Pillowcases, Dog Treats & Strangers

It finally happened, I'd heard stories about it, I'd read about, people have asked me about it, and last night it finally happened. Todd and I had made a quick stop at target to get a new pair of pillow cases (to match the sheets I'd bought that didn't come with the pillow cases), and a dog treat for Denali (as long as we were there. . ) We were walking up to the counter when about of now where this lady stopped mid-stride, grabbed Todd's arm, moved around him and stood in my face, "How far along are you?" It all happened so fast, I wasn't sure exactly what was happening, I thought Todd has tripped the nice lady or something. . "Umm. . . I'm about 7 months. . . " "Oh, and you are having a boy aren't you, I can tell by the way you are carring him." "Yes, yes we are having a boy" (my mind is still trying frantically to figure out who this person is, what sort of conversation we are having. . "Do you mind, can I touch your belly". . "Um. . sure. . " and she starts rubbing my belly. . "where's he at, where's the boy. . so sweet". . (You should know, she was an older African American Lady and we were standing between the cleaning supplies and greeting cards in Target (so you have the full picture) She stopped rubbing my belly, Said with a large smile "Thanks so much, I can't believe I just did that" and set off laughing down the aisle. Todd was in minor shock, "What was that, did that just happen?" and I was saying "I've heard that that happens, but It's never happened to me. . . "

In other Reid news. . .

At the last mid-wife appointment he was head down. . which is a good thing, he moved head down a bit earlier than normal, but that's a good thing, we hope he stays that way. He's quite a mover and a shaker. We got his crib and changing table/dresser this week, his room is painted and the furniture is together. . . so I guess we're really having a baby! His room is dark blue (sort of a darkish wedgewoody type blue. . for those who know their blues) on two walls and the other two walls are a light, light, light blue. . it's a really nice contrast. . (I think).

We're taking our Hypnobirthing classes. . we have a nice lady who comes to our house every other week or so. . . So we're learning how to deeply relax. I have to say, I think it's working. I have a CD which is on my IPOD and when I can't fall asleep at night I just pop in my Ipod with my relaxation cues. . and I'm always out like a light before the CD is finished (and it's only 18 minutes). The idea is the more you can relax during labor and "turn labor over to my baby and my body". . the easier time I'll have. (I hope it works!)

Becoming a "Dog Person"

Through my 20's, if you asked, I'd say, "I'm not really an animal person". Then I married Todd and Denali (A Brittany Spaniel) was part of the deal. I made my peace with Denali while we were dating (I had too, I found out later that my getting along, or NOT getting along with Denali was a "deal breaker" for Todd. . what stakes!) Over night I found myself living with a dog. Now, I can't imagine my life without Denali. There is just something about a dog.

Early on in our marriage I started taking Denali for walks, it was an uneasy partnership, because that dog LOVES to walk, really, she'd rather run, and despite what Todd says, she's REALLY bad on a leash. (Really, just picture Denali walking me, and you've got the picture)The thing is, I can hardly tell her "no" any more when it comes to walking. She gives me about an hour after we wake up, then she looks up at me, and walks around me, and then when I start to go upstairs she RUNS up the stairs, stops on the landing, gets down on her front to legs, pats the ground, wags her tail and begs me with her eyes. . . "Walk, Walk, Walk" On the mornings when I can't go for a walk with her, I feel bad, and the morning I don't feel like going for a walk. . I do, because I just don't want to disappoint her. When I don't walk with her, I feel like I've dissappointed her, and she mops around for a little bit. . it's just horrible.

It's from these walks that slowly she's become "my dog". She follows me everywhere I go, if I'm typing on the computer, she's asleep at my feet, if I walk into the bedroom to get something, she's there, if I go downstairs she follows. . . she's always right beside me. . just watching me with adoring eyes. She watches when I make the bed, when I cook, when I talk on the phone, she LOVES to get the mail in the late afternoon, and when I go to bed, she's right behind. Todd has started to get a little jealous, she use to follow him everywhere. . he's been replaced, and he's not so sure how he feels about that. . . She still loves him and all, but I walk her, I give her cold water (She prefers her water with a few ice cubes. . )I'm home with her and sometimes I give her treats (who am I kidding, I give her treats almost every time I leave the house)

There is something so peaceful about having a dog around. She's totally quiet, but so attentive and alert to all that is happening, her needs are few: food, water a walk and an occasional belly rub. Sometimes she'll be laying or sitting at the sliding glass door with her nose pressed up to the window just watching the world. . what a picture of peace. . She can sit still just watching outside for hours. . I wish I could sit with such calmness and peace. And she loves us so unconditionally, I can leave her outside all day in the heat while I'm gone, (That can't be fun can it?) and still, when I get home she dances around and greets me like I'm her favorite being in the whole world.

Yep. . I'm a dog person.