Dear Max

Maxers,

    Look how much you've grown in 3 short months, boy. From a little soft blondie who I could carry with one arm to a big brisly haired rascal who I can barely lift off the ground....and you're only 5 months old. Not even close to being done growing yet, ya big galoot.

It feels like you've been with us for much longer than just 90 days. We were so excited to get you & so excited for the girls to play with you and grow up with you. We also didn't realize the work a puppy took {better yet, we didn't want to realize the work it would take.} The sharp puppy teeth. The peeing every 5 minutes in every corner of every room of the house. The whining at night. The poop. The midnight, 3 am, 4 am, and 6 am calls of nature. The chewing. The ripping. The mess.

Add two toddlers to the mix.

It was like being in the sleep deprived 'don't even look at me or I'll cut you' newborn phase again. I believe I even said I'd rather have newborn twins than a puppy. A baby? Could be popped onto the breast, swaddled, then put in swing for a nap. A puppy? Scratches you, chews a hole in your blanket, and won't sit still for one single minute.

For a little while there, I thought we had taken on too much. Made a mistake. It wasn't the right time to get a puppy. Thought I should take you back to the family where your mom, dad, & other brother were. It was too much work & I already had my hands full with the girls.

But I couldn't.

The joy you brought to Dustin, to the girls. It was magical. We kept saying that it would get better. That this was just a phase. An adjustment. Like the newborn phase, this too shall pass. And it has.

We realized (moreso I realized) that you weren't just a "love me while I'm cute and small and convenient pet". You were OUR pet. Our boy. You loved us all unconditionally. You deserved the same. And you started to take your business outside. That in and of itself was worthy of you stickin' around, kiddo ;)

So while you weren't my favorite person for awhile and still piss the bejesus out of me when I see another pair of the girls flip flops shredded on the floor, I love you so much, Maxamoose. Your cuddles and breath are pretty great and I can't imagine our little family without you in it. You made our four into a solid five and gave a big ol' dose of testosterone to the bunch. Dustin is forever grateful for that.

Now if you could just sweep up your hair, that'd be great. Oh and stop farting.

xoxo