Do my ears look big in this?

I had forgotten a few things about a little German Shepherd puppy:

• they go through a teenage stage with big paws and ears!
• how sharp their teeth are,
• how they want to try to eat everything, rocks, tow balls, Nigella's tail,
• how they are really messy when drinking water (she sticks her whole face in the bowl),
• that first 15 minutes of whining when we put her in the laundry to sleep,
• that they're all action for a while then they just fall over and have a power nap.

But I haven't forgotten how they just make you smile for no reason, that she really does want to please you and that she wants to go everywhere with you.

I'm afraid both Rob and I (and Nigella but she won't admit it) are totally smitten.

Introducing Claudia

Some of you may have heard (twitter & facebook) that there will be a new addition to our household.

Continuing on with our theme of picking a name from our favourite cooks, Stephanie Alexandra (Rob's daughter), and Nigella, we have chosen Claudia after our favourite middle eastern food writer, Claudia Roden.

Steph was a little worried that I would name the puppy Abla!

She is 4 months old, very sweet and of course, adorable. She also turns out to be Nigella's half-sister.

We pick her up Thursday, only 2 more sleeps.

Two days to puppy proof the house & garden. It's amazing how fast you can forget what they like to chew and play with!

It might mean a little readjustment for Nigella, but she has always loved the company of other dogs, I realise it might be a bit different if it's a new addition to her pack though. More photos to come soon.