"Go the F*ck to Sleep"

Go the F*ck to Sleep -read by Samuel L Jackson

Nighttime

I am not going to lie.

THIS story went through my head last night from 12:40am - 2:00am. 

I wanted to read it to her.

Or have Samuel L Jackson read it to her.

For some reason, Gracie decided that 12:40am - 2:00am was going to be her playtime. 

And I don't mean playing downstairs quietly with a soft toy.

I mean playing LOUDLY upstairs in our bedroom.

She brought UP EVERY noisy, heavy chew toy from downstairs, threw them around and loudly chewed on them.

Then she did this thing where she throws her front legs on the floor loudly to make a tremendous THUMP! - I KNOW that this is her play, but why can't she do this in the afternoon when everyone else wants to play! 

Nighttime, Gracie? Really?

Now, don't get me wrong, I was happy.

Happy that she was letting loose.

Happy that she was having fun.

Happy that she was enjoying her toys, 

Happy that she was playing.

Happy that she barked to go outside because she had to go to the bathroom again.

Happy that she seemed happy.

But, my husband and worked a very very long shift the day before and needed his sleep.

I had not slept well the last few days worrying where each animal is at any given time or worrying that someone needs to go pee.

I was tired.

Craig was tired.

We really wanted to sleep.

The only difference I could tell about last night was that Craig slept with the TV on. Perhaps she saw the TV being on as "oh, everyone is still UP, let's PLAY!"

Once I turned it off at about 1:50am, she want to bed a few minutes later. Not sure if the two were connected or not, but I guess we shall see the next time the TV is on.

Craig likes to watch TV before bed, so turning it off just to let her fall asleep is out of the question. Hopefully the next time she realizes that TV on does not mean playtime.

Walks

Last night's walk went quite well for a night walk. I call it a night walk, but really it is at about 6pm, not even dark yet. Craig and I both took her this time. She seems to do a little better when the whole pack is out. She still hated hearing kids...especially the kids on skateboards. What is it with skateboards? Loud trucks/cars pass and she is unphased...but a skateboard sends her into a tizzy. Weird. 

This morning, I took out the harness to try.  She seemed afraid of it right off the bat, thinking it was the collar/leash. Seeing how she reacted, I decided to whip out her cheese (high value treat.) I gave her pieces of cheese while the harness was in my hand or on the floor next to her to try to give her a good association. I did not put the harness on until I saw that she calmed down with it simply near her.

When I put it on, she was very calm and let me adjust it. Right now, she is laying in the office with me wearing her harness. I think I am going to skip the walk this morning and just let her walk around the house with the harness for a bit. I REALLY want her to like this thing.

Cat

Béla has started to show some jealousy. 

I can feel it. 

Don't ask me how I know, but I just feel it.

Yesterday she swiped at Grace a few times. Grace wasn't any closer than she normally has gotten, so I thought Béla's behavior was a little strange. Béla has also been giving me the stink-eye when I give Gracie treats - so I have been trying VERY hard to give Béla a treat whenever Grace gets one. The only problem with this is that Béla needs to lose a few pounds (don't we all?) so I need to be careful, even with skimping on her food a little bit.

I think I might have to have Béla stay upstairs w/ the baby gate closed when I am feeding Grace downstairs. Normally, Béla just sits on the top of the couch, but yesterday she was on the counter watching Grace eat with a stink-eye. I carried Béla upstairs to show her that she has hew OWN food ready at all times.

This is such a learning process with Béla, too.

Random

I love this outdoor raised bed...so does Gracie!

Even though I'm a scaredy-dog....I love my life!