No, I want a dog!

Our girls have been interesting to watch their reactions as Doug and I have begun to share with them that a little brother will be joining them. We started early in the process because those of you who know Annsley will know that she needs ALOT of time to adjust to any changes going on in her life. When we first asked her what she thought about getting a baby brother, she emphatically crossed her arms, made a face, and said, "I don't want a baby brother. I don't like boys. I'm only a big sister to sisters!" Of course, Kennedi, Miss Copycat, crossed her arms and announced, "No buthers! Only issers!" A few weeks later Kennedi had really been getting on Annsley's nerves, and Annsley said to me, "Mom, how about if we give Kennedi to Victor [our neighbor], and then I can have a baby brother?" Now she's in the trade mode. I'm still not 100% convinced that I've made her realize that she really would miss Kennedi if she were not here. I appealed to Annsley's "mother hen" side and noted that this little brother was going to need her to teach him all kinds of things. I thought I had finally won both of them over with that and then the dog came into the picture. One night when Doug was getting the girls pajamas on, he asked them if they were excited about their baby brother coming to live with them. Once again, we got the crossed arms, pouty face, and this: "I don't want a baby brother! I want a dog!" Kennedi copied saying, "No buther. Doggg!!" When I was putting together our announcement bottles for our parents, Annsley asked me what I was doing. I told her that we were letting all the grandparents know that we were going to have a baby boy in our house. After thinking for a moment, she wrinkled up her face and asked, "Whose tummy is this boy going to be in? Yours?" I told her that he would be in another momma's tummy, but she would not be able to take care of him. He wouldn't have a mommy or daddy to take care of him. I asked her if she thought it would be a good idea if we brought him to live with us so he could have a mommy and daddy. Annsley said, "I think that would be a very good idea! I will have to teach him lots of things because I'm the big sister!" So right now that's where we are. It's a good place I think, but will it hold? Right now Kennedi wants to name her brother Reece or Rhubarb. Our social worker has to interview anyone 3 years or older for our home visit. That is going to be an interview for the ages I afraid!