Fenway's Little Brother

On any given day during my pregnancy, Fenway refused to leave my side.  He loved that I was so lazy and spent a lot of time in the recliner.  Ethan's kicks never phased him, and he often spent time with his head resting on my belly.  We were hoping this was a good sign that he would have a lot of love for our new addition!

Fenway spent a few days with my parents while I was in the hospital.  After Ethan was born, the placed a small hat on his head and swaddled him in a hospital blanket.  After a few hours, I swaddled Ethan in a swaddle that I brought from home and also put a hat on his head I brought from home.  I sent the hospital blanket and hat home with my parents to give to Fenway, so that he could start getting used to Ethan's smell.  Fenway is extremely protective of new "toys" and his belongings.  Our hope was that when we came home, he would associate the belongings with Ethan and be protective of him as well.

We wanted Fenway at home as soon as we arrived at home, so my parents met us at the house as soon as we got home to begin allowing Fenway (and ourselves) to adjust to the new "whole picture."

He hasn't been quite so sure about Ethan yet...He likes to smell him...

 As soon as Ethan moves or cries, Fenway was been running away as if he were terrified.  He wasn't quite sure why we were holding this new "thing" so much and taking his lap space.  But without any ounce of aggression or resentment, he found new spots to cuddle (while keeping his distance from Ethan)...

He has slowly become more protective and loving to Ethan. He is finding new ways to snuggle with the both of us during feeding times without being in the way.  He wants to investigate everything that Ethan does now, but still manages not to get too close.

We have been so happy with Fenway's patience with us.  He waits for Ethan to be put down before immediately taking his "old spot" right back.  He waits patiently for those short, brief moments, and enjoys every second of them.  He is truly the most loyal dog we could ask for, I can't wait for when Ethan actually begins to play with him!