Ok to answer questions
Leia is normally 7lbs, she's on the large size and the father is 8lbs. Yes, we've been to the vet twice (once right after it happened, and then again on Tuesday the 22nd. Dr. Addison, here in our town.. highly recommended). He said she looks wonderful, and I'm doing everything right (her diet is good, shes gaining just enough weight, etc). He said that we could do an x-ray once she hits about 8 weeks and should be able to tell my counting spines and skulls how many babies to expect and he is on call if anything were to happy that weekend that she is due.
Leia looks miserable to me, because she normally has an amazing temperament, very happy and outgoing [loves car rides, going to the beach] and now seems to be more reserved and quiet. She is 2 years old, and in otherwise perfect health.
My timing is right on the nose because it happened during my nieces party which was held on Feb 19th - I had to lay on the floor with her to keep her relaxed during the period of time when they were tied together because I supposed it freaked her out enough to want to run, and there were no other dogs around her before, or after that.
I hope that answers everything.
But, the whelping box. Seems that plastic rules over wood due to sanitation issues? I'd rather her be clean and safe that have something that is cute, I was thinking of the box in regards to long term, but I suppose that is right about needing to keep it clean.
When thinking wood, my fiance and I were sketching plans of doing a 3'x3' area, that the puppies can sort of grow into as the time progresses.