahem, activity level.

First up, was Putchkie. I have no idea if I spelled her name correctly - she is Bubbe and Steve's dog.

Alaina will laugh at pretty much anything that hops up and down:

Not exactly sure what I am doing here. But something along the lines of "if you bite something, please let it be my finger":

Alaina laughing again. Notice the look on my face. It's Daddy's job to be concerned:

I am 40% less concerned here, but ready to move at a moment's notice:

This is my niece, Beatrice, making the introduction. That way if something goes horribly wrong I escape blame:

Notice my kung-fu grip on Alaina. I am no amateur:

Alaina realizing something has worse breath than her. Finished off by a lick in the ear:

Next up were Tex and Nonna's dogs. Buddy Beagle has a weird relationship with the girls. That is if you call slinking away whenever he sees them a "relationship." My theory is that his super sensitive nose makes his interaction with them the equivalent of sitting first row at a heavy metal concert.

But even Buddy beagle has had a few fun moments with the girls:

And finally, there is Koufax, the giant white German Shepherd. A very friendly dog, with an instinct to herd:

I am sure things will get a lot more interesting once Gaby and Alaina are able to walk and tackle. But for now all is good!