We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Well Christmas came early in the Tatum household. For as long as I can remember Hannah has dreamed of having her own dog. Since she was probably 2, every penny thrown in a fountain, birthday candles blown out, Santa letter, prayer, etc. has included "Please give me a dog." For a long time, she viewed Granny's dog Bella as hers, but last year when Bella died, Hannah was heart broken. Since then she has become very emotional. Tim have I have spoken about the possibility of a dog for years, but for obvious reasons, it was not the right decision. We both believe that a family pet is important for kids. It's a friend to grow up with, memories of a lifetime, and encourages responsibility/patience/kindness in young ones. Just last week I got a new phone and as they set it up, they asked me my security question "What was your first pet's name?" I actually flashed forward 20 years and pictured 30 year old Hannah standing at a phone counter responding "Figgy." As crazy as it sounds with an 8 month old in the home, and yes it is completely and utterly insane, Tim and I decided back in summer that we would be open to the idea of a dog. Well in early September I got a call from a breeder that answered some questions for me over a year ago. She told me about a litter being born that she thought might work for us. I talked to Tim and being the amazing dad that he is, he agreed that Hannah deserved this gift. It is of course a gift for all the kids, but I say Hannah as she is the one that finally broke us. The puppies were born September 23rd (3 girls and 4 boys). We had the first pick and chose the runt because Jack loves runts. Tim and I picked the puppy up the Friday after Thanksgiving. We drove to the farm in Vista, CA and got our girl. She was so tiny at 9 weeks (2 lbs.) Shes golden with curly hair and so fluffy. She is half Cavalier King Charles and half Bichon Frise (should be hypo-allergenic and non shed). Earlier that week, Hannah and Jack both wrote letters to Santa and asked for a dog. So we ended up making it a gift from Santa, Mommy and Daddy. We worked together. Granny watched the kids when we drove to the get the dog. When we returned Tim walked in with it in a big wrapped box. We told them we drove to see Santa and he asked our permission to give them this special pup. It was such an exciting moment. My heart was pounding. Hannah was crying and just repeatedly said "Thank you, Thank you." it really was a sweet moment. Jack was excited as well. So flash forward, we have had the puppy now for 5 days. She has already doubled her weight and is at 4 lbs. She is fun and sweet. She loves to chase Hannah and Jack, play ball, jump around and be loved. She is also very gentle and picking up potty training and sleeping at night. Collin loves to watch her and has starting barking like a dog. Don't get me wrong, It's a complete mad house, I clean more poop than I care to, I stand on a wet lawn at 3 am every night and between Collin and the puppy I feel like I am on watch at all times. It's insane, but it was so worth it to welcome a sweet puppy to the family. I think she will be a wonderful gift for the kids for years and years. And hey, you only live once so why delay, because my mom has always told me "If you sit around waiting for the right time for things, you will never do anything because there is never a perfect time. Sometimes you just jump in, hold on tight and enjoy the ride."

The fun part was the name. We really could not agree. Tim, myself, Hannah and Jack all had different ideas. Some of the top choices included: Jingles, Lights, Fuzzy, Poppy, Cinnamon, YOLO, Dancer, Dash, Grinch, Lucy, and Lucky. In the end, the kids gave in to my first choice... Welcome to the family FIGGY! (technically Figgy Jingles). The name was inspired by the Christmas song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." we now like to sing it our way "Now bring us a Figgy Puppy, Now bring us a Figgy Puppy, Now bring us a Figgy Puppy and bring it right here!"