For me, its in the simple things. Pursuing a squirrel in the backyard (even if it outsmarts me). Making myself comfortable on the patio furniture (which I know is naughty). Jumping three feet in the air to catch a tennis ball (even though I always lose interest after a catch or two). These are things that bring me joy. Nothing fancy, right?
Well, the strangest thing has been happening around here lately. My mom has been finding joy in everything. At face value, I suppose this wouldn’t sound strange, and yet I can’t quite wrap my little doggie mind around it. While much of it is triggered by the same things as always (shoes, family time, Paul Rudd’s humor – you know, the usual), some of it is surprising me. I’ve come to understand laughter as an expression of joy (for example), but this whole tears of joy thing throws me for a loop.
I didn’t used to think people tears were a bad thing, but lately I’ve seen enough of them to second guess myself. She cries all the time, over the simplest things. Don’t get me started with that Wishbone commercial where the golden retriever welcomes his person home from that place called work. Tears every time. Today dad came home with a bag of treats (for me) and a bag of clothes (for the baby). Out came the tears again.
But I know with certainty these are not tears of sadness, grief, or anger. These are tears of joy. And apparently they are somehow linked to something called hormones. She’s apparently always had them, but she says they are heightened right now because of the pregnancy. I’ve heard mom and dad talk a bit about this, because mom’s tears usually trigger dad’s giggles (which mom doesn’t usually appreciate). I don’t know why dad gives her a hard time about it either. From what I’ve heard about pregnancy hormones (and their impact on patience, anger and tension), I’ll take the tears any day.
For mom, it’s in the simple things. I’m not sure what did it during my escapades in the backyard today, but it happened nonetheless. There I was, getting my joy on with squirrels, patio furniture and tennis balls. And there she was crying tears of joy. To be honest, that might be my new favorite thing about joy. From the ground up, it’s contagious in all of its forms.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Wiley, you should jump into the hammock and cuddle with your mom there! Woooowooooo, Ku
I do love some cuddle time! 🙂
Yes, you can expect lots of happy tears Wiley, while your Mom is pregnant. You can expect lots more happy tears when the little tiny person arrives. Be patient with your Mom, though if she seems to forget things. Pregnancy hormones can play havoc with a woman’s memory. So, if she drinks a cup of tea and a couple of minutes later demands to know who drank her tea. Just give her a gentle “wuff” and a lick. It will get better when the baby arrives 😉
Dear Lyn,
Thank you for warning me about the memory problems! That’s a good tip…I’ve heard her joke about this thing called pregnancy brain with dad, but I don’t think it’s a joke. She can be a little forgetful anyway (aren’t we all?) so I’m preparing myself for some pretty wacky situations. Like you said though, I’m ready with a gentle wuff and a lick or nudge when she needs me. I’m so blessed.
Reblogged this on Amanda's Words / starfire8me and commented:
oh! I love dogs!!
Wiley, you make me smile even when I feel like crying….so darn cute you are!
You should know your comment absolutely made my day! This is my goal, my purpose in life, to bring on smiles…so to hear you say so is very special to me. Thank you!
anytime little buddy, any time 😀
🙂
Tears can be scary. But not tears of joy. They are the best!! Batten down the hatches, though, W. There will be plenty of baby tears when the baby comes. They cry tears all the time – not the good kind. The scary kind….
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Batten down the hatches! Dear Cupcake, your words bring a smile to my heart. All joking aside, I have heard this about babies and their tears of…well….not joy. The scary kind as you say. Maybe that’s why there’s so much crying now — to prepare us all somehow? Who knows, but indeed I suppose you’re right. I need to batten down the hatches. 🙂
Wiley, your picture is too cute so I believe you are handling the hormonal imbalances well – good for you! You’ll have lots of practice!! 🙂
I am definitely trying my best. Lots of little nudges and extra love fest time (which I think mom enjoys just as much as me, if I’m being honest). 🙂
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Sometimes hormones aren’t the worst thing.
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