How is Izzy Doing?

Since we brought Paige home from the hospital we have had many inquiries as to how Izzy is handling the new addition. I suppose the best way to answer that question is that she is doing pretty well. She has enjoyed our home "remodel" (we didn't really remodel, baby crap has simply exploded in every room, to Izzy it seems as though we remodeled) and also appears to like all the brightly colored things that dangle and swing and play music that have become predominant in every room. She seems to appreciate our rare walks and trips to the dog park a little more than she did before she was second fiddle. A few months ago Izzy expected these things, but now she gets really excited when we say "want to go on a waaaalk?" in our higher-than-normal pitched voice that we use when we talk to Izzy. She is disappointed that we got rid of her leash that extends and got her a 5 footer (easier to use with the stroller), but she still likes her walks.

Those of you that know Izzy also know that Izzy has a blue blanket that she loves and carries everywhere she goes. Well, a few months before Paige was born, her blanket was in shreds (too many games of tug-of-war with Yogi), and she was down to a piece about the size of a washcloth. Pop (Izzy's grandad?) came to her rescue with another full-sized blue blanket for her to drag around our house. It was like the present that you get an older child when a new baby comes into the house. This blanket has become a nice little security blanket for Izzy and she definitely lugs it around more now that she gets less attention from us. Her blanket must come into our bed every night now, and then comes back downstairs with her every morning. I should probably wash her blue blanket more often than I do, but it is hard to get the blue blanket from Izzy long enough to wash it.

All in all Izzy is doing very well with Paige. She doesn't acknowledge her very much, but when she does, it is mostly to give her kisses. We initally tried to stop Izzy from licking the baby on the face, but realized very quickly that it was a lost cause. Paige doesn't seem any worse for the wear due to Izzy's face lickings, so we've given up on that one. I see it as the beginning to a great friendship.