A Growing Family

After years of stubborn resistance and a thoroughly made-up mind, I finally melted under the pressure of girl-power: I broke down and let Alexa and Mikaela get a dog! The girls have been trying to convince me for a long time that they can responsibly care for a puppy. Even Rachel has taken up their cause, hitting me every couple days with research she's pulled from the internet on easy dog-care tips. After being triple-teamed long enough, I just got tired of fighting...you girls have an incredible ability to negotiate!!

Monday afternoon, Rachel brought home an 8 week-old Yorkie with a little pink bow in her hair--yes, another girl in the house! I can't even win for losing!! The guy-girl ratio at my home is moving in the wrong direction! I had the video camera when Alexa opened the box, and it was awesome--tears all over the place! It was serious Niagra Falls, including Rachel! The girls quickly named her Maggie, and she has been the center of attention all week. In spite of the challenges of potty training and nights in the kennel, the joy in our home is obvious. It's still early, and the votes are coming in, but I've been nominated for the 2007 Dad of the Year Award.

I have to confess that even I get a little excited to come home and see all my girls...including little Maggie. Alexa and Mikaela have surprised me with all the initiative they are taking around the house. This morning they made breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, and folded clothes...maybe I should have let the girls have a dog a long time ago!