No (More) Pets Allowed

Saturday, Chris and I went to the in-laws to visit. One of their labs had another litter of puppies, but only one of five survived. She's a big 'o chunk of cuteness, but the last time I fell for the cuteness of a puppy was close to this time last year. He's now a full grown mini-Schnauzer that we call Jackson. I love him, but taking care of a dog goes way beyond just enjoying their cuteness. You have to clean up after their little accidents, buy them food, treats, have them groomed, bathe them, and go and pick them up when they follow some nice joggers a mile down the road. Of course, against Chris's wishes, I also have to buy clothes for Jackson to wear. It's just too darn cute some of the things they have for dogs to wear these days. I have definitely learned my lesson about picking up a puppy and looking into his sweet little eyes and falling head over heels in love.

Anyway, we weren't even able to visit with Chris's mom and dad because Olivia kept bugging them about holding the puppy. She couldn't wait for her to finish nursing so she could cuddle with her. It really was so cute to see her with the puppy. She was so gentle and sweet. Just like a little mommy. After the puppy was put back with her mama, Olivia informed Chris and I that she didn't want to have a baby sister anymore. She wants a baby puppy instead. It was funny at the beginning, but as she kept on saying over and over again that she didn't want the baby in my tummy, I started thinking of that sweet little puppy that she and Carson loved so much those first couple of months but then lost interest in once he jumped on them, chewed up one of their toys, and pooped on their bedroom floor. Besides the fact that we can't keep Emerson in my tummy until Olivia is over her puppy fetish, we are not getting another dog. We barely have enough room for the four of us and the one dog we have now. We're still not certain where we will even be putting Emerson once she gets here. No way are we gonna bring home another dog, especially a lab that gets about a hundred times bigger than it is now.

Sorry, Olivia, but your sweet little sad face isn't gonna get you your way this time. Ready or not, Emerson is gonna be here a couple months from now. I, personally, can't wait. Like everything else our four year old gets her heart set on, this puppy thing will be gone in a week or so and she'll move on to a new obsession. Let's just hope it's something that doesn't take quite so much care and attention as an adorable puppy.

Jackson in the only outfit I could talk Chris into since it has to do with racing.