Sleepless nights ahead
Hello, Internet! How I have missed the smell of your breath in the morning!
It's been much too long since we last spoke, but just when I thought my strep throat was on its way out I came down with a sinus infection. Plus, we had guests in town, plus Leta got sick, plus a death in the family and other devastating news. It's as if the Universe is bi-polar and isn't taking her meds, and we all know what that means. Mr. Universe has to dodge flying produce and sleep on an air mattress in the spare bedroom.
We had a wonderful Christmas together, but night after night with the extended family can really take its toll. Leta has learned several new church hymns and we've spent the last few days washing her brain out with soap. I'm very excited to get back to our normal lives, and starting tomorrow I'll be back to my regular posting schedule. I've got many stories to tell about Leta's reaction to Christmas, our weekend spent with my best friend from high school, and the many thoughtful things that Jon gave to me as gifts, including one in particular that stood out from the rest.
Introducing: Dame Eleanor Ritzford-Fitzsimons Puffs. You can just call her Coco.
She's not a hippopotamus, but she'll do I GUESS.
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
- Our fish just died. And I'm sitting here crying. And it wasn't even my fault!
1. anna said:
new puppy?! I Hope she becomes a champion balancer like Chuck.
2. slierk said:
Congrats! Welcome Coco!
3. curly su said:
but what does chuck think?!?
4. Lorraine said:
OH MY! Between Leta, Chuck, and now Coco your house runneth over with cuteness! OK - you and Jon aren't bad either.
Missed you!
And way to beat that Strep ... did you know that if left untreated it turns into Scarlett Fever??? Who knew!?
5. Julia said:
so cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute!
6. Jenive said:
I hope this means we will finally get to see some fur on those floors!
7. Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah said:
Damn. You were like THIS CLOSE to a hippo.
She is a cutie.
8. sara D said:
She is so cute what kind of dog is she? I'm glad you are coming back my blog roll has missed you.
9. Jennifer said:
Oh my God! How cute is she?!?!?! It will be interesting to hear how the children are taking to her, I'm sure Chuck is thinking someone just went and screwed up his universe! He'll adapt,,, right?
10. anita said:
She is absolutely gorgeous!!! What a great Christmas gift!!!!
11. Capt. said:
I hope Chuck is okay with this...if he needs some space I think I have some room for him.
12. RzDrms said:
GAH! ::thunk:: <-- passed out from the cuteness
13. Chris said:
Is she Chucks Christmas present? I am alla bout puppies lately since we are getting one very soon. She is very sweet, for a hippo. And a pup.
14. Carrie said:
PRECIOUS! I want one!
Sorry about the strep and the sinus infection.
Happy New Year!
15. Manda Girl said:
OH MY GOODNESS. You are in for some trouble - she looks like a heartbreaker.
http://thepawhaus.com
16. Lori said:
I totally can't wait for the picture of Coco balancing on Chuck's head.
17. tara said:
Woah. How does Chuck feel about this dame? Leta?
She's lovely. Congratulations and welcome to the world of multi-pets.
18. mamazon said:
OMG- Coco is adorable..although not as adorable as your husband- his recent post on depression was heart rippingly honest- thanks for sharing, both of you and have a wonderful New Year
19. Fiona said:
OMG, she is absolutely beautiful! I'll be curious to see how both Leta and Chuck react to someone else competing for your affections. And don't worry -- hang in there for that hippo. Maybe next year.
20. jessica said:
Congrats on the new addition!!! Are Leta and Chuck enjoying the new family memeber?
21. Alexis said:
I've always wanted a dog, and I still do! Both of yours seem amazing
22. ashley said:
sorry you had such a hard week, but coco? is adorable.
23. catherine said:
I can just imagine Leta's face. "Um, seriously people? Another one of THOSE?" Looks to have part border collie? ADORABLE. Enjoy.
24. queenie said:
Aww, she's adorable!
Looks like both you and Pioneer Woman got a puppy for Christmas!
25. Ali said:
Awww, she's absolutely beautiful :)
26. Christine said:
Awwwwwwww! Chuck must be thrilled!
Welcome back and happy new year! I missed you.
27. Katie said:
Oh my goodness- YAY!! I LOVE her inquisitive white "eyebrows" shall we call them? How does Chuck feel about this??
28. Anonymous said:
WHOO HOO! Congratulations. She is absolutely beautiful. I'm looking forward to MANY puppy pictures.
29. Kristin said:
So THAT is why Jon was so excited about Christmas this year!
Happy Puppy Days!
30. Chlorie said:
Coco is adorable. She has quite an act to top, though. I hope she's good with nunchucks or computer hacking. People only want dogs with good skills.
31. Audrey said:
She is adorable! Congratulations on your new family member! I'm sorry to hear about the difficult days, but nothing fights sadness like puppy cuddles.
32. Mental Pause Mama said:
That puppy is the bomb! So sorry to hear about all the bad stuff--especially the loss of a family member.
33. Shelli said:
Oh noes!
That is some serious puppy overload of cuteness.
Glad you are on the mend.
34. Jewelies said:
Adorable! Alas no puppy for me, but i did get to snuggle for quite a while with the teeny miniature yorkshire terrier.
35. Krista said:
Yay! New puppiness. I hope Chuck falls in love with her. Jon you are an awesome husband!
36. Keara said:
SHUT UP! What a lump of love she is! And those little freckled lips. I cannot WAIT for the 2009 calendar.
37. Shawn Hansen said:
It's great to have you back, and Coco is adorable. (Just make sure to give Chuckles LOTS of extra love so he doesn't feel like old news!)
By the way, will Leta let the CocoPuff near her?
Happy New Year!
38. Katie said:
So sweet! Hope you feel much better soon.
39. Jeanne said:
How is it that I fleetingly skimmed over Lorraine's comment:
"And way to beat that Strep ... did you know that if left untreated it turns..."
and read something like "the way to beat the Strep is to urinate on it..." ??
Here's to good health for you all.
40. Bratfink said:
Welcome back!
Sorry to hear about the death in the family, tho. :(
Coco is gorgeous! Definitely photogenic!
I hope Jon auditioned her before he brought her home. She's got a tough act to follow.
.
41. ering said:
Ok - it has got to be a good day when even the comments of a blog can make me laugh out loud.
So when will we see Coco balanced on Chuck's head? And if that ain't going to happen - could you please just photoshop it??? :)
Happy New Year!
42. Anonymous said:
OMG - things do have a way of balancing themselves out...don't they. Welcome to 2008!
43. Kristin said:
Oh, you internet people and your cute puppies! First Peewee, now Coco! What are you trying to do to me? I lost my big beautiful Black lab at the beginning of the month and my yellow lab is so sad and lonely, and did *I* get a new puppy under my tree? NO. Ok, I did get an i-Pod touch and a Wii, but I'm still holding our for the puppy.
Glad to hear you're feeling better.
44. Anne said:
Oh my - she is sure cute! Our new puppy, Judy, is the best and I can't even remember what it feels like to sleep in anymore...congrats!
45. molly said:
LOVE at first sight. especially because she looks like she could be big trouble. and trouble is fun --at least for us as readers, not you as owners.
Congrats and I hope she brings a smile on these difficult days
46. Sandra said:
Happy New Year and welcome back.
No mention or photos of Chuck...just "a death in the family and other devastating news".
I'm scared.
47. gora_kagaz said:
awww...she's so cute! congratulations! i just wanna pet her, she looks so fluffy =]
48. Eddo of Posted Note said:
Man, I didn't realize how addicted I had become to your site and then it wasn't being updated and I was having withdrawals. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Welcome Coco!
49. Dashrashi said:
Oh, my God. You lucky, lucky girl. (Both of you.)
50. Kim said:
Heather, I'm so glad you're doing better, and I can say I missed you! What a treat to see you back and to see a new family member too. She is lovely ... is she a Border Collie?
51. hello insomnia said:
Coco looks adorable! Great, I want a puppy now but since I didn't even get the Wii I requested, so I'll have to live vicariously.
52. Layler said:
Oh my goodness! What a gorgeous little sweetie! And I'm a cat person!! What kind of dog is it? Bernese Mountain Dog?? OMG, I can't wait to hear what Chuck thinks of all this. Poor guy is now 3rd fiddle!
53. Sara, The Pirate said:
she is such a cutey! I can't wait to see how chuck is dealing with her. The last time i introduced a new pet into the house one our cats had a $1500 vet visit because she was soo shocked that her liver shut down.
54. Julia said:
Oh. My. GAWD!!! She is hella cute. But, I bet she likes Crocs, eh? That is why Jon got her, isn't it? They are gaining in numbers, I tell ya.
Welcome back. I was jonesing for you.
55. Jenn said:
Yeah, she's no baby hippo, but really cute. Hope you feel better soon.
56. becks said:
Border Collie? I can't wait to hear the whole story. Feel better!
57. Red said:
oh.my.goodness. i can't wait to hear all of the stories! glad you're back. the internet missed you terribly.
58. Wine Dog said:
Welcome back,
We missed you.
The Internet
p.s. Coco is ridiculously cute. As a matter of fact, it's felonious cuteness.
59. Anonymous said:
Hope all the yuckiness is over for you guys. Congrats on the new member of the fam! Bet you'll talk about this but hoping you didn't buy the new puppy and adopted instead...??? Enjoy the cuddles!
60. geekbride said:
She's such a sweet nubbin!!
Happiness to your new addition!
61. She Likes Purple said:
Oh lordy, that's one adorable gift. Much better than the giftcard I got. I imagine you'll have to add another tab up there, a Daily Coco!
62. Carrie said:
Tres gorgeous puppy face! Good luck with her and with keeping her out of Leta's stuff. (Like my vet told me, "Just remember, a tired puppy is a good puppy.")
63. Clairebell said:
SHMOOPIES!
Well it can only get better. Right? RIGHT??
64. Strangeite said:
Is she tail-less or has Leta gotten over her difficulty with creatures having tails?
65. jt said:
Welcome back, Heather. The InterWebs were a much less colorful and enjoyable place while you were gone.
jt
66. eej said:
She looks like a black tri aussie mix. Adorable and beautiful. Congrats!!!
I think the obtaining of a hippo is a multi-year process so in all likelihood Jon is still working on it.
67. Lyn said:
Too cute! No I mean it - the Cute is so powerful that I think my head is exploding from the Cute.
68. NaysWay said:
Oh, I just wanna squish that wittle face! Such a cutie pie. Is Chuck not speaking to you right now? (ha)
69. Lucy said:
So cute Heather!!!
70. Tony said:
Wait a minute ...
" ... plus a death in the family and other devastating news."
And now a new puppy? Perish the thought, but did something happen to Chuck?
71. Kelley said:
Awww! Coco is PRECIOUS! However, I am very concerned how Chuck's going to handle this.
72. Amber said:
She's gorgeous! Bernese Mountain Dog?
Oh the cuteness!
73. Lorna said:
Do we get a new "Daily Coco" now, too?
74. Christine said:
Oh my, she is absolutely adorable! I can't wait to see her and Chuck together. Congratulations on your newest addition!
75. Allison said:
So... does this mean Jon has some *more* work to do on the page, i.e. adding a Daily Coco section?
Aww cute!
76. MonkeyMac said:
That is the cutest puppy ever! I'm so glad you're feeling better and back to posting, I've missed my daily dose of Heather.
77. Liz said:
Aw, cute new dog to take pictures of. And a post after about a million years of no posting. The day is good.
78. Lessie said:
Is Coco a Bernese Mountain Dog? Cute!
79. kitty said:
I'm also scared about this "death in the family" and no mention of Chuck.
I hope all is okay or getting to be okay.
hugs.
80. Annie said:
HEATHER!!!!! How I missed thee!
I cannot wait to see you attempt to balance Coco on Chuck's head.
81. belleplaine said:
Thank god you're back. I was ready to abandon hope. Also, cute puppy.
82. Laura said:
Yea! You're back! Coco is adorable! Hope Leta is enjoying the new dog. :)
83. Jane said:
Congrats on the "baby"! What does Chuck think?
84. JEN said:
She is absolutely gorgeous. I'm sure your house dynamics will change now. Can't wait to see photos of her and Chuck.
85. Jamie said:
I am so glad you're back, Heather! The internet has missed you a lot. It sounds like your holidays were full of a concentrated dose of all the good and the bad that life has to give. I bet we'll have a good bit of reading to do pretty soon. Can't wait.
Take care of yourself! Kiss that Coco on the nose for all of us.
86. Starshine said:
Well, hello, Ms. Coco! Aren't you adorable! What kind of dog is she?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Heather!
xoxo
87. Toya said:
I am glad you are back and healthy. And Coco is so cute.
88. Manda said:
Damn. I was hoping you would get the hippo. I was all geared up for the new Daily Hippo section.
89. Katie Kat said:
*Stares in disbelief*
But... but... you ALREADY have the world's best dog!
Then again... CUTENESS GALORE.
90. Miss Tracey Nolan said:
I'm in LOVE! But is Chuckles?
91. FishyGirl said:
OMG, that is one seriously cute dog. Does she have a brother or sister who may want to live on the east coast, do you think? Maybe?
Adorable. I hope all the sickness leaves with the new year and doesn't come back.
92. Kelsey said:
I'm not usually much of a commenter, but oh that dog! I was so surprised. She is so cute. I honestly almost cried from the cuteness of those pictures. And, yes, I'm hormonal, but still -- so cute!!!
So do we get daily Coco now too? Please say yes!
93. Nicole said:
What a cutie! You must be so proud. And welcome back after surviving the holidays! It sounds like you had more than your fair share to deal with.
Cheers,
NC
94. Beret said:
Sleepless nights indeed! Border collie? Aussie? SO cute.
Our puppy is now 6 months old and still so much work it's unbelievable. Of course, he's worth it.
I can't wait for the stories.
95. Suzanne said:
Bernese Mountain Puppy or Australian Shepherd? ADORABLE--snoggle, snoggle.
96. Patty said:
She is SO CUTE! Congrats - and I hope you're feeling better.
97. Julie said:
Actually, hippos are deadly animals. No really, read up on it. I read about hippos yesterday ironically and was stunned at how nasty they can be. When they "yawn", they are warning you to BACK OFF. Who knew?
You don't want one. They would eat Chuck for starters. Then the garage doors. Then a hippo rampage through the neighborhood. It would be a complete disaster. The puppy is a much better option.
98. sarah said:
it's really very sad how much i missed you in your absence. hello my name is sarah and i'm a dooce-a-holic.
welcome, coco!
we want details fast!!! this is such a tease!
love,
the internet
99. Kate said:
PUPPY!!!!
I saw the photo and this is what I thought.
I also think it will be very interesting to see what Leta's reaction is to the puppy. A surly adult dog who has been around for years before you were born is a bit different from a fuzzy, playful, pretty puppy.
Happy New Year and I'm glad you're feeling better.
100. heatherbee said:
Awwwww! My heart is melting! Cannot wait to hear all about her and to see how quickly she learns to balance things on her head.
101. Jess said:
Dame Coco! I love those grey eye-brow/lashes. So adorable.
Sorry to hear the holidays were topsy-turvy. Thinking good [calm!] thoughts for you. And the produce-dodgers.
102. Anonymous said:
I am in love. That is all :)
103. Holly said:
She is SO cute! This is funny to me because I have a dog named Coco that looks remarkably like Chuck!
104. Julie in Virginia said:
Wow! I am so happy to see you surfacing again. I missed you! What the hell is Chuck going to say about this!!!!!!!!! You couldn't have tempted us in any better way. Welcome back and Happy New Year.
Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!Yay!
Doing the Happy Dance :):):):):):):):):):):):):)
105. Mari said:
At least tell us kind of dog she is! I love her wiry white eyebrows.
106. Lisa said:
Who's jealous? Me, that's who!
107. Kathy said:
Aww, what a sweetie Coco is! Best present ever.
108. Anonymous said:
I am worried by the lack of Chuck photos in the Flicker stream that the Congressman was the death in the family?
109. David in KC said:
Welcome back! Glad you're better! And a puppy!
110. tinkin3 said:
Heather! Welcome back! So glad you made it through the holidays and can't wait to hear how Chuck is taking to Coco.
111. smr said:
glad you're feeling better
Coco's a cutie..Aussie or Border Collie?
Is Chuck okay w/ her???
Happy New Year!
112. Stacey Berube said:
Looks like an Aussie to me! Cute, smart, and NAUGHTY! Can't wait to hear the stories.....
113. Anonymous said:
I'm guessing Bernese Mountain dog, and a BIG food bill!
Chuck isn't going to have balance Coco on his head, is he?
114. Lisa said:
Our families can make us sick. It's funny how our bodies are great borometers of how we really feel. Ah, but animals have a wonderful healing power.
Don't forget to watch "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic channel.
115. blakspring said:
heather,
happy new year! it's good to have you back - i've been having withdrawals.
Coco is so beautiful. I'd take a case of strep throat any day to get that cutie in return.
116. Whitney & Bella said:
Coco is adorable! We'd love to meet her at the dogpark, if we only lived closer.
117. Andi said:
Welcome back!! My mornings were just not complete without a big hot cuppa Dooce.
Love Chuck's new baby momma... I cannot WAIT to see her balancing something on her nose!
Here's to an infection-free future at your house!
118. Tammy said:
Wow Dame Coco is just adorable!! What a cuddly Christmas present!! :)
119. Karen Sugarpants said:
Awwww a new puppy nose! I can't wait to hear all the stories! I hope the good outweighed the bad though.
120. brandy said:
"Coco" Puffs!! She is adorable!
121. Renae said:
Well, if it couldn't be a hippo then this is a pretty damn good second. What does Chuck think of his fuzzy new friend? What does Leta think? Puppies are such fun. Congratulations on your new family member!
122. W MYERS said:
He is so adorable. I bet Chuck is pissed
123. Caroline said:
Border Collie? Aussie?
Speaking as a border collie adopter...oh man are you ever in for it! But it will be wonderful. And, she looks like she's already smart enough to do your taxes.
124. Lara said:
Oooh! I am SO jealous! I wanted a puppy for Christmas, but the Girl that lives at my house is allergic. I'll have to live vicariously through all of your photos. I can't wait to see how she looks with spaghetti on her head!
125. Melissa said:
Coco is adorable. I can just imagine what Chuck thinks. What about Leta?
I hope you continue to feel better!!
126. kimblahg said:
welcome to the internet Coco- you are fuzzy and adorable.
127. Danielle said:
Oh wow, she's ADORABLE! I love her coloring. I can only imagine what Chuck must be thinking!
I hope everyone's feeling better, and happy (somewhat) belated New Year!
128. Victoria said:
Oh my! So cute, so so cute!
Congrats on the new puppy, and Happy New Year.
*snuggles the computer*
129. Almost vegetarian said:
Ha! Great minds think alike. We also just got a puppy. It seemed like the right thing to do.
I have yet to post pictures of her on my blog, but when I do, I expect the entire Internet to heave one massive, digital sigh of love.
Much as it is doing now for your angel.
Cheers!
130. jesgooch said:
*Worried about Chuck*
Congrats on the super squishy puppybabyguuuuuuurl.
I heart her already.
My bff missed you so much she had dreams about you :)
(I hope she doesn't read this, she is totally not a stalker...)
131. Michelle said:
She's not beefy enough to be a Berner... my money's in the Australian Shepherd Mix pool. Whatever she is, I got cavities just looking at her photo. SO sweet. Can't wait to see more of her---and I'm so jealous, even though I have two of my own plus a foster. Too much sweet puppy love is never enough. Congrats on scoring an awesome present, and hope you're feeling better.
132. Jane said:
Welcome back! You have been missed. Cute puppy!
133. Matt P said:
So when will we start to get Daily Coco photos?
134. Aubrey said:
Oh, the traditional holiday strep throat that turns into a sinus infection. I used to get that every year before my parents bought a fake tree.
Coco is one hundred percent adorable. When I scrolled down and saw her I was compelled to shriek, "PUPPY! OH MY GOD, PUPPY!" But, I calmed myself down before I made a scene. She's lovely.
135. mirela said:
Coco looks so at home in the pics. Lovely! How old is she? I, too, have some room in the house for Chuck if he needs a break :))
So happy that you feel better!
136. Labs said:
Coco is absolutely adorable! Congratulations, and I'm glad you are feeling better.
137. Liz said:
OH. MY. GOD.
Please submit her to cuteoverload.com RIGHT NOW!
I am DYING to hear her adoption story/tales of her first days, etc.
138. Tara said:
How is Chuck getting along with Coco?
139. so NOT cool said:
*thinking of Chuck*
May the new year grow brighter.
140. MademoiselleG said:
Oooooh! Puppy!! I love puppies!!
I have to say, I'm worried... How's Chuck? Don't tell us he's the death in the family? Death in the family is a plant, okay? No one died. No dog died. Just that plant no one really cares about. :/
Happy to know you're feeling better! Kiss your lovelies for me! (Because it's always good to kiss people based on some anonymous blog reader :))
141. VinnyGirl said:
Please, please, please tell me Chuck is ok. I love the CocoPuff but Chuck is my first love.
Hope you are on the mend. In case you didn't know it, you were missed!
142. sylvie said:
Adorable!
Glad to see you are better and ready to post again ;-)
I have to say you did make me feel better about not posting on my blog these last few days..."it's ok Dooce isn't posting either" I told myself...
Happy New Year!
143. Chirky said:
Chuck's about to be really jealous or really horny. Either way, sleepless nights indeed.
144. mcgee said:
sweet jemima she is precious and soft and smooshy and adorable. hopefully the chuckster thinks so as well.
145. witchypoo said:
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope that big sloppy enthusiastic puppy kisses help you smile in the sadness. She sure is adorable!
Here's to a healthier Armstrong household for 2008.
146. delic8genius said:
Oh oh, can I guess? Bernese mountain dog? -ish?
I too am dying to know what Chuck thinks about all this. He is the valedictorian of animal antics, afterall.
147. m@ said:
I assume that we're going to have to start calling Chuck Charles, just to preserve royalty?
148. Chris said:
There is nothing more precious than a fresh pup in the house. She is beautiful! Congratulations!!!
149. kate said:
No, I'm sorry, you should absolutely hold out for the Hippo.
You can send Coco to me.
150. Tiger Lamb Girl said:
She looks just like our tri-colour Border Collie when he was a pup. She's very cute. And I'll bet she's very quick at learning...........and taming ol' Chucky Pants. lol
151. dana said:
Oh my gosh - is that puppy uber adorable or what?? She is destined for greatness Heather!!!
Glad you are back and feeling better. I've missed you!!!
152. Spandrel Studios said:
Welcome back! While I'm sorry to hear things have been so difficult, I hope Coco brings you lots of joy. (And I have to say that I am so looking forward to getting the Daily Dose of Dooce again!)
153. Bee said:
Awww CUTE! What are Coco's puppity credentials? (i.e what sort is she?) Can we have a Daily Coco? Cue Jon madly recoding and designing your site again.
I was just about to go to bed with my head full of thoughts of cannibals from a doco my other half inflicted on me, set to have nasty dreams... and you have saved me. Thanks!
Now I will dream of having a puppy friend of my very own.
Hope all the sickness, stress and chaos go away soon.
Happy New Year from London!
154. Anonymous said:
What eej said:
She looks like a black tri aussie mix.
---
My bff's an aussie breeder. They are so smart and funny. They do need to work, though!
155. Chrissy said:
When I saw your gift I gasped with delight! Hold on to that Jon - he's the best.
156. Jane said:
THAT IS THE CUTEST PUPPY EVER!!! SO ADORABLE AND FLOOFY! What breed is she? Or is she mixed?
Anyway, I hope you're feeling better and your family's doing well. And I pray that the death in the family is of a plant...or a beloved fruit fly...
May the New Year be brighter for you all. =]
157. lindsaywillman said:
awwwe. she's adorable.
158. Sarah said:
I just said "awwww" out loud...lucky you! I'm glad you got a really cute something for Christmas, and I hope 2008 is a much, much nicer year than 2007.
(Can't wait to hear about Chuck's and Leta's reactions. Write!)
159. Rachel said:
OK that is one cute pup, I just want to cuddle her! Such a sweet gift.
160. SuzieQ said:
Who says money can't buy happiness? Nothing sweeter than a new puppy and I bet in short time Chuck will be in love if not already...now, maybe I can get that "Hippo" song out of my head!! Hope your new year is wonderful..
161. John said:
I can't stand it. You have two cute dogs now. And who knows what you'll get Coco to do. Perhaps dance or draw pictures with markers in his mouth.
If I got a dog, I bet his trick would end up being peeing on all the wrong stuff. Like clean laundry. Or guests.
You have all the luck.
Sorry about the death in the family, and congrats on the new pup :)
162. winecat said:
I'm so glad to hear your feeling better. Nothing more hellish than strep throat.
Coco is ADORABLE! How do Chuck and Leta feel about her?
Washing Leta's brain out with soap, I love that.
163. jules said:
I bet if you add some drops of sunshine to Coco Puff's water bowl, she'll turn into a hippo. I've seen these hybrids. Very exciting!
Jules
House of Jules
164. Janie said:
Glad you're feeling better mentally and physically, Heather...I hope your recent loss wasn't too close to you.
Very sad how much I missed you all LOL....I have literally been ACHING to hear about Leta's Christmas! (what can I say? all the kids in my family are grown now!)
Congrats on your puppy present.
165. sam said:
one more dog and you could make them build a pyramid! so cute!
166. mommyknows said:
She's gorgeous! Happy New Year.
167. Katharina said:
Wow, that's funny - I was about to send you an email about whether there is any way you could send me a print of my favorite Chuck picture, you know, whether you do that at all or had the possibilities.
Now I may have to rethink some stuff. Because that new one, man, that's a beautiful dog. Jesus Christ, how ADORABLE! Why does everyone get puppies this year?
I'm so not jealous - as I'm sure you can tell.
Can't wait for the must-be-upcoming coverage of total Chuck-Coco-Leta madness.
168. Meg said:
My first dog's name was Coco -- she was a scamp of a beagle mix who never complained when I decided to sleep in her dog bed, WITH HER, as a toddler and tied ribbons on her ears. I can only hope that this Coco and Leta, and Chuck, have as many wonderful memories as I do of mine.
And I send you wishes and good luck for a quick housetraining!
169. icanread said:
I like it.
170. KidKate said:
Awwww! Can't wait to hear about Chuck's reaction! My dog was smitten when we got our second, then jealous, then back to smitten. Unfortunately for him AND for me--she has eyes only for my husband.
171. megan said:
I'm sorry to hear about all the crap going on! But your new pup is so cute! My husband gave me a puppy for Christmas as well and I've been exhausted trying to keep up. That cute little face keeps me going though!
172. Keely said:
Oh Jesus H, she is so friggin cute.
173. J. Bo said:
*GASP*
A new pup in the family! Can't wait to hear what Chuck thinks of this one...
174. schwa said:
If her nose looks off-kilter tonight it is because I have softly kronshed it from afar.
And then I nibbled on Chuck's ear so he wouldn't feel left out.
175. Carolyn said:
Oh, she is just absolutely *gorgeous*. Perfectly fluffily wonderful.
Hi Coco-puppy! No matter what he says about it, don't listen to Chuck's emo music. You're far too young to emote that level of angst. Stick to cute, you do it well.
176. E-Lo said:
OOOOOHHHH. LOVE her. She's adorable. I hope she and Chuck are getting along. My puppy biological clock is ticking louder than ever now.
Chuck and Coco calender for 09!!!
177. Jodi said:
What will happen to the daily chuck photo? will you treat the second just like the first (written as only a second child could write) :o)
178. debra said:
Hope you're feeling better. Our New Year started with Lily the toy poodle shredding her share of anything she could get her paws on. Good thing she's cute :-)
179. Susannah said:
I hope Coco is already in training for champion head balancing. True she is cuter than cute can be, but her head does not look as flat and conducive to balancing objects as Chuck's does.
180. Amy said:
That's such the best present ever. I hope she came bounding into the room with a big red ribbon round her fluffy neck.
I got to spend most of my holidays with a little black labrador puppy, and it certainly gave us lots of laughs. Was sad to see him go!
Hope your throat gets better soon.
181. Stephanie said:
She is ADORABLE. Can't wait to see pictures of her and Chuck. What a fantastic Christmas - I officially have puppy fever!
182. Underblog said:
She is going to have the other dog chuckholded before you know it. Coco will rule the roost in short order.
183. Anonymous said:
Oh my doodness! She's so dute! Let's eat her!
184. Bronnie said:
she's so cute!!!
i'm so jealous!
i hope she brings much happiness to you guys :)
185. angela said:
No way!!! She's perfect. I love her and I don't even know her.
186. Danielle said:
That puppy is so darn cute!! When I saw the pictures I totally understood how you could write about the past few weeks: all the puppy cuteness is balancing out the horribleness of everything else. Both Coco and Jon are keepers. =)
187. merseydotes said:
She is adorable. Border collie?
Please tell me how life with two dogs is. We've been considering getting a second for awhile and have worried about how much more work it means.
188. Bingo said:
I think that just might be an Aussie girl.
Being a girl, she will be FAR TOO DIGNIFIED TO ALLOW THINGS TO BE BALANCED ON HER NOGGIN!!!!!
189. SilverPoet said:
Gosh what an ADORABLE present! Sorry to hear about the bad news in your family and the being sick-ness.
190. Sarah said:
Hooray! Welcome back!
191. Joey said:
I don't know whether Chuck is getting a noose ready for himself or is in the corner, quietly sharpening his shiv.
Hm.
It's a toss up.
192. Lisa Martin said:
that makes my doggy uterus hurt!
193. paul in kirkland said:
I sure hope Chuck's ok, because if he's the...I don't even want to say it...reading all these "I hope Chuck's ok with this" comments must just be killing you guys.
Hoping that's not the case of course...
194. JimBell said:
Great lookin woofer.
I know one useful thing about strep throat. You should throw away or boil your toothbrush - it can harbor the germs and cause relapse.
Glad to have you back.
195. jkrnyc said:
Ditto #46: Where's Chuck?
196. Jennifer said:
I'm so in love with Coco I can't stand it. My daughter is very jealous of you because you have two puppies in your house. :)
197. FENICLE said:
New year...new dog...new shit to clean up.
At least she's cute!
198. Sarah @ Ordinary Days said:
Crate train! Crate train! It's the only way to go. Our dog has had 1 accident in his entire life and that's because I left him inside too long when I went shopping.
And cute chair!
Swing by my place for a contest!
http://methemama.blogspot.com/2007/12/contest-time-with-prizes.html
199. Val Cox said:
Go Coco!
200. Kerstin said:
Happy for you!
What could be better than a pup?!!
Excited for you that you get to chill out a little now and will get better. That's no fun being so sick over the holidays. It's over now and a new year, wooohooo!!
Have a Happy One!
201. Wendy said:
She's so cute! Now when Chuck is ignoring all the humans you can give the attention to her!
202. Nat W said:
Oh, God, she's cute! What does Chuck think??
203. comebacknikki said:
She is SO adorable! :)
204. Kristine said:
How adorable! Glad you're feeling a bit better.
205. Mrs.Strizzay said:
She looks so soft and fuzzy, I bet she sleeps in bed without acting like its the hardest thing she has ever had to do. I wonder how Chuck is reacting to her. I am thinking something along the lines of a teenager who finds out his mom is pregnant. Oh and welcome back. You have been missed.
206. Lauren said:
Oh my gosh! She's gorgeous!!!
But what does Chuck have to say about all of this?!?
207. Beverly D said:
She is sooo cute, and the way she was lying on the floor with her little paws tucked under made her look so sweet. I am glad you are better, Christmas can wear you out. Welcome back!!!
208. Maggie said:
Gorgeous! I hope Chuck is okay, though. I worry.
My vote is for Aussie.
209. Jill S. said:
PRECIOUS. We got a pup too, an adorable nightmare, and let me just say, I think having three babies without a single epideral might have been less painful.
210. Steph said:
My God, you've ripped my heart out, stomped all over it and shoved it back into my chest.
I've been yearning for a dog for 2 years. I even tortured myself to a trickle of tears earlier this week by looking at dog sites to find breeds that would be in sync with my "needs."
Unfortunately, I cannot have one due to being in a shitty college town (no one trusts anyone with pets) and not having enough time right now to devote to a precious puppy.
I am done lamenting now.
Ms. Fitzsimons, she is heartbreakingly adorable.
211. Jess said:
She is adorable. I hope that Chuck understands and they become fast friends. We are looking at getting a puppy. After drooling over a litter today DH turned to me and said " Well you will no longer be the only bitch in the house".
212. PixelRN said:
Very cute. I especially like the wispy white eyebrows.
213. Anonymous said:
A PUPPY! How exciting for y'all! Good luck, she's adorable. Glad to have you back in the new year! I hope all of you all are getting to feeling better.
Also: Today's security word is "Reagan time"? Oh my...
214. Uncle Beefy said:
She's almost as cute as I am! How exciting for you?
I'm sure you would've gotten the hippo if they weren't so damn hard to wrap. And a gift bag just kinda of says "here, take it, whatever" and that's not the sentiment you want when unleashing a hippo now is it?
215. Amy said:
Is she a Bernese Mt. dog? that's my absolute favorite breed of dog ever. How does the former congressman get along with Miss Thang?
216. Laura said:
I just wanted to state that you haven't had an entry about poop in ages, and those are the best.
217. Barbetti said:
What does this mean for next year's calendar? What does this mean for CHUCK?
218. Shealynn Benner said:
OMG Heather! Your new puppy is ADORABLE!!!! :) I can't wait to hear all about your Christmas, and just how Chuck is handling this new addition. LOL.
I am so sorry to hear about you and Leta being sick. What a terrible time to come down with something... although... I really can't think of a good time to be sick, but there should be a rule that no sickness can happen around the holidays.
Get Well Soon!!
S.B.
219. sunny said:
so sorry you've been sick + dealing with
more than your share of stress! so not fair!!!
(and I'm so not a parent who'd step in and say seriously, "You know, life ISN'T fair)
Coco.....ADORABLE. The prettiest little thing. And you can tell her I said that!
220. Kacey said:
So, will there be a Daily Coco?
Feel better!
221. Jenn said:
What a wonderful Christmas present! Coco has me itching to get a dog, and I'm not even a dog person!
Anyway, I hope your life gets back on track soon. Take care!
222. Andrea said:
She is so adorable!!!!!
Glad to hear you're all on the mend.
223. Sarah said:
Glad you are feeling better enough to post!
Your new pup is ADORABLE. And the name .. so great. The farout name reminds me of a black and white fluffy six-toed cat we got when we were kids .. my sister called her Frilly Bam Billy ..no idea why .. but it worked!
You know you might just possible have the BEST husband in the world .. after mine :)
224. Manda said:
This is so exciting! I got my boyfriend the Chuck calendar for Christmas and he just loves it. He and I love animals. And if he would let me I'm sure our apartment would be full of animals that we have to hide from out landlord. I hope Chuck likes her! I already do!
225. Dawn said:
Hope you all feel better soon! We all had the flu for X-mas this year at my home. I love Miss Coco! What kind of dog is she? Very cute!
226. Natalie said:
Yea for puppies! YEA! I'm glad you are feeling better and can't wait to hear about your holidays!
227. Q said:
Hi Heather,
Give up on the river horse. Hippos are killers. Puppies are fetching.
Glad you're alive.
228. Charlotte said:
What a cutiepie! What does Chuck think? Is the next circus act in preparation? Will Chuck and Coco balance Leta on their heads?
Inquiring minds want to know ...
229. Manda said:
I just started thinking... IS CHUCK OKAY? Please answer soon. Don't make me up my paxil! :)
230. Awho said:
That Jon, he's a keeper.
231. Kren said:
Chuck? Chuck? Where is Chuck? I don't care about this li'l interloper, as cute and as Aussie as she may be, where is Chuck???? Please please please reassure us that the death in the family is not Chuck!
Kren from Oz.
232. the Yearning Heart said:
Adorable. Also, coincidentally, "Dame Eleanor Ritzford-Fitzsimons Puffs" is my safe word.
233. Eatmisery said:
What a cute little puppy! What does Chuck think of her?
234. NicoleP said:
The Internet welcomes you, Coco! But I share the same fears as other people posting... death in family, devastation, no Chuck. I do hope the guy is okay. (And if he is, I don't mean to lessen the sadness your family has experienced over the holidays!)
235. Wendy said:
Cute poochie! But you got that title right!
236. Lisa said:
She is so very, VERY cute!
But where the heck is Chuck?!
237. Megan said:
When I read this post, all I could focus on was "death in the family" and the absence of Chuck. Apparently I'm not the only one. Granted, my dog just died. Also, Coco is very cute. But I'm still worried about the Congressman. Tell me he hasn't moved on to the big Caucus in the sky? And if he has, shit I'm sorry!
238. Omar said:
that's a cute dog, so cute!
hope things get better.
239. Angela said:
my stomach is churning. Where is Chuck?
240. Anonymous said:
Love Aussies!!
241. Chuck said:
In the spirit of broken records, the new puppy is adorable, but where is Chuck, and if he's gone, how did he pass?
242. DeAnne said:
FIRST! Kidding.
How precious! I love the name Coco, it fits her perfect and your mormon family and friends won't be offended! They can drink coco right? Good thing you did not name her Java...
Glad you are back, sorry to hear you had some rough times during the holidays.
Hugs to Leta & Happy New Year!
243. amieable said:
I'm sorry to hear about the death in the family and other devastating news. I hope the cute snout of Coco helps heal all of the ills in the family.
Australian Shep? SO adorable.
244. Jo in WI said:
Super congrats, Dooce! How awesome to have a new member of the fur-family in your abode. Now tell us Chuck's thoughts. I reckon he's OK with it, considering you have many a' canine visitors on a regular basis :). Please do share her story!
245. Megan said:
Wow - I feel like an asshole. Here's an addition to my previous comment: I'm really sorry you have/had the Christmas sickness. I know it well. It really sucks.
Also, I'm really sorry for the death in your family, whomever it was. I didn't mean to trivialize it, but I clearly did. Moron. When my dog died recently, though, I took it a lot harder than when my grandparents died. So...yeah. In any event, sending lots of support.
It sounds like it's been a tough couple of weeks for all of you. I hope the new puffball is bringing some levity and fun into your lives. Thank you for posts and pictures and stories!
246. fred said:
thank god.. i hope you get better. i am going through dooce withdrawal.
247. gretchen said:
I must say, I'm not a dog person, but when I saw that picture I gasped and said "That dog is so CU-UTE!"
Well, it's true.
248. Lisa said:
Strep and a sinus infection, and Christmas with relatives? how horrible, get better soon. Would you really have rather had a hippo?
249. Anna said:
Hope you are feeling better. The puppy is adorable. Get ready for a dog that is as smart as you are. I hate to say it, but your life, in addition to becoming that much more enjoyable, just became that much more difficult. They like to herd EVERYTHING. Frogs, dogs, horses, kids, coffee cups, CARS--to the point of getting hit. Unfortunately I know this from experience. Train her from the beginning and give her a job or either you or your dog will end up dead!!! Good luck! There is pleasure to be had--just be careful.
250. Carol said:
Um, you mentioned "other devastating news" .... pleeeeeeease don't say something has happened to Chuck and this puppy, although really quite charming, is a sort of replacement.
251. molly said:
ADORABLE. IS THAT A BERNESE MOUNTAIN PUPPADOG? your best present has suddenly become my best present. i cannot wait for more pictures of this thing.
252. Karen said:
Child, that pup is the cutest.
253. jill said:
very sorry to hear the bad news, very happy to see the good news. coco is adorable. and we got a dog for xmas, too! we picked him up from the pound just a few days before and he is THE BEST. couldn't love him more. wanna set up a doggie play date?
254. Tricia Fitzsimmons said:
Coco is beautiful, and I'm not just saying that because we share a last name (although I notice she is one of those one-m Fitzsimmonses, so maybe we're just last-name adjacent). Congrats on the new addition to your family, and happy new year!
255. Sleeping Mommy said:
When I saw your post in my reader I was really hoping you had opened comments. After all you need to hear from the internets just how absolutely adorable and oh sooooo very sweet Coco is.
This one will definitely keep you all running and challenged. But the rewards!
Congrats on the new addition to the family and my condolences for the loss your family experienced during the holidays.
256. lisa said:
Soooo glad you are back. You were missed. Coco is adorable! Worried about Chuck......
257. ruby said:
oh my dear lord. can't speak. too cute. oh lord. bahhhhh.
258. HDC said:
So I guess Jon got himself best husband evah award with that one, eh? Very well played sir!
259. Terri said:
Congratulations on your new puppy! (We're up to four now and I suggest you stop before, or at, four!)
We had a terrible holiday. My step dad died Christams Day, my mother tripped over the dog and broke her shoulder, my favorite aunt (the only one who seems to see the insanity the same way I do) is dreadfully sick and thought to have pancreatic cancer although maybe she's dodged the bullet - still waiting to find out)my "stepsister" has been terrible, cold, indifferent and downright horrible to me, I told my husband last night I thought maybe I should be taken the "the" hospital but he convinced me instead to up my medication. I feel alone, lonely, desperate, a little like I'd like to crawl under the desk and stay there for a while - a week maybe. Anyway, I understand your pain, or at least a little of it. The good news - I don't have strep (although everyone around me is coughing and hacking and blowing and snorting)
260. nancypants said:
Good grief. Do all you big time bloggers call each other up and plan to buy puppies at the same time? Next thing you know, you will color coordinate your blog headers. ;^P (If I sound like I'm coming from left field because you don't know who else got a puppy, I'm talking about Ree @ Confessions of a PW.)
Adorable little girl there and I lurve her name!! Maybe she can marry Ree's Prince Charles and a royal wedding can be held!
261. Jeannette said:
I am glad you and Leta are on the mend. I am so sorry about the death in your family. I sincerely hope it wasn't Chuck. My doggie baby died in March after 12 years. We were devastated and still miss him. Coco is a cutie though.
262. Tami said:
I'm sorry about all the crap going on lately, here's to a minimun stress 2008.
And Coco is so damn cute! Is a Daily Coco coming soon? I love her already and I'm not even a dog person.
263. Moda di Magno said:
If Coco Pup can't cure strep and other simple human maladies then the world is truly on the way out. Get well soon Armstrong peoples and welcome Miss Coco. Love to Chuckles too.
264. Laura said:
How sweet! Hope you're feeling better.
265. Dee said:
How ironic - we have a small black dog named Coco! She is a 3 year old yorkie-poo. We named her after Courtney Cox-Arquette's baby, who was born about the same time. LOL
Your Coco looks like a sweetie!
So sorry to hear about the sucko holidays. Hang in there!
Dee
266. Molly said:
An Aussie, huh? That's just about the most active breed you could get. So much for your celebrated sedentary lifestyle. Guess you guys will be getting lots of exercise from now on.
267. Lilian said:
OMG, she's gorgeous!!! How did Chuck react? Let us know. I hope you feel better soon, even though you didn't get the wished-for hippo ;)
268. Michelle Smoochdog said:
Oh please stop with the cuteness.....But seriously please post and let us know how Chuck is doing with this intrusion on his life. He handled a baby well but now THIS!?? Chuck, you will always be the first, the best, the Chuck.
269. Lee Cockrum said:
I have missed your posts. Glad that you are recovering! And Coco is SO sweet. I just want to hug her and snuzzle her.
270. Michelle said:
Oh no. I just had a terrible thought. Is Chuck OK?
Please say he is. A confirmation of this is so post worthy.
Also is Coco a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? A Saint Bernard (don't think so). Or a border collie - god help your anxiety levels!
Please say Chuck is OK.
271. Rochelle said:
Black-and-brown-and-whites are THE BEST.
272. Mary Jo said:
She is just beautiful!! I cannot wait to hear about Leta and Chucks reactions to her!!
273. Megan said:
This is practically a dream come true for me and I will tell you why: two of the things I enjoy immensely in this world are 1) your blog, and 2) pictures of puppies.. And now it is two for the price of one.
274. Natalie said:
Oh my goodness! That dog is adorable, but please tell me your Chuck is ok?
I can't wait to hear about all of your holiday adventures.
275. O. Dear said:
AHHHH!!!! PUPPY DAWG!!! Awesome!
276. Kelli said:
That is one of the cutest damn pups I've ever seen.
277. Blurb said:
Chuck is fine. He's currently composing a trilogy of misunderstanding. Calm down Internet.
278. Kren said:
Oh. Thank. God.
I can now go to sleep.
279. KathyM said:
If Coco was a surprise, I wish I could have seen your face/reaction :)
Enjoy!
280. faerie-pixels said:
OMG i just died from cute
281. Kado said:
Morning breath or not great to have you back....we have a new puppy as well...Gus Joesph Pusser
282. Julia said:
Hmm. You know, I think you should've gone cuter. Something that would make me melt with cuteness. For now, I'm going to stay on Team Chuck, and instantly dislike Coco on sight. She'll have to work hard to gain my love.
283. Lauren said:
I agree with Julia. I hope the puppy doesn't annoy Chuck too much.
284. Denise Vita said:
AWWW how cute! can't wait to see if she can balance stuff on her head
285. Wacky Mommy said:
aiiiiiiiiiiiiii I wanted a puppy for Christmas and did I get one? No. Dammit. You are so frickin' lucky.
Coco, Coco, bo-boco, banana-fana...
286. Connie said:
How's Chuck liking Coco?
287. Buttons McTavish said:
I'm in love already!
Happy New Year to you all!
288. Allison said:
Hmm I doubt they would get a dog to replace Chuck so soon if he had passed. But! As Jon said, he's fine, so hooray for twice the puppy stories to ensue!
289. Vixen said:
Coco is a damn cute lady.
Chuck has a girlfriend!!!!
290. Ivy said:
That is one freaking cute hippopotamus substitute! What an adorable, snuggle bug to cuddle with when you're sick... I have two dogs, and it's SO much better than one! Cheers!
291. Anonymous said:
So she's waaaay cute, but can she balance stuff on her head?
292. Anonymous said:
Is that a pink collar with green polka dots? My puppy Penny Lane must have that. Where did you get that?
293. Zee said:
Oh my god. SO cute. I can't wait to see pictures of her and Chuck together! Is she a Bernese Mountain Dog?
294. Lisa said:
Good grief, I had Chuck six feet under, sooooo glad to hear I was wrong. SO glad.
295. Zenmomma said:
Glad you're feeling better! Coco Puffs. How adorable. :-D There is now an overload of cuteness at your house.
296. Gretchie said:
Can't... type... puppy... too... cute.... MUST CUDDLE PUPPY...
297. Jennifer said:
Looking forward to the new "Daily Coco" button! :)
298. Melissa P/ said:
She is absolutely adorable. Beautiful.
Chuck is okay, right?
Glad you are feeling better!
299. Vanilla Dreams said:
Crossing all my fingers and toes (and our paws) that the new adorable pup IS AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD!!!!
Sophie (our 7.5 month old Blue Merle Australian Shepherd)
and
Scarlett (our 1.5 year old Red Tri Color Australian Shepherd....
Would sure love to have another Aussie-pal online!!! ;)
Btw, if she is an Aussie, you are in great luck, because they are the BEST BEST BEST dogs in the whole world!!
And, I'm not at all biased. Why do you ask? ;)
Hope you are all feeling better, and sorry for your losses. FWIW, I hate Christmas now thanks to my twins' miscarriage in December 2005.
Take care,
xx
Nilla
300. angela said:
OMG. The cuteness overwhelms me! Can't wait for The Daily Coco!