Treasures Pregnancy: DAY 55

It may not seem as though there would be a whole lot to write about from day to day as we wait for the arrival of Treasure and Bullet's beautiful litter of Brittany puppies.  Life does goes on as it should but all through the day I'm just so much more aware than usual of specific and immediate needs of Treasure. It is a very good thing that John understands and even accepts the need I have to be somewhat 'in sync' with her at this time!

To think about what being in sync means brings to mind all the technical gadgets and methods of communication which exist in our world. For instance I am currently working on synchronizing my nearly obsolete early generation iPod Shuffle with the mp3's that I have stored up in my media files.  But I'm actually doing this because it's important to me what sounds are going on in the background while Treasure approaches early labor later this week.  It also matters to me what the first sounds are that the puppies will experience when their little ears open.  Actually, the songs on this PlayList are going to be among the ones we listen to - along with however many I can get onto the iPod Shuffle. John and I have always had music playing inside the dog house. We've gone through 2 CD players as a result and now rely on the radio. In the past, we would actually make a CD of the music the pups were use to listening to so new owners could play it for them at night or when they were left alone, to help them get use to their new surroundings.  Not to mention the crochet puppy blankets.  For the last 6 years whenever a puppy has gone home with it's new owners they have taken with them a beautiful hand crochet puppy blanket made by our dear friend Julie.  We all feel so strongly that it is important for the pups to have something very personal to surround them with all the scents they are most familiar with their first 8 weeks of life.  Julie has already given us 6 beautiful new blankets for Treasure and Bullet's puppies and she is finishing up on number 8! 

There is so much to look forward to at this point in time but it's so important to simply remain in the moment, remain 'in sync' with Treasure.  Her temperature last night was the same as it was the day before.  This helps! In the last 24 hours she's been so funny about where she wants to lay down.  We have a very small white wicker table in the corner here next to my piano. Treasure thought that might be a fun little space to try to lay down in. Last night she burrowed her head down in between the couch cushions with just her fat little body sticking out. Kind of like an ostrich burying their head in the sand.  Several mornings recently she has scrambled on her belly to get way underneath our bed. Last night while out in the puppy room she enjoyed scratching and digging in the whelping box.  So the nesting instinct is much stronger this weekend.  

 I've spent time reviewing the whelping journals to compare other journeys.  Each one is different and unique.  I enjoy documenting as much as I can. Whether updating or sharing photos, it truly is all about the love of the dog both given and received.   There is always something to look forward to, something to plan for, something to be excited about.  (There's times too where things are not always so positive but we face them with an extra measure of Gods love, grace, and mercy.)

As this week begins there is a lot to do in preparation of the pups arrivals. The puppy basket has a place of prominence.  Treasure is enjoying her walks with me, daily exercise so very important. Soon, we will be experiencing the hurry up and wait syndrome.  The first puppy always takes so long to arrive because we wait for what seems like forever from the temperature drop, to the initial physical signs of labor and watch as it progresses.  John and I will be right there for Treasure and ready to step in if need be.  The rest of All things Brittany most often quiets down as if they understand what is going on elsewhere.  It's amazing.  We'll have the lights low with soft music playing, a warm comfortable place for Treasure to bring Bullet's puppies into the world.  Truthfully, I can't wait. I'm sure she can't either as her pups continue to grow to the end of gestation, increasing her discomfort.  I love to feel their movement.  As they grown, sometimes it is as if they actually respond to my touch. Reassurance is given to Treasure by providing whatever comfort we can. And in this situation, by remaining 'in sync'.  Take care and God bless you and yours - John, Ann & ATB