Our Family Is Growing

You read that right!  Our family is growing…by FOUR feet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

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The littles and Honey alike have been dreaming of a puppy for years.  But mean old mommy has been the hold out.  I just didn’t feel ready for another thing to take care of.  And, if I’m perfectly honest, for many of those years I would have liked to have had another baby NOT get a pet.  But I’ve read, talked the ears off of my dog owner friends, researched extensively and finally just said YES LET’S DO IT back in February!  The more I’ve talked to others about dogs, the more I’ve decided that people are more opinionated on canines than they are on children.  So, we’re moving forward on what’s best for our family and we couldn’t be more excited.

Now, without further ado, may I have the great pleasure of introducing y’all to ELSA!!!!!!!

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She’s a medium sized goldendoodle and is six weeks old.  She doesn’t come home for another five weeks, but we’re pretty much smitten already.

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The littles had their hearts set on a pup named “Awesome Sauce”.  But, I guess through divine intervention little Elsa came with that name.  I kid you not.  Her litter was called the “Frozen” litter and her siblings are Anna, Olaf, Sven, Kristoff and crew.

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She’s a full pound smaller than her biggest sister and was just the sweetest little thing.  She was playful but loved snuggling with us.  We just knew she was the right choice to complete our family.

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We’ve got so much to learn, but the boys are “ready” for the responsibility.  We’ve already started making lists of chores, and I have had fun randomly calling out fake to-do’s over the last few months (ie. they have just settled down on the sofa with popcorn and I say “Quick… your dog has to go out  Who’s taking her???).  I really pushed for a puppy that could come home this summer, rather than earlier in the year when we decided to do it.  I just wanted them to be able to be here with her every day to take care of her and take ownership of her.

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After about an hour she had worn herself flat out.  The littles were beyond excited.  Beyond.

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So, between now and next month we’ll be looking forward to her weekly selfies and gathering up supplies to welcome her home.  Stay tuned for much much more!!!
xoxo

37 thoughts on “Our Family Is Growing

  1. You will love having her companionship! A puppy is a ton of work, but so rewarding. And you are so good to put the boys to work…that was the best thing I ever did and my kids area all very involved in taking care of our Golden. Can't wait to see more pictures of her!

  2. You made the right decision to wait for summer for puppy training and bonding Amanda. A puppy is almost like having a baby in the house!! She is beautiful and I know you all will love her and give her a great home.

  3. She is adorable! You'll be so glad you went with a breed that doesn't shed and that you are waiting that long to bring her home because she'll house train easier! We have 2 Goldens and they are just the best (I do wish they didn't shed though)!

  4. Ahhh! Elsa is the best! We have an Australian Labradoodle (4 years old) and after my husband and our 2 daughters, our dog Lucy is the best thing! I too had to be talked into a dog and after much research, Lucy joined our family. She helps me wake up the girls for school. She rides in the car when I take/pick up the girls from school. She's my extra set of eyes and ears when the girls play outside. She's my constant friend as I work around the house. She's such a blessing for our family. I won't lie – the puppy stage is work, but so worthwhile. I wouldn't trade Lucy for the world. Congrats on your furry friend!!

  5. She's beautiful! It may be silly to say but she will look so pretty with your decor! ;-) Congratulations to one lucky dog! Elsa is a little sweetheart and the joy in everyone's eyes is priceless! I bet you're already planning her first party! Jane ~ San Diego

  6. PS The name "Awesome Sauce" is quite funny! Your boys are characters! I'm betting her first monogrammed item has already been ordered! Make that plural! You are an incredible mom! ~ Jane, SD

  7. With a Disney name, you know she's meant to be! A year ago we brought home our sweet Daisy, and I fall harder for her every day, and I did not exactly want a pet. She'll bring y'all so much joy. Welcome to the furry club!

  8. EVERY child needs a pet. I don't care if it is a bird a fish a cat a dog etc. they need someone they can tell their problems to that won't judge them or give them advice. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to them. They will learn so much from this puppy you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Enjoy Ms. Elsa.

  9. Oh boy! (Or girl as the case may be.) You'll have to check out the adventures you are in for at our blog: asthedawgsbark.blogspot.com
    Woof! Woof! Woof!
    Hunter, Dixie, and Jenna

  10. You seem like a great person- take the family to your local animal shelter to find a dog. My wife and I recently lost our 13 year old 'pound puppy' and we always talk of how he was forever grateful to us for saving his life.
    That pup is very cute BUT there are SOOOO many sweet puppies out there that would love to call your house their home…. Good luck!!!!

  11. I know I've already commented on your IG post about this but I'm just so excited for y'all I had to post her too. I am so glad you finally caved!!! It is going to be the most fun adventure you've been on since having your boys. I've had dogs all my life and I love that my kiddos are growing up with dogs as well. They give so much love and are always glad to see you. It's worth the "puppy phase". Hopefully sweet Elsa will be an easy puppy and bring nothing but sheer joy to your family. Great choice on the Goldendoodle. I have a Golden Retriever and he is simply the sweetest thing God created. I can't wait to hear all the details of your new adventure! So fun!!!

  12. She is soooo cute! I had to laugh when I read your posts this week because your 13th anniversary was my son's 13th birthday and we are bringing home a male Goldendoodle next weekend!

    I've been reading a great training book that several breeders recommended, The Dog Listener, by Jan Fennell. So far so good! Also, if you're going to crate train there are some really cute fabric covers to dress them up a bit on Etsy, as well as lots of cute Lilly collar and leash sets.

    Enjoy your new addition!!

    Heidi in Indiana

  13. Adorable! I wonder if you might share the breeder's info? We are considering adding a goldendoodle puppy to our family and live in Georgia, too. Any info is appreciated.

  14. She is so adorable!!! I am so happy for you and those boys. You are going to love having a dog once you get through those early potty training weeks! You may remember how hesitant I was when we first got Rosie but I fell in love with her and couldn't imagine not having her in our family. Elsa…such an appropriate name for a Disney family! So funny too because our Rosie was actually named Rosebud from the Disney Airbud movies with all the golden retrievers. Enjoy every minute!
    Shelley

  15. After many very well behaved dogs of our own and fostering quite a few Cavaliers, I have learned the secret to a good puppy = a good puppy is a tired puppy! They have to run and get tired every single day and you are guaranteed to have a good dog!
    I wish you and your family many years of love with this sweet pup. Sarah K

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