Cooper Rhymes with Pooper
Cooper has not been enthusiastically welcomed into our household by everyone. But luckily, Cooper is oblivious to this state of affairs. In fact, Cooper is oblivious to most things. I will admit to having forgotten what puppies were like. The boundless enthusiasm. The miniscule attention span. The lack of control over their own bodily functions.
While not every member of our household appreciates Her Coopness, Shane and I dote on her. Which is precisely why everyone else hates her. The other little ones have not yet realized that there is enough love to go around. Enough time. Enough attention. Enough Mama.
Lina is warming up to Cooper now, most likely because she enjoys saying “no!” to someone else. Lina allows Lily much more freedom than she does Cooper, and rightly so. In fact, this whole thing has strengthened Lina and Lily’s friendship. They are now united under the “Cooper is a nasty invader as well as a total spaz” banner.
Even I have a new appreciation for what a well-mannered, thoughtful critter Lily is. And you all know that I worship that dog. Was she ever a puppy? Was she ever ill-behaved? Did she ever poop on the rug?
Will I also forget Lina’s babyhood? Will I look at her one day, all competence and strength and ideas, and forget that she needed me to hold her in the middle of the night? Forget that she once wore diapers and depended on me to brush her hair? Will I forget?
All I can do is enjoy the moments and be present for them. Laugh as Cooper cartoons around on the hardwood floor. Listen as Lina sings to me (E-I-E-I-O!). Enjoy the weight of Lina in my arms, the warmth of her on my chest. Then let go and be ready for whatever comes next.