ADDING A BABY TO OUR PACK –

By Monday, February 17, 2020 21 No tags Permalink

I am super excited to tell you, we are adding a baby to our pack…

My children: John, Tiffany, Melanie and Lee III

I am now the proud “Lola” (Filipino word for grandmother) to my grandson who entered this world on February 10th…

When I received the call that Melanie went to the hospital – I sat on the side of my bed and fantasized about all the new and wonderful times that lay ahead as we watch this little fella vacation with us, spend weekends and summer months hanging out with me and his “Lolo” (Grandfather).

In the midst of my thoughts, I envisioned him resting right there beside me –  in the middle of my bed.

Smack in the middle of my daydream, Jaxson jumps up on the bed and sprawls out like he owns it. With no regards to me, he stretches long and sideways, exhales out-loud and settles in for an afternoon nap…

What if the baby was on the bed?

DOGS AND BABIES – 

Not too long ago I wrote a post about Harley and Jaxson’s first encounter around small children in our home. They were both exceptional house hosts but I would imagine an infant brings on a different set of challenges.

Goldendoodles are typically very gentle and easy going. They have excellent reputations around babies. A dear friend is raising two precious daughters around her two Goldendoodles… 

Even though I have no fear of either Boys purposely hurting Jamison (nick name for Lee James Bennett IV). I do believe they need to understand that this little bundle of joy requires special care and slow approaches. 

ADDING A BABY TO OUR PACK – 

I have a few months to work on what I call basic baby training before my grandson travels to Charleston. I want to make sure they have a solid recall and respond immediately to obedience commands like –

  • sit
  • stay 
  • down

There will be a lot of “baby-holding” when they come to visit, so periodically I’ve been walking around the house with a porcelain baby doll.

I cradle it – as if it was a real baby and sit on the couch with it.

I’ve placed it on the bed, and used the word “easy” to associate a slow approach when they get close…

There’s a great deal of information out there. From what I read, my take away (things I never thought much of) were – 

  • allow your dog to adjust to the smell, sight, and sound of the new baby for a few days BEFORE having them in close proximity.
  • have your dog sniff the baby (on leash) slowly. Pet, give praise and always take precautions. 
  • let your dog approach you and the baby. Allow him/her to choose when he/she wants to interact with the baby. Never force the invitation.
  • never scold your dog for picking up the baby’s toys. You don’t want the smell of the baby being associated with something negative. 

PREVENTIVE MEASURES – 

There are mixed emotions from experts about dogs and babies. Many people believe that “man’s best friend” can be an enormous risk to young children. 

As much as I love and trust my Boys – I always tell people – 

They’re incredibly gentle, but they are also dogs!

No matter how much you trust your dogs, never – 

  • put an infant or toddler on the floor with a dog
  • make sure your dog cannot reach a sleeping baby

It is my intention to take every precaution possible to ensure this very special introduction is done slowly and correctly. It will be such a blessing to watch the Boys fall in love with the baby of our family…

Some things just fill your heart without trying ❤️

21 Comments
  • Ducky's Mom
    February 17, 2020

    Congratulations Cathy, Lee, and your whole family!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 21, 2020

      Thanks so much – I’m going up there next week. Can’t wait to hold him.

  • Dixie and Hera
    February 17, 2020

    Congratulations to all of you! So precious!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 19, 2020

      Thanks “Trixie” – how have you been?

  • Cheryl
    February 18, 2020

    Congratulations on your beautiful new grandson! I know you’re going to love and enjoy this new addition to your life!
    I just know Harley and Jaxson will be amazing with Jamison. I feel their being therapy dogs will help with their adjustment to this new addition to their world.
    Oh and be ready for the fact that somehow grandchildren grow up faster than their parents did! I’m not sure how this happens, but it does!
    I hope you have a great week.

  • Tails Around the Ranch
    February 18, 2020

    Squeals!! Congratulations, ‘Lola’ (love that name)!! Your boys will be great caregivers with Master Jamison. Looking forward to future posts showing your beautiful grandson loving the terrific pack he’ll be a part of.

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 18, 2020

      Squeals is right my friend! I am so excited, leaving next week to help out. Melanie’s parents were there after the birth, I decided to wait and be there the first week my son went back to work so I can help out. Lee and the Boys are staying behind, so I get to spoil him all by myself first. Keep you posted.

  • Lorraine Day Hall
    February 18, 2020

    Cathy, I just love hearing stories about the Goldendoodles! When I got to personally meet them at Homecoming a few years back I was totally elated to find them so loving! I know that the addition to your family will go smooth and without incident! The doodles already know that there’s about to be a great blessing in their lives and it’s Baby Lee! Congratulations to you, the family and the doodles❣️

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 18, 2020

      Thanks Lorraine, I can’t wait for them to meet. It should be fun times ahead for us all!

  • Pamela
    February 18, 2020

    I spent the whole post smiling from ear to ear. I’m so happy for your whole family. You and Lee will be amazing grandparents. And I have no doubt Harley and Jaxson will be fabulous playmates.

    I’m guessing your son and DIL will be sending a baby blanket to you to expose the boys to Jamison’s scent. But will they ever get a chance to sniff if if you’re enjoying that wonderful smell of baby yourself?

    BTW, Lola and Lolo are very sexy names for grandparents. Love it!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 18, 2020

      I’m flying up there next week (wanted to allow Melanie’s parents time with their daughter). I will help out while my son goes back to work. Can’t wait. I planned to bring back a blanket so that I could get the boys accustomed to his smell. I will definitely keep you all posted on the progress. How’s boat life? I always worry about you, Mike and Honey when I hear about inclement weather. We need to have our annual lunch meeting when you head this way.
      Take care my friend XOXO

  • caren
    February 18, 2020

    HUGE HUGE HUGE congratulations to you!!! I became a “Nana” (I am a step grandma) to my granddaughter on August 10, 2018. She is now 18 months old and we have another granddaughter on the way this June! They are a joy like no other!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness! Just seeing THEM smile makes ME smile!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 18, 2020

      Awh, thanks Caren. We have waited a long time for a grandchild. I am so excited – I will meet him next week.

  • Jan K
    February 18, 2020

    Congratulations on your new grandson!! I bet you can’t wait for that first visit. I have no doubt you will have the boys ready and with taking things slowly, all will go fine. ♥

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 18, 2020

      Thanks Jan – I am leaving next week – wanted to give Melanie’s parents time with them first. I will be there for my son’s first week back at work. Can’t wait.

  • regs
    February 19, 2020

    Wow, congrats for that very adorable baby! The photo with the dogs was very cute. Love it!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 19, 2020

      Thanks so much!

  • Patricia Broccoli
    February 19, 2020

    Congratulations! I knows you will prepare for this exciting time in your lives. I have two new babies coming into our life in the next 3 months and I appreciate the information in this post. Baxter has not been around babies but with our granddaughters age 4 and 6, he has been wonderful and learning the command easy is the one we need to use the most. His tail is the part of his body that causes the most squeals. He whips that tail and for the 4 year old that is about head high. Best wishes.

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 19, 2020

      Baxter and Jax sound a lot alike! Jax could easily knock a toddler down with his tail LOL I intend to bring back something that belongs to the baby so that they can adjust to the smell. Congratulations to you also!

  • Mayra Ruiz-McPherson
    February 19, 2020

    Wishing you and your family all the love and endless joy with the addition of your new grandson!!! CONGRATS to the entire Bennett clan!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 19, 2020

      What’s up Caesar?
      How are you?
      Thanks so much – can’t wait to see that adorable bundle of love!