I have discovered that being a new mom is very much like being a proud pet owner. I know being a mother is the most rewarding and fulfilling thing a woman can do, but think about it for a moment. We teach our kids the same tricks we teach our dogs and we show them off in the same manner.
For example:
"Hey everyone! Look what Shaylie can do. She just rolled over!" Then comes the applause from the observers, hugs and pats of congratulations, and the occasional smothering of kisses from the proud parent.
or
"Hey everyone! Look what Fido can do. He just rolled over!" Then comes the applause from the observers, hugs and pats of congratulations, and the occasional belly scratch from the proud owner.
We also take our children for walks (some parents even have leashes disguised as backpacks for their kids), clean up the messes they leave on the carpet (especially if your child has learned to take off his/her diaper), and give them chew toys. It all seems pretty similar to me.
I do have to admit having a baby is more fun than having a dog, especially when you factor in all the smiles, giggles and babbling noises meant just for you, her one and only mother. Being a mother is wonderful and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to do so. Having Shaylie in my life has given me a new meaning and purpose. Not only am I a daughter, a sister, and a wife, but I am also a mother and that is not a title I would trade for anything.
