If I am one thing, it’s predictable.
I wake around the same time each day, eat similar foods, wear similar types of clothes (varying for seasons), do my hair/makeup in the same order, drive the same routes to work, buy the same things at the same stores, etc.
I’m certainly a creature of habit. And Rocco is certainly not. He takes ‘predictable’ and throws it out the window.
While we can let him cry it out if he’s sad in the middle of the night, when he wakes and screams because he needs to go out in the morning we’re at his beck and call, much like parents of a newborn.
For example, Sunday he woke at 6:55. Good boy!
Monday, I woke him at 6:30, knowing it was out first work day leaving him, and he’d need time to unwind.
Well, today, he woke at 4 and 6 a.m., and needed to be let out both times. Then, following the routine we’ve established, he needs playtime because he’s all wired. Then he crashes, eats, hubby (seen in this pic) takes him out and he crashes again before we kiss him goodbye and head out.
My brilliant idea that in the morning I’d be able to work out? HA. So not happening, at least not any time soon. Maybe in a few months when he’s sleeping more regularly and on a schedule but for now, it’s entirely unpredictable … which means I need to be flexible.
Me, flexible. Yikes.
Rocco is teaching me quite a bit … give me strength!
Let There Be Light 
Awe! He’s so cute!!! Doncha love how a puppy is so much like a newborn?
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not break. 🙂 Our motto for the junior high youth ministry…
works for those with new puppies too 🙂
Love that quote!
you never know where those life lessons are going to come from. who would’ve thought a puppy would be the one to teach about flexibility??!!?
If he’s anything like our puppy, those puppy naps will end just like toddler’s decrease naptime eventually. When I leave in the morning, my puppy is jumping up and down, needing more play time. Breaks my heart. But according to my husband, he’s calmer by the time he leaves for work (nearly two hours later).
I go to bed several hours before my husband and recently the puppy started snuggling up in bed with me while I fall asleep until my husband puts him in the crate for the night. I love the love. 🙂
I knew there was a reason I had two cats and not a dog! I am sooooo not good at breaking routine either – this will be an interesting test for you. I will watch you with awe. 🙂
I can totally relate to being a creature of habit. I think I spent about two years having the same Boarshead peppermill turkey sandwich for lunch (yes, unfortunately, I’m serious). But it’s definitely important to shake things up a bit, because life a lot of the time is anything but routine. And it helps to be flexible.
BTW, Rocco seriously could not be any cuter! 🙂
Melissa!!!!!!! He is wonderful, beautiful, adorable!!!!!! Spoken like a true lab lover, but it is sooooooo true! And I love the name Rocco, suits him perfectly! He is going to be such a great companion for you.
Words of advice, “Just Labs” magazine (tons of tips!), lots of walks (you’ll love it too!), and be ready for copious puppy chewing (labs are notarious chewers). In return you will receive the best friend you have ever had!
I wish you all the best my friend. I miss you!