As you know I had two dogs before having two boys; I told folks that dogs taught me two major lessons that helped me with a baby: (1) having another being drive many of my scheduling decisions and life choices, and (2) having to get comfortable dealing with the bodily fluids of another mammal 🤣
As I'm older and have both kids and pets - anyone who thinks they get to decide who else is a parent needs to reassess their priorities. Plant mom, dog mom, human mom ... If you are taking responsibility for the life of another living thing, congrats and thank you.
Love the piece, Liz. We've had a dog for four years now and everything you said resonates. I'm currently on vacation in Tokyo, and am having a great time, but am missing my dog more than anything. My wife and I are also about to have our first child and I'm curious to see how that'll change things. Many friends tell us we'll forget about our dog, but I just can't see that happening. Hope you're well. I've loved following your writings.
Aw. Mochi looks so sweet. I'm so glad you're bonding together and getting to have new experiences :)
I wrote about this before, but I think I've been mothered the best by people who aren't technically "mothers". There is still so much mothering that has to happen in this world and so many people who need it.
As you know I had two dogs before having two boys; I told folks that dogs taught me two major lessons that helped me with a baby: (1) having another being drive many of my scheduling decisions and life choices, and (2) having to get comfortable dealing with the bodily fluids of another mammal 🤣
As I'm older and have both kids and pets - anyone who thinks they get to decide who else is a parent needs to reassess their priorities. Plant mom, dog mom, human mom ... If you are taking responsibility for the life of another living thing, congrats and thank you.
Love the piece, Liz. We've had a dog for four years now and everything you said resonates. I'm currently on vacation in Tokyo, and am having a great time, but am missing my dog more than anything. My wife and I are also about to have our first child and I'm curious to see how that'll change things. Many friends tell us we'll forget about our dog, but I just can't see that happening. Hope you're well. I've loved following your writings.
Aw. Mochi looks so sweet. I'm so glad you're bonding together and getting to have new experiences :)
I wrote about this before, but I think I've been mothered the best by people who aren't technically "mothers". There is still so much mothering that has to happen in this world and so many people who need it.
How serendipitous, Liz! I’ve just written today about my ambivalence trying on the “Mom” label in the context of our latest adoption match:
www.lizexplores.com/p/becoming-mommy