First Born

While obviously not human (actually not obvious to me, but probably to most of you), Stella is truly our first born.

She came to us a few weeks old, unable to fend for herself, sleep through the night, find an appropriate place to "get busy," and so on.

She taught us our first lessons in caring for something other than ourselves (yes, the cats but they don't really count). We coould no longer leave for a Cubs game at noon with no plans of returning home before midnight. We actually had to check with each other before booking business trips to ensure someone could care for the pup (she doesn't do boarding, a story for another time).

She's also taught us a thing or two about unconditional love. Nothing says forgiveness like allowing the dog in your bed who just ate a big chunk out of your brand new area rug. Most of the time, while neither of us would admit it, we love her the best. She gets the first kiss when one of us walks in the door at night - and why not? She is the only one wiggling and wagging and smiling!

As I mentioned earlier, anyone who knows us has asked about how Stella will do immediately after hearing the Baby S news. Hopefully, this weekend wasn't an indicator...

We watched Rocco, the adorable lab puppy featured above, for our friends and Stella's behavior overall left a little to be desired:

First, she barely left the bedroom. Primarily because it is upstairs and Rocco couldn't figure out how to get up there. Instead he stood at the bottom of the stairs barking for her to come down. No sign of her. Because she was spending all her time sulking, Rocco got her place next to me on the couch. Wouldn't you know it, I look up a bit later and she is sitting on the landing, half way btw upstairs and down, peering down at us sitting together? And I felt GUILTY! Why is this my fault?

The final straw was yesterday afternoon, when Rocco calmed down (he is only five months old) long enough to chew quietly on his raw hide. A delightful peace fell over the house. It was glorious. Stella noticed too and came downstairs to check things out. When she found him, enjoying his bone, she promptly took it out of his paws and proceded back to the bedroom (Rocco-free zone) with it.

So charges that come immediatley to mind, include rude, possessive, jealous and unsocial. And Rocco has to be WAY more appealing to her than a baby will be, at least he is a fellow canine! Looks like we have a bit of work ahead of us.

Coincidentally a friend and pet lover who recently also had a baby gave me a book today about how to prep your pup for baby. It can't hurt, right? Maybe Stella and I will read it on the couch together tonight over a delicious raw hide.