Mommy of all Sorts

I just finished reading Marley & Me. It was super cute and I will be seeing the movie soon...can you say date night? The book got me thinking about my life as a mommy - from doggy to baby.

Bryan and I married on March 9, 2001. Kids were in our future - but...not right away. We always were an "if it happens, it happens" kind of couple - if you know what that means.

So...needless to say - it never happened. Here we were - very young, healthy, and optimistic about the future. After awhile, we often wondered why "it" wasn't happening. A few trips to the special doctor told us exactly why. Well...after a bit of struggling and unfortunate sad events - we decided we'd buy a baby...and that's exactly what we got, Abby.

One day on a whim - I kind of miss those, no bills, no responsibility days - we decided to go out and get a dog. After a quick fight on big dogs vs. small dogs (I'm for big, Bryan's for small), we were set - anything that doesn't shed too much. Upon seeing Abby - we fell in love with her immediately. She was small and white with golden-red spots. And...I think she fell in love, too.

Abby was our first baby. We got her in September 2002 - she was 4 months old...and she was perfect. For now. We treated her like the princess she was. Luckily she was quick to train - the only trouble was her "yappiness." Apparently, small dogs have this yappiness about them. I didn't know that...I guess I was a small dog virgin until Abby.

For the next 2+ years, Abby was it for us. She was our baby.

Then, after a few years of trying - we were blessed with Brady. Abby took to him immediately. We never had any problems with her and trusted her completely. We had read about how to "introduce" your pets to a new child and we followed all the steps. Bryan brought home a blanket with Brady's smell and Abby went wild. When we got home with Brady - we allowed her to sniff around and be curious. Almost immediately, she was protective over him - almost as if she knew how much we loved him.

That's where my doggy mommy days end. Over the next few years - sadly to say - Abby took a backseat to the Cuties. She never seemed jealous. She wasn't ignored - just not treated like the princess she once was. She continued to be great with the Cuties...only sometimes would she get a little mad. But, come on, how many times can someone sit on you or squeeze you before you get mad, too?

The last year we had Abby - was a struggle. We loved her...but, unfortunately couldn't give her the attention and affection she deserved. The joke was - anyone we saw (well, not anyone) - Bryan would ask, "Would you like a dog?" Sounds awful I know. We loved her and wouldn't just give her to anyone. We wanted to make sure that she was in a home in which she would be treated well...princess well.

Well - 2008 found us a home of our beloved Abby. My cousin Dougie took her in and she really has never been treated so well. We joke about their bubble baths, spooning, and cuddling - but I do not doubt that she is in the best home possible.

It makes me sad to think back at my doggy mommyhood. I loved her and still do - but, I really am a much better baby mommy. No offense to the dog mommies, I think that it is a really tough job - maybe even tougher than baby mommy. I just think I'm not cut out for both jobs.

So - thanks Abby - for giving me a few years to introduce myself to the world of mommyhood. I think you definitely "took one for the team" with me. Oh...and a huge shout out to all those that can juggle both types of mommyhood - I think you are amazing!

p.s....I just found out that our dear Abby, just today, gave Babe Lincoln his first french kiss....isn't that one for the baby book!