If anyone out there wants to have a baby...

...then I highly recommend getting a puppy first.

I feel like I've said that about twenty times in the last week. And, yes, I do realize that having a baby is a way bigger deal and dogs just don't compare really. But, if you're looking for just a taste - get a dog.

Carl says he thinks having a baby is in some ways easier. Basically because you're allowed to bring babies with you places. Of course, you're allowed to put a dog in a crate for several hours - I don't think that would be looked on so favorably with a baby. :-)

This week has been a bit trying. As I mentioned, Irie stayed with one of my friends this weekend while I was busy with wedding stuff. Apparently she did ok for the most part. When I got her home on Sunday though she was acting a little more tired than usual, but I attributed it to running around with the other puppy all weekend. However, Sunday night we were up and down all night because she had diarrhea.

Monday morning she seemed better so I left her in the crate. As luck would have it, I wasn't able to get home during lunch due to way too many meetings at work. I got home shortly after 5pm and let Irie out of her crate to take her outside. She was wildly jumping around and being her normal crazy self, so I didn't really notice anything wrong until we got outside. Then I started to look at her face a little more closely and noticed it was strangely bumpy and her eyes were really red. In addition her skin was pretty red and she kept pawing at her face. I called the vet and was told that it sounded like she was having an allergic reaction to something and that I should bring her in. So within twenty minutes we were at the vet's office getting a hefty shot of benedryl. And now I'm giving her half pills of benedryl every 8 hours for a few days. She does seem better and the swelling has all gone away, but I have no idea what she had a reaction to so it makes me a little nervous - I don't have any idea of what to keep her away from.

Hoping that the worst was behind us, we went to bed Monday night exhausted from all the antics. A few hours later I was woken up to my poor little doggy throwing up next to the bed. I got up, cleaned it up, took Irie outside and then collapsed back into bed. No more had I fallen asleep again then Irie threw up again. This time not making it off the bed before she did. Again, with my instinctual movements, I lifted her off the bed to put her on the floor. And low and behold - she projectile vomited all over the side of my bed, floor and dresser. It was awesome!

So, off I went to clean up again. This time, I just did the best I could, cleaned the floor and stripped the bed. Irie and I retired to the couch for the rest of the evening. Thankfully with no more puking.

I worked from home on Tuesday so that I could keep an eye on her. She still is having some diarrhea issues, but otherwise seems to be feeling much better. We'll see how she does once she comes off the benedryl Friday.

Anyway, that's been my exciting week. (And for those of you who are worried about my social life - I did put Irie in the crate for a few hours last night while I went out for dinner.)

The first round of our kickball tournament starts tonight. Wish us luck! I can hardly believe that kickball will be over after this weekend. Seems like I've been playing forever!