A Boy and His Dog

There have been many questions since we brought Gabe home from the hospital about the fact that our family pet happens to be a Chow. Family, friends, and others have worried about the aggressive reputation this breed has. Well, let me assure you all, we worked very hard when Wilbur was a puppy to have him in obedience classes and around other dogs as well as children in an effort to socialize him to the greatest extent possible. He is a very laid back dog and rarely even barks. I think from the looks of the way these two get along, we did our job well.

Gabe loves Wilbur and Wilbur is so sweet and tolerant of all that Gabe wants to do with him, or to him. Gabe crawls over him, pulls his fluffy fur out by the handfuls, shares his bop (pacifier) with Wilbur, plays in his water bowl in the kitchen, takes away all dog treats or toys, and generally is playful with the dog. Wilbur is so passive and just lays there or licks the baby and chases him in the backyard and Gabe thinks all of this is hysterical. I am so thankful that they get along so famously and hope Wilbur is around for many more years of fun! It doesn't get any better then this!

Just sitting here resting my bones!

 

Confused

Gabe got a toy airplane and a toy rocket ship for his birthday and he is just discovering how to throw one leg over and sit on them. He has not really been interested in them to date, except to push the buttons, stop the propellor from turning, or lift up the seat to put blocks in, until very recently, that is.
Despite our attempts to show him how to "ride" he'd always cry or slide himself off. But NOW, he really is learning to throw one leg over and ride......er.....um, but this time he threw the opposite leg over so he's backwards. heh heh
Next, we'll have to work on the "push with your feet" part so he can really move along and enjoy these great toys and maybe even get ready for a tricycle!!??

 

Downward Facing Baby

When I was pregnant with Gabe, I took some Yoga classes at our local gym. It helped me alot to stay loose for childbirth preparation and to strengthen my back. I really enjoyed learning the deep stretching practices and the deep breathing techniques. I have also read that being upside down is good for brain development......So......

When we noticed Gabe doing his own Downward Facing Dog (that's what this pose is called in Yoga) we didn't worry. I have however, been trying to catch it on film for a while now as he does this often and seems to enjoy it. It is a pretty comfortable position and he is able to look out behind him through his legs, or even pick up a dropped toy this way. He likes playing hanging upside down by his feet with Daddy too! Guess it works for him!

 

Little Animal Lover

We do love our dog Wilbur and he's always been so good with the baby, ever since we came home from the hospital. Gabe loves to crawl over Wilbur and tries to pet him or chase him around in the backyard. They are really developing a great friendship and Wilbur is so tolerant of it all. I hope they will sweetly, be "best friends" for a long time to come.

Here they are behind the baby gate playing in Gabe's room and Gabe is trying to share his pacifier (he calls it a "bop") with Wilbur (whom he calls "Burr"). So adorable. Wilbur, of course, is just playing along but is completely disinterested in the stinky old paci!