An early delivery

The stork came early to our house, and brought 9 beautiful babies!

Macy had been uncomfortable all day, but wasn't showing any signs of labor- just going potty more then normal and panting. I knew that we were at the start of something, but when she got into the whelping box at 9:00 and starting pushing, I thought "are we really having puppies?" 13 hours later everyone was here. We have 4 black boys, 1 black girl, 3 chocolate boys, and 1 chocolate girl. They all were a little over a pound and love to eat!

Macy is being a great mom. She doesn't like to leave them, but will if she thinks food is involved. ;-) All the other dogs know that "something" is up in the house. It will be a fun 8 weeks watching these guys grow up!

Puppy #1

Introducing Macy

This is Macy, or as we call her "Roonis"! I keep asking myself if "I've lost my mind in having another litter of puppies so soon. The answer must be YES! ;-) Truth be told, we have been waiting a long time to breed Macy, and after finding the perfect match ( a very handsome boy from Canada), we decided to just go for it.

Puppies are due the 1st, although I think it may happen a day or two sooner. Macy is HUGE. Hard to believe, but even bigger then Ryder. Talk about a "baby bump"...She is carrying her puppies very low. Her normal waistline is about 30-33 inches. Right now her waistline is almost 45 inches. Macy seems very content on having her puppies in the house and loves her big padded pillow.

Keep your fingers crossed from an easy delivery and healthy pups!

"The Baby Bump"

One last romp...

Can you believe it? These puppies will be 8 weeks old Friday. It's true what they say- "Time flies when you're having fun!" Today was our last romp around together. Tomorrow they change in their "code" names for real names like Stella, Abby, Hoss, Max, and Gracie. On our romp we followed leaves, found and ate half of a pear, played keep-away with a small apple, chased each other, attacked tree branches, and tried to "get" the wind chime. It was fun, entertaining, and maybe, just maybe a little sad. I have come to know each of these puppies so well. I have studied them, held them, scolded them, praised them, taught them, and loved them. I could name each one in a line-up (let's hope I never have to). ;-) I am totally ready for them to be off into the world, but when I saw Ryder plop herself down and turn over onto her back to play- it pulled on my little heart strings! In Cash's words from the start of this journey 9 weeks ago- "You're a good mama dog Ryder!"

While one journey ends, another begins. Stay tuned as Macy, our chocolate girl gets ready to have puppies in December 1st!

On the Farm

More cute pictures of the gang. The just keep getting cuter...and braver. It is so fun to take them for their walks and watch them explore the great outdoors. I have them until the end of the week, then they will be off to bigger and better things. People ask me if it's hard to see them leave- I say it's bittersweet! Sure, we love these guys! But by the time they are 8 weeks old- Ryder and I are READY for a break. Not to mention that the families that these puppies go to live with are the "cream of the crop"- heck, I would go live with them if I could! ;-)

In this group of photo's I tried to label that I could identify. Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart!

TBM

LHF

TTM & HF
TBM

TBM- Trouble Maker!

TTM

RHF- "Stand Off with Uncle Bubba"

NMF

LHF

NMM & BF

???

NMM

I also took some video footage- but be warned- it is not easy following nine puppies. It may cause motion sickness.

Rain, Rain Go Away...

Yesterday was a perfect example of one reason I love Labradors- "Wash and Wear." It has been very rainy here. I did really want to have the puppies get all wet, but yesterday it was a warm rainy day. So instead of signing Rain, Rain Go Away- we had a "Rain, Rain, Let's go Play" day! Once the puppies are out of their pen, then go to the barn door and wait for me to open it up, like Kindergartners waiting in line. Then it's off to the races. I tried to do a video of them to post on the blog, but all nine puppies head in nine different directions...making it impossible to film. They were having so much fun that even Uncle Bubba couldn't "round them up."