Kodi and Addi...

David and I are dog people. We both had dogs growing up and consider our dog part of our family. We try and take Kodi just about every where we can...in the car, to the beach, on walks, to my parents' property, etc. So it was VERY important to us that we didn't just put him aside when Addi came home. After all,  he has been our only baby for almost 6 years now. 

We heard all the scary stories about how dogs have hurt newborns/children and how dogs can't be trusted alone with a new baby. We did our research, read articles, talked to friends with children and dogs, and did our best to integrate Kodi into our new lifestyle with Addison. 

For example, about 2 months before Addi was born, we moved her crib into our bedroom so Kodi could get use to the new arrangement. It just so happened that this new arrangement resulted in Kodi's bed being moved. So we knew it was important to make sure he was accustomed to this change before we brought our baby home.

We also heard that it was critical to have Kodi at our house when we came home with Addi...instead of us having Addi here first and then bring Kodi back home. I think it is a territorial thing. So although we boarded Kodi for the few days that we were in the hospital, we made sure that my parents picked him up and brought him home before we came home with our baby. We also had my parents give Kodi a few items that had Addi's scent on it...a burpcloth and a blanket.  This way, he would know her scent and be familiar with her before we ever stepped foot in the house with her.

Some friends told us that when we came home with Addi, David should be the one to carry her inside, while letting me walk in first to greet Kodi. I think this was so we could let him know how much we missed him while we were gone and to make sure he calmed down before walking in with Addi. 

I truly believe that all these things helped prepare Kodi for the arrival of his sister. When David sat Addi down in her carseat for Kodi to see her, this is how he greeted her...LOVE!!!

Don't get me wrong, we don't EVER leave Addi unattended or on the floor with Kodi is in the room, but after seeing how comfortable he is with her, it has definitely made us feel better. 

 We also are very careful when Kodi gets close to Addi because he's so big compared to her.  One little scratch of his claws could really hurt her, so we monitor and watch him when he tries to get close. 

 We don't want Kodi to be scared of Addi either, so we try and include him when we are watching TV or sitting out in the backyard. 

We've noticed that he has started to come in the room when he hears her crying and it seems as if he is checking on her to make sure she is okay.  He also tries to lick Addi's face after we've fed her. I'm sure he can't wait until she's big enough to eat in her high chair...so he can get all the goodies that fall on the floor!

Overall, we've had a pretty easy transition with Kodi and we think he's adjusted well to the new addition to our family. We can't wait until she's old enough to interact with Kodi...we think they are going to be best buddies one day!