The puppies are growing like weeds and are finally entering that fun stage of playing and exploring. I normally do not start pups on gruel or puppy mush until 4 weeks but Chili's udders are hanging to her knees so I decided to spare her some work and introduced pups to food early. After a messy first meal, they caught on and are eating like pros. The pups have also entered what my friend calls the 'flock of seagulls' stage of life where they express their discontent most loudly. Every time I hear one squalling, I rush downstairs to make sure he has not fallen out of the pen and most of the time it is just one pup enjoying the sound of his, or her, own voice. I divided the pen into two parts- bedding and papers- and the pups are instantly using the papers for potty. This week the temperature is rising into the 50's ( Fahrenheit) so I am setting up a pen in the garage for some daytime exercise and keeping a pen inside for nighttime, naps, and cold weather. I am also putting a playpen in the living room so puppies can learn to be in the center of household activity.
I got the idea of a cupcake pan from Amanda Bays ( Channahon Chinooks). It is much less messy than a regular puppy pan- especially with a little practice. Chili looks on, waiting for leftovers.
Prime Real Estate- sleeping near mom
Just because mom is outside the box, does not mean I can't get a drink!
Puppies sneak a snack as mom gets a snack. I can't believe they have any room left in their bellies!
The black and tan girls show off their milk mustaches
The very first meal- I used a puppy pan so I could have messy pups for pictures.
Play train
The pen gets smaller every week...
...so does the milk bar
Chili is a very good mom
Mr. Yellow
Mr. Purple
Mr. Yellow
Mr. Purple
Miss Black/Tan- cute as a button
Miss Blue has such a pretty head
Miss Black/Tan stretches out
Mr. Red plays with the favored toy- it crinkles- the pups LOVE it.
Miss Silver has some leftovers on her face
Mr. Red with a pillow
Miss Pink
Mr. Green looks very sweet...
...but is really trouble
Miss Blue has a 'moment' with Chili
Miss Purple falls asleep at the wheel often
The pups are now really coming alive, zooming all over and exploring. They hate being contained as there are much better things to do than nap. While I have allowed close friends and family to see the pups, this week marked their first outside visitors. They had a great time playing around the living room and getting love from people and dogs alike. Chili has let up a bit on her protectiveness around the other dogs and the pups got to play with the rest of the pack today. They are sturdy enough to survive the occasional tiddly-wink by one of the more exuberant dogs and enjoy pouncing on everyone and pulling tails. The house training has progressed very well and they are using their papers in both pens and very, very rarely mess on any of the bedding. Temperaments are starting to become evident, though they change in looks and attitude every week. Last week's sweetest pup is this week's spitfire but I am seeing some trends. This upcoming week will bring more visitors and hopefully a trip outside, if the weather cooperates!
Miss Silver hangs out in Maddison's arms. I 'rent' children from my friends as I do not have any of my own. It is important for socializing
Miss Blue and Miss Purple get their turn at love
Miss Pinks turn for a head scratch
Miss Black&Tan is very cuddly
This is the pup's 'outside' pen. It is in the garage since the yard has been alternating between ice and flood for the last few weeks and is not currently safe for babies. Hopefully it will dry out soon and the pups can enjoy the great outdoors. The garage pen is used while I clean their bedroom
I love the contortions used to get the best spot on the milkbar
Chili is very tolerant
It is tough to nap when everyone else is trying to play
If the bar is this crowded at 4 weeks, what will it look like at 6 weeks!!
Kila loves puppies and tries to play gently. She is like a bull in a china shop though and sometimes needs a reminder to not squish, sit on, throw around, or plough through the babies. She did well today and the pups flock to her- they know a playful spirit when they see one.
Kila gives a little love after a play session
Tay enjoys some love also. The adults love pups, not only because they are fun, but because they get a lot of attention from puppy visitors.
Katsuk and Alsea get some attention
The pups try out the feeding system for the first time. They took to it quickly
A great evening hanging out in the living room
There IS a bowl under all those puppies
Deja vu
Mr. Yellow and Miss Silver
Mr Yellow and Mr purple
Miss Silver
Mr Red looks like his dad
Miss Pink
Mr Purple has a nice stand
Mr Green is a tank
Miss Blue and Mr Purple
Miss Purple and Miss Blue
Mr Yellow
Miss Blue, Miss Purple, and Mr Green
Mr Green and Miss Pink spar
Miss Black&Tan
Mr Green
Miss black&Tan is sooo cute 
