Passing the critical time

It's day 3 and everything seems to be going well.  Puppies are eating, moving around a lot, making funny noises, pooping and growing.  So I am starting to relax a little bit feeling that everything is going the way it should.  Bruce has been gone for the past week and will be home tonight, I am excited for him to see the new additions.  One big surprise is the unbelievable amount of laundry!  I have been changing the bedding to keep it clean and dry, this morning I hacked up a mattress topper made of memory foam to line the bottom of the bed and I think everyone is much happier.  But still it takes a ton of towels to keep these critters clean and dry and smelling sweet.

And have I mentioned the balancing act keeping Hannah from being eaten by Dira while they are both in the house?  I have to keep a gate up even though it probably wouldn't stop Dira for even a second.  This morning I caught Hannah perched on the back of the couch so she could watch over the top of the gate to see what all the commotion is about, not a very safe thing to do.  Also, when I take Dira outside, all the other dogs must be contained, it is just too scary at this point and I don't need any mishaps.  So I start planning first thing in the morning, around 5:30, Dira goes out first and comes back in, then Hoss and Sadie can go out and Tessie too if she wants.  Before I can take Dira out again mid morning, Hoss, Sadie and Tess must be kenneled or in the garage, even though Dira can only stand to be away from her puppies for 2 minutes, max!  It's cold here too so I have to get all bundled in my snow suit with my gloves, hat and shoes on before I hook Dira to the leash and head out, yesterday I didn't have time and couldn't find my gloves, so ended up doing chores without them, the girl cannot wait once she's ready to go to the bathroom.