Habits. Good, bad and ugly, we all have them. Some are so ingrained into our daily routines we probably don’t even realize it’s happening.
Lately I’ve been going about my nights mindlessly following mom. This is not that out of the ordinary, as I love her and would literally follow her anywhere. Consequently, it’s no surprise I get nervous when she gets into that shower contraption. Perhaps its because I know how accident prone my mom is (bless her heart). Perhaps it’s a projection of my own dislike for baths, showers, and all things that take away one’s natural smell. Regardless of my reasons, I think mom senses my discomfort as she always puts a towel down in front of the shower for me to lay on while she’s inside.
Tonight’s shower followed an event I’m not sure I’ll ever forget. It’s almost as if it snapped me from habit mode back to reality. It sent me into a tailspin so intense I wasn’t even sure it was real at first. I thought I certainly must be delusional. There I was, minding my own business, sprawled out on mom and bam! Something was moving! I’ve gotten so used to the calming lull of the baby’s heartbeat, but this was it’s own special kind of magic.
And I will admit – it startled me a bit. I can’t explain why I reacted like I did, rearing up like I would to evoke play with another dog at the park. My tail wagged. My heart raced. The baby is kicking! My little person is saying hi to me! I could hardly believe it.
So when it came to shower time tonight, I was not in doggie robot mode. Far from it. I was on a mission. I have a real live little person to protect after all. Instead of laying down like usual on my special towel, I stood/sat guard while mom showered. And as I did, I’m not sure which worked more furiously – my heart or my mind.
It was a refreshing vacation from my habitual approach to the nighttime routine. Not that habits are such a bad thing. I am a canine after all, and us canines are known for our appreciation of structure and routines. But the magic that happened tonight was a spark all its own. A moment I will remember always. A reminder that sometimes we need a little kick to remind us to pause and appreciate the world around us.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Oh how sweet! I can just see your ears go up and the expression you must have had starting at mom’s belly. What a fun adventure, you lucky Wiles! 🙂
It was a very fun adventure! Too bad mom wasn’t ready with the camera hey? 😉
Wiley, you are one loving protector! You mommies so lucky to have you! And vice versa! 🙂 You and your family have a wonderful weekend! 🙂 xx
Dear Penny! So good to see you!
And thanks for your kind words – I’ll be sure to pass them along. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
🙂
Oh Wiley, how wonderful! That is one of the most special times ever when a lady is having a baby. May you be the recipient of many more kicks before B-day 😀
Dear Lyn,
My goodness gracious yes! This kicking baby business is such a magical (and somewhat mystical) thing. I guess it goes on and on until B-day, so my guess is I have many more kicks to look forward to. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Maybe the little human would play with you? How cute!!!
I think the little person was playing with me! Must be a little stinker already!
maybe a future football star because of the kicking?
My dad would love that! My mom? Not so much. 😉
GAH! You’re ALREADY learning things from that little baby! He’s a smartie! He probably has as much to teach you as you have to teach him! You’ll be a great pair.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
You’re right about these lessons I’m learning. I’m so thankful to the little person already for these insights. I think we will be a great pair indeed.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Awe. What a protector! You should definitely come and talk to my two dogs. They also feel discomfort when I’m in the shower. I tried leaving them in the room (With the Animal Planet Channel on since it IS their fav) and they tore my window screen and jumped out. Sigh. Windows will remain closed from now on.
I LOVE the Animal Planet Channel! My people don’t let me watch it very often (if ever) though because I’ve got this habit of thinking the animals are really in the room and tend to bark hysterically at the television whenever I see them. 😉 We all have our vices. 😉
How wonderful, this is a special moment and no mum to be will ever forget that too like you! Your first real hi to the little one. 🙂
Hello dear friend!
Indeed – it was definitely a moment to remember…and it seems I have many more moments like it to look forward to in upcoming months. Please pray the time flies by though – I can’t wait to meet this little person already! 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
I am so happy for you that you have this friend and know it already in a different way. I am sure it will give you more high fives. Keep busy and your mum fit, time will fly. All the best for these months to come! ♥
Thank you, dear friend, for your well wishes and kind words. I passed them along to my mom, who was touched as well.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Wiley, I love your posts. You are such a clever dog and so sweet. I have just one little correction, but I think it’s important since you’ll soon have a little one who will someday read your blog. The word for “becoming prone” on the towel is to “lie” down, NOT “lay” down. Lay is something done TO SOMETHING i.e. she will lay the blanket down over the sheet. Lie is what something does itself: i.e. the puppy wanted to lie down to take a nap. If you get this right, you will be way ahead of even TV newscasters, who get this wrong all the time. Yes, my family were fanatics about the English language and I’m afraid I am pretty much like the rest of them, but I hope this is helpful to you, too. Keep these wonderful blogs coming and tell your mistress she has some real fans out here in CT routing for everything to go perfectly for her and her family!
Wow. What a fabulous comment with incredibly helpful feedback. I believe in always working to be better, so I do genuinely appreciate your help clarifying the lie vs. lay dilemma. My mom feels the same way about the phrase all right: It’s never all right to say alright, as she always says. 😉 I did share with her your kind words and I think you might have made her day. Thank you for that. Please come visit me again soon!
Lots of love,
Wiley
That is the best explanation I’ve heard. I always doubt myself when it comes to writing lie or lay. Thank you!
I felt the same way.
Wiley, when I was carrying my son, my husband leaned down to kiss my tummy right when Josh kicked hard, and he kicked my husband in the nose! 🙂 But he’s the least athletic boy I know…….
Oh my goodness!!! What a sweet moment turned humorous/serious! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiley
You’re welcome! 🙂
Such a great story, Wyles! I can just see the scene in my mind’s eye. Still grinning.
Yay! I love painting pictures that make people smile. 😉
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Few things were as magical as this moment.