Monday, October 27, 2008

Snugglebugs.






I hope you can handle the cute-ness factor of Crew wearing the fuzzy blanket sleeper and cap that Grandma Karen sent to him. He has no idea how snuggly he is when he's wearing this outfit. He does have issues with the hat and only likes it when he's asleep. Or should I say, when he doesn't realize it's on his head. Okay...so these cute pictures are for all his Grandmas who love baby pictures.
I also had to take a picture of Bella as she headed to her friend's house for her first sleepover this weekend. She was soooooooo excited and it went really well despite the fact that Bella has a fear of dogs. Her friend had a big Yellow Lab, and we were all concerned about Bella being in the same house as him. She was able to avoid him as much as possible and even mustered up enough courage to pet him once. So she's making progress, but still, if anyone has advice or links to websites or good books about overcoming your fear of dogs, I'd appreciate it!
As if we need to add a dog to our family, right?! Don't worry...we don't have plans for a pet anytime soon. But if we did, it would probably be something small...and snuggly. =)

18 comments:

Tina said...

oh, he looks soooooo adorable!!! I'd love to put my baby girl in one of those, but I live in South Florida. :)

Anonymous said...

My daughter is 8, and is STILL scard of dogs. I am so puzzled, as she was never bitten by one.I know what you are going through, as my daughter wont go anywhere there could possibly be a dog(or animal,at that).
If you find out anything please let me know, too.

Claire said...

I totally think you need a pet :P

p.s. how awesome to see a pic of the whole family together in the post 'Dedication Sunday'.

xx
Claire

Jacki said...

I have 3 kids ages 5,8&9 and they are all afraid of dogs. They have never had a negative experience with one either. My Dad who is a huge animal lover is so upset and wants me to "get them over it". I've tried...short of getting a dog and nothing has worked. I too will be checking back here to read if you get some good advice. And btw....your snugglebunny is way too cute! Your family is beautiful!

DJones said...

That is the perfect snuggle bug!
I don't know what to offer about the dogs, our kiddos grew up with ours. But, we still coach them on asking before petting someone elses, let the dog smell your hand and pet gently.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jody,

Long time reader, first time commenter. :) Love the pictures of all of your children, love your blog. You are an encouragement to me to try each day to be the best Mommy I can be! Thank you!

As for the dogs, just try to let them have positive experiences whenever they can. Look for upcoming local events (like at the library) where service dogs come to meet the public & share their knowledge. Start small!

Hugs to you & yours,
Heather

Kelly said...

I hope you get lots of comments about the fear of dogs. My 5 year old daughter will scale the nearest adult if a dog is in eye-shot. She has never been biten or even growled at for that matter but is absolutely terrifed.

We have to ask people if they have pets before we agree to visit and if they do, we have to ask them if they mind putting the dog outside or in a room. I HATE having to do this because it is the dog/cat's house and we are visitors. Everyone we have ever asked has been most accomodating to our situation.

Jill LaFaye said...

What a sweet little snuggle-bug!

**********

I have a little favor to ask..I was wondering if you would visit Lianna Knight's blog at
http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/
read about the give-a-way and then post about it on your blog..I know you could reach a lot of people:)

Thank you so much!
Jill Gross-LaFaye
Old Hickory, Tennessee
tiarasociety@netscape.net

Anonymous said...

I was afraid of dogs when I was little because a large dog jumped on me at the park and knocked me over.

I was afraid of big dogs for quite a while after that, and I think the main reason is because so many people let their dogs jump all over you. If you have that fear in the back of your mind, that memory that big dogs = barking, scary, people movers, then you'll do whatever you can to avoid said dogs.

Over time, being around controlled, calm dogs allowed me to see that not all dogs are crazy! If Bella is OK with it, try bringing her around calm, sweet dogs (like at an adoption fair, or a friend's house) so she can start getting used to the idea of dogs again. :) Hope this helps!!

Nina Diane said...

Crew is the spitting image of your hubby! He is such a cutie and I love that little snuggle outfit.

Jennifer said...

Long time follower,my 2nd post....

I love your pictures. Crew is one of the most beautiful babies that I have ever seen. I LOVE all of his outfits lately... I love your blog and am always inspired by you and your faith. You have a beautiful family and are so blessed. Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Jennifer

Magnoliawhispers said...

the thing that kids don't like about dogs is the unpredictableness of them. Esp. dogs that get excited and jump. If they can have good experiences around calm, settled dogs, they will have more confidence. I have taught my neice to say commands like "down", "stay", "flat" which make her feel more in control. A good family pet is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff. They are small, don't shed, non-allergenic, and are great cuddlers.

Erin Merryn said...

It is so cute to see the kids holding him!

Anonymous said...

I highly recommend a golden retreiver. This breed is enough to make even the most reluctant love dogs!
Adorable Crew photos! Love that snuggly blankie sleeper!

Anonymous said...

As a former dog-fearing kid who is now on her second beagle and is now pretty much crazy in love with most any dog, the only advice I can think of is not to force her, and that telling her, "Oh, he won't hurt you," "Just relax," etc. etc. WILL NOT help. Those urgings from well-meaning adults only made me feel worse about the fact that I was terrified. I was never bitten or knocked down or anything of the sort. We just didn't grow up with pets. I know I HATED being licked, sneezed on, drooled on, or even being touched by a dog's wet nose, so there's that to consider too.

It took me a while to get used to my first apartment-mate's cats roaming around too... the sudden appearance of whiskers or a cold wet nose on your leg when you think you're home alone startled me more than a few times.

Ultimately, it took me getting my own cat when I was an adult, living alone and going through my first bout of major depression that eventually helped me break the ice about "critters." From there I felt much more able to warm up to dogs, and eventually got one myself.

I also knew that if I did have a dog, for the first one at least, I'd have to get as a very young puppy so that I would know virtually everything the dog had experienced in its life, and thus be able to trust it.

I agree that a gentle opportunity to experience a calm dog is optima. Just please don't force her to do anything she doesn't want to do or try to coerce her to like dogs. Think of a food you already know you HATE, then try all those same arguments trying to convince you that you really SHOULD like that food. Sure, if you must, you can probably eat it, but will you all of a sudden like it? Not likely.

Jill LaFaye said...

Thanks for stopping by Lianna Knights blog..you are the best:)

saner4 said...

Really...could he be any cuter??? No one could resist a snuggle with a baby looking that cute!!

SingerMamaMelody said...

I don't think I've had a chance to say CONGRATULATIONS on your precious baby boy!!! He is just adorable! :) I love the snuggly pictures. We love sleep sacks in our house - they rock!