Sstuart, that poor doggie!! You're right, showing emotion is really not wrong and we shouldn't feel ashamed of it. I just worry about being overwhelming and my son feeling burdened in some way by that.
Janey, thanks for the compliments and kind words. I think you're pretty awesome, too!
I think your son and daughter will think you are just awesome, by the way. Try not to think in terms of what can go wrong, but how much can go right (and I'll try to do the same)! You're an amazing woman!!