Mom and Dad had both worked over on Wednesday night. And after a quick stop at the Home Depot to buy a new air purifier, Mom was home to spend a casual evening with me and Dad. But after dinner, they went up to the bedroom to dust the walls, I know, it sounds silly, but it’s true.

Before they knew it, the night had passed them by, and Mom decided she was off to bed. Dad wasn’t quite ready for bed yet, so he stayed on the couch with me and enjoyed the nightly news, Cheetos, and a glass of wine.

All of the sudden, we heard Mom yelling from upstairs, “Allen Newton, come here now!” I’ll leave out some of the gory details, but needless-to-say, Mom’s water broke while she was brushing her teeth. We didn’t know that is what it was, but after two calls to two different hospitals, the doctors told Dad to bring her in to have her checked out.

Now, we thought this was just a false alarm. Mom did not want to go, and I didn’t want her to go either, but Dad insisted. They quickly packed a bag, patted me on the head, and let me know they would be back in an hour or so. Or so they thought.

Now, this is where my first person experience ends. The rest is how I have heard it from Dad. Mom wasn’t really having contractions before her water broke, but by the time they made it to the hospital, she was feeling pains every six minutes. Mom, still in denial that this was happening three weeks early, refused to get out of the car. Dad eventually convinced her that having the baby in the new car may not be the best course of action, and they waddled in.

It took about 45 minutes for the nurse to confirm that yes, Addison was coming, and they were off to the labor and delivery room. It was a long night, but by 7:30 Thursday morning, Dad started to call the family and let them know that Addison had jumped the gun. I was alone all night at home, but MeeMom Newton came and got me for a sleep over at her house until Mom and Dad could come home from the hospital.

Addison’s delivery was smooth and uneventful, well, as uneventful as having a baby can be! I think she is super cute and smells especially good. Her ears are a little small, but I’m hopeful that they will grow before too long.

Love, Wrigley

So lets face it. The fact that I don’t have true thumbs has come to bite me in the bum. That is really just an excuse. Since the arrival of Addison Jean, I have been so busy as a big brother, I haven’t blogged.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to catch you up on the birth of my sister and the first four months of her life. Maybe I’ll make sure I don’t so far behind next time.

Hope everyone is well!

Love, Wrigley

Crazy Newton life has continued over the past few months. My mom has continued to grow out, my dad has continued to prep the house, and I have continued to nap. It’s a hard life, but we love it.

One of the things that Dad has been feverishly working on Addison Jean’s new room. I am so excited, because it used to be the guest room I wasn’t allowed in, and now I can go in all the time. Many nights, Mom, Dad, and I sit in Addison’s room before we go to bed. It gives us a time to talk about what needs to be done and what we are excited or scared about. They’ve been great about getting me ready for her arrival. I am not digging the new walk schedule, but I am totally stoked about more bellyrubs and cuddling with my sister. And did you know Mom is going to be home with me (and Addison) for eight whole weeks. I just cant wait!

Here are some of the pictures from the guest room to nursery transformation. Mom and Dad picked most of it, but I diligently inspect each item before they bring it in. Only the best and safest for my sister!

- Wrigley

Here Dad is testing out the colors for the room. We went with the bottom color, but went lighter with the top.

Now the painting is done, and Dad has installed the chair rail. Yes, that PhD has come in handy here; he did it all by himself!

Thanks to my Uncle Allan and Aunt Melissa, Addison will have a very comfy bed to sleep on. And now that the bedding has arrived, the only thing we are missing is my sister.

Finishing off Addison’s Parisian inspired room is the Eiffel Tower wall decal and pictures from Mom and Dad’s trip.

Since I announced the impending arrival of baby fig Newton, our world has been quite busy. For a doggie that prefers sofa time to partying, it has been an exhausting two months.

We celebrated the initial news with many phone calls and visits. Everyone was excited to see us and learn about our new family member. We even got a few presents! I have thoroughly inspected all of them, and they got the Wrigley “seal of approval.” Mom and Dad have resisted buying too much yet, but they did buy a sleeper with basset hounds on it. I personally think it is excellent.

Dad and I have been keeping Mom and fig very active. While she used to walk with me twice a day, Dad and I have convinced her to join us for the late night walk as well (most nights). I have even sent a message to Mom’s coworkers, and they have been walking around the parking lot for extra exercise. Despite my best efforts, Mom’s belly keeps growing, and growing, and growing. Dad assures me that it isn’t Mom’s belly, it really is baby fig growing, so I have started to cut her a little slack. I definitely want baby fig to be big and strong like me.

After trips to Tullahoma and Shelbyville to see my Comer side of the family, we packed up and went on my first trip to Grandma Sherrell’s house in Fredonia, KY. It was such a long car ride – two whole hours. But after Mom and I caught a quick nap, we were almost there. It was great to get out of rainy Nashville for a few days and explore a whole new house. If I had to describe Grandma’s house in three words it would be fun, yummy, and comfortable. She made meals that filled the house with the best smells and was a very good belly rubber – I was in basset hound heaven. Grandma even slow roasted a pork bone for me to chew on, which was amazing.

And outside was just as much fun. Dad showed me a place called The Store, where he used to go when he was a kid to get snacks. Then we just lazed around on front porch and waved at all the passers by. It was just the relaxing weekend we all needed.

The past few weeks have been filled with anticipation. Will baby fig be a boy or a girl? Will I have a brother or a sister? While Mom and Dad were not partial, they kept getting signs that it might be a boy. Mee Mom Newton did the ring test – boy. The Chinese calendar – boy. Mom and Dad’s dreams – boy. So we were totally prepared for a girl to be on the way.

Yesterday they finally went to the doctor’s office for the official ultrasound. They told me not to get too excited, because sometimes fig will hide and not tell us. But thank goodness that was not the case. Mom and Dad rushed home to tell me that a sister is in my future. Yep, that’s right. Wrigley James Newton is going to be the best big brother to a little girl.

I have so many things to teach my sister – where the sunny spots are in the living room, where Mom and Dad hide the good stuff to chew on, and how to be the world’s best cuddler. Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes for our family. We cant wait until the newest Newton is here for you to meet.

Love,
Wrigley

This spring, I had a very serious conversation with Mom and Dad. I have been part of the family for almost two years now, and I was ready for more responsibility. Now granted, I have had a little trouble with putting my toys away like Mom tried to train me, but I have perfected couch cuddling and all-day house defense. I was ready for the next step – to be a big brother.

Now don’t think I jumped into this on a whim. I am my Dad’s doggie. I did my research. I have scouted out my friend Jordan’s brother, Mac; played long days with my cousins; and read What to Expect When You Are Expecting. There is crying, tail tugging, ear pinching, and sleepiness, but I still believe I am up to the task.

Mom and Dad appreciated my opinion, but it was their home too. They weighed the options and planned for the future. So guess my surprise when we returned home from family vacation and got the news – my sibling is on the way! We had to keep it a secret at first, but now I am howling it from the rooftops, “Wrigley Newton is going to be a big brother!”

I know that things like this don’t happen right away. I won’t know if I am having a brother or sister until October, and the baby won’t be here until March – six whole months away. I can’t wait to keep you all updated here on the blog while we all get ready for the new member of the Newton family.

If you see my mom, she needs a hug; she is still nauseous and sleepy. If you see my dad, give him a high five, because he is super-stoked. And if we happen to bump into each other on a Lenox Village walk, I am always up for a congratulatory belly rub (for me of course, not Mom). Most of all, keep us in your prayers. Because in the end, my parents are planners, and even though they planned for this, there is no planning for what’s to come.

Sloppy drool and never-ending basset belly rubs,
Wrigley (and Allen, Stephanie, and the little fig)

Since Dad was in Knoxville at the VUIIS conference, Mom dropped me off at my condo Sunday morning and then headed down to her condo to rest. And boy did she need it. After dropping her phone in the potty, she was not in the best of moods. She had a great time relaxing by the pool with my cousin Hannah (and listening to High School Musical together), and she read diligently – reading the new book by Dr. David Jeremiah and finishing America: The Last Best Hope volume two. Granted they werent exactly “light” reads, but Mom definately enjoyed it just the same.

Dad finally arrived on Tuesday. And after a quick trip to play with me, they were back pool side with the nieces and nephews. Connor has really perfected his swimming. He even started diving on vacation and playing in the deep end. Thats not really for me, but I am glad that if I ever need saving at the pool, Connor can help me out. Mom and Dad were also pumped that Connor went to the Nationwide series race with them this year. It’s fun to spend time with him and try new things. I, sadly, could not attend the race, but heard it was an exciting time.

Each night Meemom made wonderful dinners. Shrimp night is always Dad’s favorite, and Mom sure loves Mr. Minix’s hushpuppies. After dinner, they played tossing games in the yard with David and Sarah. No running in circles this year, but I can always count on David and Sarah to make sure my parents are having fun.

Overall, Daytona was an huge success. I just wonder, how could we possibly make it any better next year?
Love, Wrigley

Mom and I departed on Saturday – leaving Dad to go to the Vanderbilt Institute for Imaging Science retreat in Knoxville. He was going to meet us in Daytona later in the week. It was the longest car ride ever! Twelve hours for my Mom, but thats like four and a half days for me! I cuddled up in my bed in the van and just let her do all the work, with occasional reststops of course!

After eight hours, we finally reached our stop for the day. Mom and I met up with MeeMom, Papa C, and my Bff Beatrix in Valdosta, Georgia. I was done with the car and looked forward to some relaxation at the pet-friendly Jameson Inn. Little did I know what was in store ….

We were on the bottom floor and people were walking by our door all night long. Now, they weren’t loud or anything, but since Dad wasnt here, I needed to protect Mom. I personally inspected each person at the door and whined loudly so that Mom would be on alert. Near the end of the night, I dont think she truly appreciated my diligence toward her safety since I felt sleep was secondary, and she did not. But soon enough morning came, and I caught up on my sleep while Mom drove me the rest of the way to vacation.

My Florida condo was at the Bed & Biscuit Inn – with a large room for me and Beatrix to snuggle and a swimming pool. Now, I was not what one might call a “fan” of the pool, but Beatrix loved it. Mom and Dad came to see us almost everyday and take us to the pool. Beatrix perfected her swiming and diving, and I, well, I watched … but it was fun just the same.

In the end, I think going on a vacation was exactly what my family needed – relaxation, sun, and fun. What more could a doggie son ask for?

- Wrigley

I am excited to report that Dad made it home safe and sound from San Francisco. While Mom was bummed that he did not bring the rice-a-roni she requested, I am just glad to have my friend back.

The story of Dad’s trip was an exciting one. After attending his Organization of Human Brain Mapping conference sessions for the day, he went to the Giants game. I cant remember if they won or lost, but he told me that he got to see Randy Johnson pitch. I think that is so cool since I beleive he will be in the hall of fame one day … and he is like seven feet tall! I love watching baseball with Dad and would have loved to go to the game with him. Maybe next time we can go and catch a homerun ball.

After more conference time and Dad’s poster presentation, he took a walk around the city. He visited Fisherman’s Warf and the Golden Gate Bridge. He told me that the San Francisco Bay was fun to visit and see all the people and fisherman.

While Mom and I were waiting for Dad to come home on Monday, horrible windstorms came through Nashville, and the power went off. It was not fun at all. I was worried for him traveling, but at midnight, Mom and I went to pick him up at the airport, and he made it safely. I’m so glad that my Dad is back. Even though his business travel isnt over forever, he is here now and that’s what matters to me!
-Wrigley

Mom tried to explain it to me, but at first I just didn’t understand. Dad was not coming home. I waited by the door, sniffed his clothes in the closet, kept his spot warm in the bed. But he never came. Mom said that he was on a “business trip.” I take those too – three times a day – but Mom or Dad goes with me, and I always come home a few minutes after “the business” is done. But this was different. He was in San Francisco for the Organization of Human Brain Mapping conference and wouldn’t be home until Monday night.

I love Mom, but Dad gets me. Everyday while guarding the house while Mom and Dad are at work, I wait patiently for him to come home. And when he does, I can snuggle his face and give him a big hug. I tried to do the same with Mom, but she doesn’t scratch like Dad. She’s a girl; she can’t help it.

When I just cant get comfy, Dad lifts me onto his belly and we watch some TV. Sometimes we watch the Cubs or racing or even Deadliest Catch. Mom made me watch High School Musical last night. I mean really, Mom, really. And because there is no race tonight and the Cubs have a day game, I have a sneaky feeling that tonight might be High School Musical 2.

I know that traveling is part of work. I am fortunate that I could retire at a young age, and let my parents can take care of me. But sometimes a boy just needs his dad. Come home soon!

Love, Wrigley

Sorry it has been a while since I wrote. I have finally recovered from Dad’s gradapaloosa celebration. After ten years at Vanderbilt and countless tests, headaches, and MRI scans, my doggie daddy is now a Ph.D.

First on Wednesday, May 6th, Dad came home with his offical Ph.D. robe. I had no idea that there was so much involved in graduating. It took Mom 45 minutes just to iron this thing. Dont we look great wearing it together? I was hot just wearing it in the house, I had no idea how dad was going to make it on graduation day.

Then on Thursday,  Mom took the day off get ready for the graduation celebrations. With Dad being in school for so long, I thought she deserved an extra day off. My Nana Comer came up from Tullahoma and watched while Doggie Dad blew up his long awaited graduation monkey. Now everyone in Lenox Village was able to celebrate with us!

Finally on Friday, graduation day was here. Mom, Dad, and Nana Comer met up with Meemom and Papa C at Vanderbilt. I wasn’t able to go to the ceremony, but I was there in spirit. The graduation ceremony on Alumni Lawn has only been rained out three times in 35 years – two have them have been Dad’s graduations. So from what I heard from Mom, the first part was in the Memorial Gym and very toasty. Then they went to the graduate school ceremony where Dad was hooded by his advisor Dr. Gore.

Then it was time to party! My Aunt Ashley and cousin Emily joined us and so did the Smith and Wier families. Meemom made Dad’s favorite dinner – hamburger sliders, while I played the night away with Beatrix, Jackson, and Gracie.

I know, it was a lot, but thats why I needed a few weeks to recover. It’s still kinda hard to believe that my Doggie Daddy is finally a doctor. All those nights of staying up late with him, keeping Mom company while he traveled, and critiquing his speeches were worth it.

Now what? Well, Dad has decided to continue his work with the imaging institute as a postdoctoral fellow. I am so excited to see what is instore for our family now.

Talk to you again soon,

Wrigley