Sharp toenails and new challenges

July 11th:  At the time it seemed like an idea with potential.  Sneak up on the puppies while they are sleeping and gently, oh so gently, slide the toenail clippers up to the tiniest toenails you have every seen and snip just a teeny bit of that sharp little claw.  Oh what a good idea - not!  I am not sure who is more traumatized-me, poor Navy who was the first of my "experiments" or Sophie who seemed very concerned about the anxious, high pitched crying coming from her previously happy and well adjusted brood.  I am relieved to report that Navy doesn't seem to have suffered any permanent damage-though I have yet to finish the task.  Despite the dangers now associated with grandma and her toenail clippers, the puppies have had an amazing week.  Their eyes are open and they are walking and "talking" (noisily and persistently) and attempting to scale the sides of the whelping box.  In a matter of days when I look in the box I expect to see five puppies; Red Boy, who seems to be the most adventurous, will be somewhere else.  As I write tonight, the puppies are drowsy after a good meal.  Sophie eats her nightly bowl of ice cream and then lays near by.  Red's head rests on Lim;e's shoulder.  Emerald and Navy are lying nose to nose.  O-Girl and Little Pink are off on their own, tucked under the ledge of the whelping box.  Asleep and awake they make the most amazing sounds.  Asleep they groan and stretch and yip and flail the air with their tiny paws.  Awake they coo and cry and grumble and squeal  When we approach the whelping box they stir and respond to our presence.  We continue to handle them regularly, flipping them on their backs (a mildly stressful experience) and then cuddling and calming them.  They nuzzle our hands and each other and are increasingly intent on exploring the world.