6 bundles of fur

Did you think I was kidding when I told you about this?  

I almost wish I was, but no, it is true.  Our home has been increased by 6.  When researching dwarf hamster breeding I found that a litter size can range from 1 to 10.  Since we didn't even know the momma was pregnant I figured she would have one, maybe two babies, but she sure surprised us with 6!

It's been over 10 days now and they are starting to crawl around and look like little mini dwarf hamsters.  Sounds a bit ironic, mini-dwarfs.  They also make these cute little squeak noises.  

I have already told Taylor that we cannot keep 8 hamsters - that is just insane.  I may let him keep one, but the others have got to find good homes in about 3 weeks.  

Do I have any takers?  Just take a look at how darling they are.  I know you can't resist! 

(Seriously, email me if you're interested)

The interview you've been waiting for.

Today I have the privilege of being interviewed by the ever-so talented and witty Jenny at Chased by Children.  When you're done reading my responses, click on over to her blog where she has graciously answered my interview questions.  

Shall we begin?

Jenny first asks:

1.   Lynette, you've been blogging for a while now. What got you started and what keeps you going?  Is it tough to find material in Ohio?  I've been to Ohio.  It seems like it would be very tough.

I guess I have been blogging for awhile.  I had to look back to see when I started, which was February 2006 - almost 3 years ago.  So much has transpired in those 3 years and the antics of my children are what inspired me to start my blog.  I had a new baby when I began, a rambunctious toddler who loved to climb in the microwave and do other naughty things, and the oldest that has to endure the torture of having younger brothers.  These boys provide me with my daily dose of humor and love.  How could I not want to share that with the blogosphere?

And are you dissin’ Ohio?  It’s got about the same essence of excitement as Indiana - it’s a close comparison.  I guess it doesn’t matter where I’m at though.  As long as the family is with me, there’s bound to be blog material around every corner.  

 

2.  Taylor's hamster recently had babies.  WHAT THE HECK?  How are you keeping from being completely grossed out by having two (TWO) and now you have baby rodents?!?  I'm hoping you are just making it all up for the blog's sake.

 

I was being totally serious.  They are the cutest things!  I guess it helps that I had gerbils and hamsters when I was a kid.  I will have a post tomorrow with pictures too, just for you Jenny.  Adoptions will be taking place in the next 3 weeks, but I’ll go ahead and put you down for 3, one for each of your princesses.  You can thank me later.

3.  Recently you posted about the Brilliance of the Snuggie.  My daughters are completely obsessed with this commercial.  They also think it is a brilliant idea.  Are the four of you plotting together to make my brain explode?  Because I just don't get it.  How is it so different than wearing your robe backwards?

 

That’s a great idea.  You just saved me $19.95.  I’m going to start wearing my robe backwards. Do you think my husband will wonder what’s wrong with me?  Then again, I've done some other wacky and dumb things and he's still sticking around.

4.  After the first three questions, are you sorry you agreed to be interviewed by me?

Absolutely not.  You’re a funny gal - I am loving your questions so far - no regrets here!

 

5.  You have three boys, and I have three girls.  Given what's just happened with the hamsters at your house can you tell me (in percentages) how likely it is that I will ever let them sleep over at your house?

I think you just crossed the line.  You’re fired - 100%.

The unexpected

I never thought our house would harbor the sounds of new life.  I never thought I would experience the miracle of life within our family again.  I never anticipated how my motherly instincts would come full circle and bring with the feelings of being a new mom back to the surface. 

All of this is happening - unexpectedly.

Taylor's hamsters had a liter of babies this weekend.  

OMG! Did you think I was pregnant?!?!?  LOL!

I knew when we got the two hamsters (who were practically babies themselves) that it could be possible they were female and male.  They were not old enough (and the staff at the pet store wasn't knowledgeable enough) to determine the appropriate gender at the time.

Well, now we know that Turbo doesn't, in fact, have a huge tumor on his butt - he is a male - a very manly and mature male hamster.  Do they make hamster underwear because he could seriously use some?  

I am a bit shocked that Lil' Sniffer was 1) actually pregnant since we never noticed her showing and 2) delivered babies that made it out alive.  

Just last week I was in the kitchen while Luke was upstairs.  I heard a very loud crash and Luke started crying.  I immediately rushed upstairs to see what damage was done.  He had gotten into Taylor's room and was trying to get into the hamster's cage, but the step stool he was on slipped.  When he started to fall he grabbed the glass cage (aquarium) causing it to fall on him, cracking the glass (luckily not breaking it), and sending the hamsters across the bedroom floor.  I thought for sure one of the hamsters may have gotten squished, but I found them both scurrying around and a bit shaken, but otherwise unharmed as far as I could see.  

We are not sure how many babies we have.  I researched baby hamster care and found that we should leave the cage undisturbed for 10 days.  So depending on the number, I think their appropriate names should be crash, smash, topple and tumble.  And maybe even a Luke Jr. or LJ for short.  

I will keep you updated on their progress.  

(This is not actually them, but these babies are so cute!)