I've been meaning to write about how the dogs have adjusted to Liam and their new lives not being the center of attention for a while now. But seeing as how they're no longer the center of attention, it kind of fell by the wayside.
We still LOVE our furbabies, but things have definitely changed since we added a baby.
#1 They no longer sleep in our bed (or even in our room) with us.
The first night home we let them stay with us, and every single time Liam would cry Rowdy would get so anxious and start pacing the room whimpering and barking. Liam's cradle also happens to be the perfect height for Rowdy to stick his face right in it to see what's causing all that noise. Not okay.
Every time we would get up to feed or change the baby, the dogs woke up and thought it was time to play or would bark to go outside.At 3am I was not in the mood to play or let the dogs out, and it was hard to see Rowdy get so stressed out from Liam's cries. So out they went.
We moved them to our guest bedroom and they absolutely love it. We took their beds in there, but it seems like Toula has now taken over Rowdy's bed and he's moved to the guest bed itself. He was never allowed to sleep in our bed (just Toula - he's too big) so he's pretty much in heaven now. We also put a fan in there and would turn it on every night to drown out baby cries but we don't need it anymore.
Even though Liam has been sleeping through the night for a while now, we decided to keep the new living situation for now. All we have to do at night now is let them out to go potty and and then say "Time for bed!" and they will both run in the guest room and snuggle up. Once Liam moves into his nursery we will probably bring them back in the room with us, but for now, this works.
#2 They spent A LOT of time outside the first month.
Luckily it was spring and the weather was great because Toula and Rowdy spent most of their days in the backyard. They are two pretty hyper and fairly loud dogs and with Liam sleeping so much that first month, I did not want them to disturb him.
They still spend a lot of time outside, but as I've gotten used to dealing with all three by myself while Will's at work (and since the weather is getting HOT here) they now come in and out throughout the day. And they come in every evening and obviously don't sleep outside.
#3 They do not get near the amount of attention that they used to.
I used to carry Toula around like a baby. Now I have a real baby to carry so that doesn't happen anymore. I still love on her and pet her, but I almost always already have someone on my hip so there's no more room for her. We also don't let the dogs on the couch like we used to because Liam is usually on one of our laps or on his lounger and we don't want them to accidentally step on him, scratch him, etc.
We try and make a point to take them on walks with us and take them to the dog park or play with them in the backyard, but honestly it doesn't happen as much as it should. I can't handle the stroller and two dogs so they only get to walk if Will comes along. Luckily they have each other!
We have seem some signs of jealousy from both of them, but overall things have been going okay. They haven't acted out drastically but sometimes they will bark at us or try to jump up on the furniture if they want attention.
One person they don't pay much attention to is Liam. They are aware of him and will sniff him occasionally but that's about it. Toula will sometimes lick his feet which I think is so adorable! Rowdy keeps a safe distance because his cries still bother him. I'm hoping as Liam gets older they will all be best friends.
Overall it has been quite a change, but I like to think it was a pretty doable change. Will and I both struggle with guilt about not paying as much attention to them as we used to, but we try not to be too hard on ourselves because having a baby is a BIG change and we are just trying the best we can. And we haven't had any crazy outbursts or peeing rampages from either dog which I consider a success, ha!
Pretty Toula
Coming in for a sniff.
Toula cuddled up next to Liam.
Rowdy doing his own thing. Pretty typical.
All three of our kiddos!
