Is it 6 or is it 7?

They made it! The vet said 7 possibly 8 but Cora seems done at 6. Even numbers are fair and 6 is enough for a volleyball team! Or should I say sled team?! 

Early in the morning she is busy asking for potty trips. I remember four sequences of waking up, opening the side door of the garage, waiting for her safe return, and trying to go back to sleep. I know it's a labor sign like all the events of yesterday. 

As I'm walking to my car from breakfast shopping at Safeway, John calls me. He tells me that her water broke. I safely rush home and agree with him that she is getting ready. It happens quicker than I think and Puppy One comes. I am so nervous because John just left to go grocery shopping because we think there is time. 

By the way, I am so thankful I took the time yesterday to research online what happens during whelping. I feel ready and try to stay calm thinking about what to do if the head or feet come first. Puppy One is head first, big sigh of relief. Only two puppies come feet first. Everyone in the house comes in at some point to see the wonderful work of mother nature. Even Benny watches a few times.

We wait sometimes an hour or fifteen minutes between puppies. Every single one comes out white. All six do great coming into the world! They are hungry, hungry, hungry!

Surprisingly, playing midwife is easy. I think Cora made it easy for me. I only help wiggle one in a breach. As far as cleaning them and helping them get to their food, it is teamwork. Cora works the best. She is so natural at all of it. The fact that 98% of whelps require no help clears my mind the whole time of any complications. I imagine seeing the fact online in the process. She finishes in the early evening.

They are white, so soft, like a feather, small, cute, and squirmy. Even the puppy noises are cute! I will remember I said that when the noises interrupt our sleep. Now the plan is to keep them near Cora to stay warm, feed Mama, water Mama, help her and the play pen stay clean, and watch them as much as possible. Sometimes they wander to the wrong end of her and we have to steer them towards the middle. They are deaf and blind. Look it up for a timeline of their growth or stay posted!