I don't want to harp on the advice thing too much, but one good piece of advice I got a while back was, "Watch, you'll see... your now "furry babies" are gonna become dogs...". Its funny how that has slowly happened now that Annie's arrival is becoming more immanent. Before you go sending me e-mails about how bad a dog-parent I have become, don't get me wrong, I still love Henry & Skye just as much, its just their roles that have somehow changed.Looking back, its interesting to see what their roles once were; they were carted around everywhere with us, we worried about them when they were home alone, and we talked about them with our other pet-owner friends like they were our babies, because that's exactly what they were - our Furry Babies.
I guess this all dawned on me today when we were at Petsmart shopping for a Birthday present for Henry (I guess the Furry Baby mentality has only changed for me and not Amber!), he's turning 13 soon. While we were there, we ran into the Trainer who helped us train Skye when she was a young pup. The trainer went on and on about Frank and Churchill (his dogs, in case you haven't caught on yet) as if they were actual people... Now, I can't really fault the guy or people like him because a couple months ago, that was me (us)! I guess it just made me realize how much differently I see Henry & Skye now.
Now, I find myself thinking more along the lines of: How will Skye be around Annie? Will she bark and wake her? Will she protect her? Will Henry pee on her toys/crib/swing/diaper disposal? I guess I find myself thinking more and more like a Dad with dogs, instead of a Dad to dogs. I suppose this is just one of those steps to feeling more like a Dad - period.
Lately, I am really looking forward to seeing how I will be as a Dad more and more. I must say that I have some big shoes to fill when I look to how good my Dad was to me, and how many other good Dad-models I have in my family with my Grandfathers, Mac - my brother, Chris - my brother-in-law, and my newest Dad-model: Dean - Amber's brother. Expect some phone calls guys... I'm gonna need help!
Mason if you're even half as good to Annie as you are to Amber, you're going to be fantastic.
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Amy
Awww, shucks! Thanks Amy! Get better soon!
ReplyDeleteMason
Dear Mason,
ReplyDeleteIt is very touching how you speak about your dad and you will be a great dad too!
xo
Granna V
For the record, Mason's right. I have not really made the switch yet from Dog Mom to Real Mom. Henry and Skye are still my babies. I cannot believe that tomorrow I will be the proud Mamma to a 13-year-old Chihuahua...where has the time gone? I am sure I will feel the same way when Annie arrives and eventually turns 13. For now though, I don't know how to treat my Fur Babies any differently. I know that their roles will eventually change, I just hope that they will be understanding, patient and well, quiet as they welcome their little sister into their lives.
ReplyDeleteMason,
ReplyDeleteOdd that your 'furry baby' post made me tear up. I am still in the furry baby stage and
'Brillo' and 'Hubby' are our kids. I know that their role will one day change too, but I know they will love their role as furry brother and furry sister too. I have no doubt that Syke will love Annie and protect her...And that Henry will pee all over things, as he does now. But, they will love her and you will love them.
Sorry I can't give you much Daddy advice. You do a fantastic job with Amber. If that tells me anything, you'll be a fantastic father.
I can't wait to meet baby Annie. Please let her know that the weekend is a good time to arrive.
xoxo Miranda
Mason, you are one of the best men I know. Your Dad is always so respectful and loving when he speaks of and with you; I am certain with that as the standard, you will be a wonderful father. Annie is just as lucky to have you as Amber is...
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Max/Mom/Nana