Mack + Lainey

This post is collection of stories and memories about Mack & Lainey's undeniable friendship and love. I know the stories and memories of these two will continue to grow but they have so many already that I want to document!

First things first. Mack will always be our first baby. We had Mack for almost 3 years before Lainey was born. In all aspects, he is our dream dog. He does everything we could ever wish or want - and then some! He has a sweet and loving personality, he is very athletic, a great hunting drive, a desire to always please, and then there's that dark red coat of his. Seriously, he is the dog of our dreams.

I truly believe Lainey's love for Mack started in the womb. Babies hear sound in the womb, and I believe Mack's name was subconsciously being exposed to her. It makes sense though. Mack is our baby! We say his name so much! He goes everywhere with us. He made many bump photos. We attended hunt tests while I was pregnant so I know Lainey heard ducks calls, gun shots, me talking to him, cheering for him, and loving him! Before she was even born, they were destined to be best friends!

So how did Mack handle not being our only baby? From the start, Mack was incredible! He stepped into his big brother role very nicely. But like us, he had to adjust to the lack of sleep during the newborn phase. That was probably the toughest part for Mack. He was always very gentle with Lainey, and we did not see any type of jealous or possessive behavior. Yes, there are still times he climbs up onto my lap or tries to kiss my face repeatedly because he wants a little extra love, but he is still treated very much so like our baby!

Lainey started recognizing and gaining interest in Mack when she was five months old. It started with her hand reaching to touch him when he walked by, continued by screams and giggles with excitement. The rest, really, is history.

In fact, Lainey's second word was "Mah". It probably should be counted as her first because she never says her first word anymore ("Mama").

Every morning, she stands up in her crib and YELLS "Mah! Mah! Mahhhh!" until both Mack and I come in to get her up. Mack is definitely her most used word. She calls for him ALL THE TIME! While we eat, while we play, while we bathe, while we change her diaper. Lainey wants Mack to be everywhere with her. I honestly don't think I have a video without Lainey yelling "Mah" in it at some point!

As of late, Lainey's independent, and we will say her "leadership qualities", are shining as she tells Mack where to lay all so that she can cuddle up next to him. She will crawl into his bed, point to the bed, and yell "Mah!", repeatedly, until we tell him to go into his bed. Then she will crawl up into his side, lay her head on him, and starting sucking her thumb. Every single time Lainey starts to get tired, she does this. She crawls up and cuddles with Mack. Truthfully, Lainey cuddles more with Mack than Tyler or I! That hurts a little, but seeing her love for Mack makes us incredibly happy. Actually, just recently she starting calling us over to crawl up and cuddle with her on Mack too. Talk about heart melting!

When Lainey calls for Mack, she also taps her thigh. It is the ASL sign for dog. She has recently learned that she can draw out Mack's name, almost to two syllables. So she will yell "Maaaaaa-aaaaaah"! It is dramatic, but she has a big personality that we let shine!

A recent development and one we are so excited about is Lainey's interest in training! Mack and training dogs are such a big part of our life, and Lainey seems to share that joy with us! When Lainey sees a lead, it must go on Mack. If she sees a dog blind or a place board, Mack must go in/on it as well. Just this past week, we had her walking (with a little help from Tyler) with Mack in heal. After that, she found a bumper and wanted to start throwing it for Mack! I keep imagining her running a hunt test in a few years! If that is something she will want to do, we are all for it!

Obviously Mack is her favorite, but she really loves dogs in general! When we FaceTime my parents, she asks to see Roscoe, their pup. Every time we go to the kitchen she says "woof", which is her telling me she wants to check on our client dogs. Lainey wants to check on them multiple times a day. She gives them ice and showers them with so many hugs and kisses.

Before Lainey was born, I could barely touch Mack's paws without him flinching. Now his paws and body can be sat on, he allows her to dress him up in seashell necklaces, whistles, and sunglasses, and lets Lainey's blanket be thrown completely over his head. He runs through the tunnel after Lainey and allows her to taunt him with "people food". He does everything she asks. And after all of this, he lets her crawl up into him and cuddle. Mack certainly would not have to allow any of this. He would not have to spend all day with us. He could get up and move, or run off and just sleep. But he doesn't. He spends every minute with us! Mack is truly the MVP of the Mieden household.

Mack, you are an incredible dog! The best we will ever have. Thank you for being so gentle, so patient, so loving, and such a great sport! You are so loved!

And to my Lainey girl, watching your friendship and love for Mack grow is really incredible! We had hoped you would love Mack as much as we do, and there is no denying that you certainly do! We can't wait to see where your love for Mack, dogs, and training takes you! You are going to do great things!! You already are!!

To both my babies, I love spending every single day with you! I have been blessed with the absolute best! I love you more than words could ever explain!