Clearing my conscience

I have a heavy-hearted admission to make.   I've been neglecting my dogs.  Before the baby, they were my whole world (well, them + the hubby).  While living in Almaty and then Baku, there were some days when they'd be my only source of conversation.  Granted, it was a one-sided convo, but at least it was in English, and I have no doubt that they actually do understand a bit of what I say.

The two girl dogs have been in my life for 9 years.  They've been excellent friends.  Pete the big white dog has only been around for 7 years and he didn't make the trip overseas, but he too, has been a confidant and superior guard dog.  And then I go and betray them.  I've given my heart to someone else.  It's embarrassing to think that I could be so fickle.  It just happened.  I left them at home one morning, checked into a hospital, came back a few days later a changed person.  Suddenly they are just dogs.  I still rise before the sun to take them on a walk.  They still get 2 meals a day and all-you-can drink fresh water.  But, I'm ashamed to admit that there are nights, when I'm climbing into bed and I wonder, "Did I even pet them today?"  "Did I offer a scratch behind the ear or a word of praise?"  I feel horrible about all of this.  Honestly, it's a heavy burden.  I'm hopeful that there will be a day soon when the baby can take joy in having the dogs.  I'm hopeful that she'll laugh at their wagging tails and squeal at their wet, sloppy kisses.  And maybe then, I can make it right with the furry kids again.  When we can all join in the petting and praising, then they won't have to be on the back burner.  I want us to be one big, happy family.  Fur and all.

The whole gang, pre-baby.

Daddy and his girls doing tummy time.

Bragging Rights

I feel that it would be silly of me to brag about all of the mundane milestones that Annabelle has achieved over the past 3 months.  I also think it would be futile to mention all of the reasons why I love being a mom.  It just seems a bit pointless simply because it's everything that everyone told me it would be.  Everyone said that I couldn't possibly understand until I was personally experiencing it and turns out, they were right.  As an active, young married woman, I often wondered, "Why in the world would anyone want to disrupt their lives by having a child?"  And then we did and now I know.  It's like I now belong to some secret club.  The all-knowing mommy club.  And I'm now privilege to some amazing truths, which I had previously believed to only be cliche:

Children bring depth to your life.
It's thrilling to see the world through a child's eyes.
Watching a child blossom is incredibly rewarding.
You never knew that you could love something so much until you are holding your baby.

And I'm certain that there are many more that I have yet to experience.

Oh, and Annabelle is already an over achiever.  She has a tooth at only 3 months old. 

First time at the pool with Aunt Shawna.

Mastering the art of sitting up/propped up.

Looking a bit like Cee Lo.  Too bad her chair doesn't revolve.

Watch me outgrow my rugby bear.  June 1, Annabelle, 3 months old.