Mallow had a little “morning sickness” where she wasn’t super interested in her breakfast during the second trimester—but now her appetite has come back full force! And she is extra noisy about everything. She makes little moans when there is food nearby… or if she wants you to pet her… or if she’s just happy… or even in her sleep. She is starting to waddle like a giant penguin a little bit, and I did not think her belly was even that big yet. But then she saw a bird at the park today and broke out into a full, agile sprint. So she’s still got it in her.

She definitely seems a little extra sleepy, as you can see from this photo of her sleeping on the chair during our camping trip in Colorado last weekend. That was probably our last fun “big” adventure before the babies come, although she still loves our daily hikes and walks in this lovely cooler weather. I am so grateful that the puppies are coming during my favorite season and not in the extreme heat of summer. That means we’ll get lots of outside time when they are old enough.

This week, the puppies are growing FUR! That makes me wonder if some will have zippers on their noses or white patches on their chests like their dad. (Some white on the chest is allowable under the GRCA/AKC Breed Standard.) Mallow was born with an “angel’s kiss,” which was a little white dot on her head—but it has disappeared over time!

With her litter size, I am expecting her to grow exponentially over the next three weeks. And thanks to our friends at Betacoil Curlies, we have a really cute belly-band ribbon to take belly bump photos with… so expect those coming soon! Overall, I am very happy and impressed with how Mallow has taken her first litter in stride, maintained her positive attitude, and continues to be her happy, active, healthy self. I couldn’t have asked for a better first-time mama.