...becoming a mom...

...a puppy mom, that is!

Since adopting this sweet boy on Friday, the weekend has been a bit of a whirlwind. I realized two things today. Thing One: having a puppy is, in some ways, similar to the stories I have heard about having a child. Thing Two: I hadn't showered since Thursday. This is mostly due to issues surrounding thing one.

How is having a puppy similar to having a newborn?

Currently, my life revolves in hour and a half cycles. While I don't deal with a lot of feedings, I am constantly on edge trying to potty-train this little puppy. What we've basically learned is that he can hold it for one and a half hours before he gets antsy and pees in the house.

We've had our share of “accidents,” though, if I'm being honest, almost all were my fault. So now when the sweet boy barks at 12:30am (and 3:30am...and 6:05am) I'm out of bed like a bolt of lightning, pulling on whatever clothes are available and sleep walking him out onto the lawn while I wait for him to “perform,” all the while, cheering him on and cleaning up after him when it's all said and done. Who am I? It's awkward all around.

If I leave the room for more than a second, he whines...or he follows me. Even into the bathroom. The days of peeing by oneself are over. (Someone, please tell me puppy separation anxiety ends!) The click, click, click of his nails on the wood floor sends a slight sense of panic through me each time I hear it, and sometimes I want to hide.

Should I be embarrassed that I couldn't wait to go to Shop n' Save by myself, and the most exciting part of my day was filling in my game pieces for the Price is Right Collect and Win game? (If you aren't participating in this game, would you consider giving me your game pieces? Maybe we could work out a great deal?) This is what my life has become.

My diet has consisted of cheese and crackers and fruit with a little bit of meat thrown in when it's easily available. At one point today, I found a piece of a cracker in my hair...and I ate it. Also, sitting down to eat is a luxury I can no longer afford.

I missed a date with a friend because I was so self-absorbed in this new little addition that I've completely lost track of the days. (Another excuse I'm using for not having showered.)

And everyone has advice. Which, in some respects, is good, because I've never owned a dog and I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. It's just funny when they all contradict each other. It's in those moments that I turn to the internet and Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer.

But mostly, I'm glowing from the warmth and love of adding this great little guy to our family. (Or maybe I was just really greasy.) All joking aside, I'm totally showered now.

And we decided to call him Buddy. It just suits him. He's our little Buddy.

Come over and visit if you like. He loves making friends!

A Day In the Life of Buddy

Snuggling with Dad after a morning walk

Shopping with mom

Puppy selfie! My very first! I'm sure there'll be many more!

Watched the neighborhood boys play ball. Maybe someday I'll join them.

Hid under momma's skirt (my favorite place to be!)

Did some afternoon reading.

Come over and play with me...or just snuggle...I love to snuggle!