Meet Malcolm, my fur nephew

Since the beginning of this year, we have been dog-watching my brother's dog, Malcolm.  Phil has been preparing to take his med school board exams and he studies practically from sun up to sun down (or perhaps longer). The therapist part of me is somehow concerned that med school might really just be a very expensive, socially acceptable way to cause unnecessary harm to one self. Hopefully these intense years in school will pay off someday. 

Anyway,  he knew that he wouldn't be able to give Malcolm the attention he needs and so he asked if Malcolm could stay with us for awhile. It worked out great because my kids looooove Malcolm and it has been a great temporary fix for my kids who want a dog. My brother left very few instructions. However, it was strongly conveyed that he wants pictures of Malcolm and/or the kids on a regular basis. So... I have a TON of pictures.

All of my kiddos have enjoyed time with Malcolm

Malcolm starts to go crazy when it's time to pick Jackson from school. I'm not even sure how he can tell time, but he will pace by the door at 3:00 waiting for me to get everyone ready and out the door! Then he waits patiently by Jackson's seat and welcomes him home.

This is my spot on the bed, by the way. There have been times when I have taken Malcolm outside to potty and then had to race back in order to get to my spot first. This dog is clearly spoiled at home. 

Snuggles in the sun!

After a very, very cold couple of weeks-- Malcolm and Jackson were thrilled to get outside and play.

This night was so funny. Jackson was playing a video game and Malcolm just climbed right up on his lap! :)

Malcolm hasn't had a lot of experience playing in the snow. He had fun!

Malcolm is the master of naps. I was hoping he might give some tips to Caroline, but no such luck. :) The big kids love to make sure Malcolm is covered up!

I have several photos of Isabelle and Malcolm sleeping together...

This one is my favorite. Can you tell Malcolm has his head ON Belle? So sweet. 

As Valentine's Day approached, I knew Phil was really starting to miss his dog. I cannot even believe that I even searched on pinterest how to make a dog-gift, let alone work so hard to make it... but I did, and I loved how it turned out! Phil loved it too. Malcolm also "wrote a letter" describing his time here. This was about the time Malcolm made the transition from just being a dog into being my fur-nephew.

And if I thought I was crazy for helping a dog celebrate Valentine's Day, I knew that I had crossed over into ridiculous territory once Phil messaged me that it was Malcolm's birthday.

I ran to the store, picked up a few supplies, and we had a birthday party for a dog.

We sang happy birthday and Malcolm even got a few presents.

Malcolm has become just part of the family-- so of course he wanted to participate in Caroline's monthly pictures!

Malcolm's favorite part of the day is when I load the dishwasher! Another man's trash is another man's dog's treasure I guess!

 Isabelle hardly gives Malcolm any breathing space. He's a good sport and always sits calmly and accepts her love.

Malcolm loves walks around the pond down the street. They do a good job of walking him and they each have only hand their feet pulled from under them once. 

The kids like to  bring Malcolm to the playground when we walk across the street. They like to show him off and also drag him through the equipment. Belle wanted him to go down a slide, but he stubbornly sat until she gave up.

And earlier this week, Malcolm accompanied me and the girls as we walked to get Jackson from school. It was good exercise for us all!

And this is my favorite picture! Isabelle got upset because Malcolm wouldn't took at the camera and smile. :) 

I started to say to someone the other day that I don't know what the kids will do once Malcolm leaves. Well, Isabelle has said that she asked Uncle Philip and he agreed that she will just move in with him and Malcolm until she's a grown up. Those are her words! 

But actually, I'm not sure what I'll do when Malcolm leaves (other than enjoy having my side of the bed to myself again)! He is Belle's special buddy while Jack is at school. He keeps my kids exercised when they play outside. He eats food off the floor so I don't have to sweep so often!

Phil took his exam yesterday so Malcolm will only be hanging out with us for a little while longer. As much as we've enjoyed having Malcolm around, my brother has missed him terribly. I'm certain Malcolm is anticipating the quiet life he has at home. Now, I'm just trying to consider how I can send one kiddo to Uncle Philip's for a few months... or maybe just consolidate all three into a shorter period of time. That'll be even, don't ya think? :)