Well, we did it. We went out and got a puppy.
I know what you're thinking - you guys are about to have a baby and you went out and got a different kind of baby?!? It's true. This little guy needs a lot of attention, a lot of time, a lot of training. But it feels like the right thing to do for us.
We tried adopting an older dog, one who was already housetrained and knew commands. Except this dog didn't know any commands and startled at the slightest sound and pulled me so hard on the leash I thought I might fall over. We were miserable with this dog and knew after two days that it was a mistake. Luckily, he was on trial with us at our home so we sent him back. No harm, no foul.
We realized what we really wanted was a young, calm, pup born to follow and ready to be molded into a wonderful dog. We are ready to raise a dog together and embark on dog parenthood as a couple rather than one of us (Jacob) inheriting the other's crazy pet (mine). When we saw this little guy, getting squashed by his smaller sister and deferring to her instead of rushing up to get pet, even though that's what he obviously wanted, we knew we found our guy.
And now I can't imagine life before Captain Pickles. He's such a joy. He is learning quickly where to potty. He is full of love. He wants only to be with us and follow where we go. He will make an amazing dog.
On Friday we move into our new home and begin to truly make it ours, not to mention begin to train Captain Pickles to use the backyard. It's a scary adventure we've set out on but I have the best partner in the world. We can do anything together.
So, yeah. I'm not one of those girls - those people who take weekly pictures of their growing belly and update everyone on how baby is doing in there, posting "My belly - Week #" updates on Facebook.
Listen, I'm not judging. Really, I'm not. I have lots of pregnant friends and I love to see the album of their ever growing bellies and marvel at the changes. It's neat to see and fun to watch the growth. But the thought of me standing there, posed to the side with my arms caressing my baby bump or faced forward with my hands behind my back - gross. No. It doesn't feel natural, it doesn't feel like me. My mother-in-law is determined to get my picture. She keeps saying, "I don't have any pictures of the baby" and I tell her that she will get plenty of pictures of Baby once she arrives. Take as many pictures as you like once she gets here. But I won't pose for those belly pictures.
I guess I just have a different view of pregnancy. Some women love it, embrace their changing bodies and marvel at the wonder of nature, blah, blahblah. I'm just not a fan of this time. I see it as a means to an end. I'm excited to meet this little human; I can't wait to embark on the crazy journey that is parenthood. But having to go through nine months of giving up my body just feels wrong. I do not enjoy being pregnant. I can't wait until I'm not pregnant. I'm already dreading having to go through this again in order to have a second child and I'm not even finished with my first! I never really knew I was this body conscious until my body started to change at a rapid pace and I just wanted to get back to my old body.
I keep going because in the end, it'll be worth it. She'll be here and we'll get to finally see her and get to know her and hold her. I'm dying for December, mostly to see my little girl. But maybe a little bit so I can get my body back.
