Happy 4th Birthday, Tuna!

As most of you know, our first child joined us almost 4 years ago.  Tuna is such a big part of our family, and he truly felt like Chris' first child years ago when we brought him home to our tiny apartment.  He felt like a newborn at times.  We were getting up with him at night, cleaning up his poop, stressing about the right food, picking the right vet, and all the other worries new parents have.  He has grown into such a great dog!   I am listening to his loud snores coming from his favorite spot on our entryway rug as I type about his birthday, and I can't imagine life without him now.  I really hope that Luke and Tuna are best buds one day!

 In the beginning, Luke and Tuna didn't really pay attention to one another.  Tuna just seemed a bit annoyed that there was another loud person in the house to get in the way of all the lying around he does.   He would get a little stressed when Luke was fussy or crying and once he was settled felt more at ease, but for the most part he didn't really show interest.  Certainly didn't seem to go out of his way to notice Luke.  Now that Luke is sitting up, with aid of course, the two are noticing each other more and more.  Luke could watch Tuna for hours.  They are equally intrigued by one another.  Tuna has really started taking notice of what the baby is doing and how he feels.  He gets really uneasy if Luke isn't happy now.  He wanders into the nursery at night when Luke is feeding and in the mornings when he wakes up.  The past few days Luke has started smiling and laughing at Tuna and it's the cutest thing.  We love it!!!  I can't wait until Luke is up bouncing around with Tuna right behind him.  I  hope they do well together and I really think they will.  I think Tuna will be excellent with him, as he is the most patient dog on the planet!

I'm pretty sure Luke is going to LOVE dogs.  In the evenings, Luke and I walk with Jo and her dog, Moseley.  Earlier this week, I took Luke out of the stroller to meet Moseley up close and the interaction was so sweet it brought tears to our eyes.  I know that sounds corny, but it was the sweetest moment.  Luke was so playful and laughed out loud over and over at Moseley.  He had a huge smile on his face! Moseley, who is quite the energetic pup, was so good.  He was so calm and gentle with him.  It amazes me that dogs sense babies.  It's a wonderful thing.

Here are a few pictures from a couple weeks ago..

"Mom, this is just one more person kissing my cheeks!"