This morning, I started my day at 6:30 am, watching Humphrey try to catch snowflakes in his mouth. And even though I really, really, really wanted him to hurry up and pee so I could get back inside; I didn't mind. There is nothing more adorable than watching a puppy run in circles with an open mouth, snapping at the air, and dive-bombing into the drifts as he attempts to kill.that.snow.
Things have been going really well lately. I mean, aside from the aching limbs and the fact that Baby can now occaisionally punch my ribs, I've been feeling great. March 1st I have to take a routine test for Diabetes, and get my Iron levels checked. On the 4th, I have my next prenatal appointment and I'll be able to hear my most favorite sound in the world - a fast little heartbeat.
Also, why have I never heard this song by the Beatles before, until just recently? I absolutley adore it, and have been listening to it constantly. I have a feeling that Baby might come out of me humming the tune, and frankly, that would be totally fine by me.
2008-02-26 (26 weeks)
Mr.Humphrey Bogart
As some of you already know, and many of you don't, Chad and I have recently brought home a new addition to our household. (No, the baby wasn't born yet.)
His name is Humphrey, and he's a little black and white Shitzu puppy.
When we first started telling everyone that we were going to get another dog before our baby was born, a new little puppy, another little creature to take care of, there wasn't really anyone that didn't tell us we were either insane or making a big mistake. And boy did we hear about it. Day, after day, after long-long day.
And that was okay. Sure, I didn't agree with the 'unbelievers' - not in the slightest - but I didn't really make a point of trying to explain all our reasons for getting this new puppy or why we wanted him. I would simply smile, and nod, and sometimes sigh when someone else had yet another reason for us as to why we should not be getting this puppy.
"Bandit's going to be so jealous," we were warned.
"Male dogs don't get along at all." another person said.
"It's going to be too much work for you. House-training is incredibly difficult," someone told us, (as if I hadn't ever done that before.)
Well, it has now been three days since we first brought Humphrey home, and I am very happy to report that nothing could be going more smoothly. He is such a joy to have around, so smart and learning so quickly, that part of me wants to start phoning everyone who was against us getting this puppy and telling them 'I told you so!'
The best part of this is that Bandit and Humphrey are becoming fast friends. They play constantly together and have a little green rag that they found and love to play tug-of-war with. It was exactly what we hoped for when Chad and I started to consider getting another little dog for our home - that Bandit would have a forever friend.
I'm still being asked by a few if I'm going to be able to manage, or if I'll be okay handling the dogs, when the baby comes. Maybe I'm just a sucker for punishment. But if it means staring at this face everyday, I'm more than just 'okay' with it.
I'm stinkin' thrilled.
2008-02-20 (25 weeks)
A Tiny, Little, Update
I keep getting emails from family, friends *and* this website, reminding me to write a few new posts. I've been putting it off recently, because the truth is, there's nothing really that has changed in the past couple of weeks. Which, I have to admit, has been incredibly nice. It's so great to not keep expecting the unexpected, as seems to be our track record in the past.
My energy has returned, although I do find that I lose my breath quite easily now. I'm also starting to get horrible cramps in my lower legs, which apparently occur for no reason other than I'm starting to get close to "the end". I've been craving mayonaise and ranch dressing on almost anything I eat, and I always have new food creations that include either one.
This morning I even attacked the backyard with a plastic bag on my right hand, and attempted to pick up all the doggy poop. Of course Chad eventually came outside and helped me (he used a shovel, because apparently I am gross) and I didn't even gag once the entire time. This was a huge feat for me, trust me.
Especially since we found out the hard way that dogs do NOT digest corn.
2008-02-13 (24 weeks)
Speed Counts For Something
I am currently sitting here, at the computer, staring at a huge half-eaten piece of our wedding cake.
That's right, I said wedding cake. And did I mention that it was half-eaten?
Truth be told it still feels fairly surreal that our wedding only just past in September, we have yet to send out thankyou cards to everyone, we just took a giant hunk of this glorious chocolate cake from the freezer to unthaw it and attempt to eat it, and I'm already almost six months pregnant and expecting our first child.
One woman that we know just got engaged to her boyfriend, to be married in May. When she told me I was in pure shock, completley taken aback by not only how quickly they seemed to be moving, but also because I had no clue she was even seeing anyone. Another woman has been dating her boyfriend for a short time and although they are not yet engaged, things sound very serious. They're already talking about kids. And when she told me all of this, I had to grab her hand and double-check, just to make sure that I wasn't completley out of the loop and they had already gone and eloped or something.
The funny thing is, everyone seems to be pointing the finger at me. I have already heard multiple, "you started the quick-trend!" And although I know they're teasing, I can't help but blush. It feels true. Granted, I can say without a doubt in my mind that if I had to go back and give everyone else more time - I wouldn't do it. I have loved every choice and decision that my husband and I made back when we were dating and engaged. For some couples, a long drawn out and lengthy courtship is important. For us? It was pointless. We were in love. And I can only hope that these other two ladies can say the same thing, and that it's truly not just about some 'quick-trend'.
Because when you're suddenly doubled over a toilet, less than a month after your wedding day, reality can sometimes take you for a big spin and throw you down hard. One minute you're having your hair-dresser place a tiara carefully ontop of your head, and the next, you're sitting in the Doctors office going over all the steps that will soon need to follow for the next nine months. It's daunting, scary, and real.
When I look back on how everything happened, remembering the walk my Mom and I took two weeks after my wedding and telling her that my BOOBS felt HUGE and I hadNO idea why; I can't hide the grin that creeps across my face. I don't think anyone ever expected things to happen so quickly for Chad and I, and I can certainly say that I of all people, did not.
But one thing's for sure. As I said before, I would never want to change a single thing. Quick or not, there's nothing better than sticking your finger into 'newborn shoes' and realizing that soon you will have a pair of feet that fits them.
