MANDY: CHAMBRAY DRESS | DV SLIDES  |  AUDREY: CAT & JACK DRESS (SOLD OUT) | BIRKENSTOCKS

SO about a year ago, the kiddos started BEGGING us for a puppy!

When I say begging, I am not being dramatic. We’re talking down on their hands and knees, pleading. I endured this day in and day out,  reminding them of all the reasons we wouldn’t be getting a puppy. My list included first and foremost — that I would be the one taking care of the puppy! (Moms, who can relate?!) If you’ve ever had a puppy, you know how much work comes with a cute little fur ball!

Not to mention, we travel way too much…and honestly, I was nowhere near ready to have another dog. We lost ours almost 3 years ago, and I’ve never quite recovered. I couldn’t imagine letting myself get attached to another. So, I told the kids that if we got a dog now, that the dog would be dying around the time they left for college and this momma couldn’t handle it. Morbid, but true! HA! I know, may be a little drastic, but this is a legitimate excuse in my book!

Audrey was insistent that she would help and even pledged to be the pooper scooper!

She was pulling out all the stops. She even prayed every night that we could get a puppy. At Christmas, she told me she was putting a puppy on her Christmas list and that if Kris and I wouldn’t get her one that Santa would! I told her Santa and I had a chat and this was NOT happening! Her begging was a complete shock to me because Audrey was bit by a dog when she was little and this has now made her terrified of dogs of all shapes and sizes.

So obviously all my excuses and demands of never getting another puppy went right out the window. I was totally out voted and of fast forward to now —

I am loving every minute of this little fur ball.

Everyone, meet BOWIE, the newest member of the Cox Clan! She has immediately stolen all of our hearts. And thank goodness for that, because potty training is not for the faint of heart! The kiddos are so in LOVE and Bowie is just as in love with them. She is the most excited in the mornings and can’t wait to greet everyone! And she will literally do flips for food! The kiddos are getting used to the puppy nipping and teething.

Every day is an improvement for Audrey.

As much as she wanted a puppy, it has still been a challenge for her to overcome her fear. I am super proud of her! Everyone has chipped in and it has been fun taking care of another little pup again. She provides unlimited entertainment and UNCONDITIONAL love. Bowie is a Coton du Tulear. Don’t ask me to pronounce it and I don’t think I’ve come across one person that knows the breed. But I did a lot of research because I knew we needed a GOOD dog and I was going to do everything to increase my chances. Plus, Brydon is allergic to dogs and this one had to hypoallergenic. Bowie met all of criteria and we have waited patiently since January for her. She was well worth the wait!! And in case you are wondering, yes, Audrey picks up the poop 😉

XOX,

Mandy