Almost twelve years ago TMS and I were newly married, both worked full-time and owned a tiny little condo. I look back on that as a truly exciting time in our lives. We had just begun our life together and had no idea what was ahead of us.
A few months later, we signed the contract for our first home and decided it was a good time to add a puppy. Zoe was our first taste of parenting, albeit with a non-human baby. People often told us, "Having a puppy is great practice for having a baby." Although that's true in some ways, it's not in most. You can't crate a child, can't leave them alone in the house while you run out for a quick errand and you can't stick a child's nose in their diaper when you're trying to potty train them. I must not have gotten enough practice from raising our dog because I felt completely unprepared when I became a mom.
Now that we're done with the baby and toddler stages of our boys' lives, we've decided it's a good time to add another dog. I really felt the need for something to nurture now that the boys are away from home 7 hours a day. I realize now more than before how drastically different raising a puppy is from raising a child. Puppies are a breeze compared to kids.
However, there is one way that a new puppy and a new baby are similar--sleep deprivation. I have been awakened each night around 1am to Scout whining to go out. After having gone out, she is rarin' to go. All of her stored energy must get out (if I knew anything about physics, I could add some clever analogy here but I'm no Einstein so I'll just leave it at that.) She has a burst of finger-nipping energy then, boom! she collapses on the floor. The problem is, I'm now wide awake. So for the past 5 days I'm getting by on too little sleep.
I had dinner out with an old friend last night and my mind was so foggy that I couldn't much add to the conversation. I was yawning, apologizing, yawning, apologizing. I stammered my words which is a clear sign that I need sleep. Today I took a nap -- and I NEVER nap.
Oh, and there's another similarity too. When you look down and see the sweet, innocent, sleeping puppy you forget all of the havoc they've wreaked just a short while ago.
7 comments:
Just think...
When Scout is P.U.'s age, you'll be on the verge of being empty-nesters.
Yes, we'll have our AARP cards and be searching for our 55 and over, active adult community.
After a slight scolding from my friend at dinner, I got firm with Scout and crated her all night. No potty break after 11pm. She did great. As with our kids, I must remember that I do a disservice to Scout by spoiling her.
I can join you in the no sleep club. Mr. B has a cold/allergies and can't breathe through his nose. For the last week or so he has decided that 2:30 am he can take it no longer, and he starts to cry.....I think from frustration.
Why is it that husbands can still be sawing logs oblivious to anything going on, yet the mother in you can not sleep until you know your child IS sleeping.
More pictures of Scout please - and don't leave Zoe out!
KF-Have you tried saline spray for your little guy?
Mrs. TBF - Nice to see you comment. I rarely see you on my blog. Your wish is my command. More doggie photos to come.
Yes, I use it on Mr. B and I use it as a threat against Miss L if she refuses to "blow".
I have about given up finding anything that works.
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