We thought we were so smart. Reading all those books, blogs and message boards. Doing all that research. Getting the nursery ready. Well, mom did at least. I knew better. I knew that baby Carter would write his own book. And he has not disappointed.
His nights and days are flip flopped. Sometimes he cries when there is nothing to cry about. And then he smiles in his sleep about who knows what. I’ll be honest. I know nothing about babies. Absolutely nothing, other than what I’ve heard my forever mom and dad discuss between themselves, and the odds and ends advice they’ve gotten from the visitors in the last couple of weeks.
But I do know this. From what I can tell, my dear little person is every bit of the blessing I knew he would be. He is strong. He is healthy. He sleeps enough. Mom and dad love him. He’s pretty darned great. And I’m proud of him. I’m proud to call him my puppy brother.
I was thinking about this today as we had more visitors who had all kinds of advice for mom. I watched as she soaked it in. I saw the determination in her eyes as she even put a couple of the tips into action at bedtime tonight. She wants so badly to do everything right.
And I want so badly to tell her she can’t. She will mess up. I know because she made her fair share of mistakes with me (don’t tell her I told you). But look at me. I turned out all right. And Carter will too.
As British politician Sir Winston Churchill suggested “success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” It doesn’t matter what all those books, blogs and message boards say. Mom won’t do everything right. But she has courage. That’s what matters to me.
Wiley's Wisdom 
What an adorable photograph of you together. I can see you love him Wiley
Wyles, as Kiwiskan says that is a very cute photo – and I note the more recent ones are showing Carter Joseph sleeping. YES! As to being perfect, my Mom used to say that with the first child, you are sure you are going to kill him; the second one bounces better and by the fourth, no worries. 🙂
Sweet as pie you both look! My mum also thought she’ll raise her son according to the books she read! Alas, mother instinct just gets into gear as soon as the new arrival is there! She at first did not know how to bath the baby! Asked a young neighbor mummy with two children to help her the first time! Ha ha and today there is nothing wrong with this human being and also with me as a beloved doggy LOL 🙂
Good advice! How’d you get to be so smart?? 🙂
I have lots of smart friends (like you) who teach me things. 🙂
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With our first child we all want to do things right, and we do make mistakes but that is a good thing as we do learn from them. I was the same, (looking back I did make mistakes and both my boys turned out very loving and caring boys) and soaking up advice from others is good but remember everyone does things differently and not everything works for you. It is trial and error, do what feels right for you! With a baby,be flexible you can’t get much wrong, as long as you love him, feed him and clean him, that is all baby needs everything will fall into place. And I know there is so much love in your house, so what can go wrong! So happy he is a healthy little boy and you are proud of him, I am proud of you being such a great brother!
You being proud of me absolutely makes my day, dear friend! I think a lot of what you are saying still needs to sink in for my mom, even though she is trying to keep an open mind and stay patient with the whole process. It’s tough to watch her struggle, but as with anything these moments of struggle make the moments of triumph all the more precious. Thank you for being supportive, sharing your stories, and offering your love to us. It all comes right back to you!
Lots of love,
Wiles
Wiley, you are awesome! I hope your Mom listens to you. I hope some of the advice was just to enjoy little Carter as he makes his little baby sounds. It seems like you already know that, Wiley. I love reading your observations of this whole process. 🙂
Dear Deborah,
My sincerest apologies for just getting back to you now! Mom is usually my helper with this stuff and she’s been a bit preoccupied. 😉 Thank you for stopping through, commenting and coming back again with the Sunshine Award. Please keep visiting me! 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
No worries, Wiley! I totally understand how things can be for Mom. I think you’re both doing an amazing job! I will be back often; you can be sure of that. 🙂
This is great news! I look forward to seeing you again soon. 🙂
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and I bet courage is one of the most important things she can teach Carter!
You’re right Wiley – no one can do everything absolutely right. But trying is what is important – and with your little person being healthy and well, that is what matters.
p.s. I like your term “puppy brother”.
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Babies write their own pregnancy books. And no two are the same.
“Wisdom, and Love” them selves, are the components of your face expression this time, something that we human need so much, at so many times in our daily ongoing through life, learning from mistakes, and learning to live. There is a saying: “A truth said with “compassion” its bearable”,….”Oh!!”…,of “that”, you have a lot too…, in that one I’m with dog “Ogee”: ….” How do you get to be so smart??”….”Your encouragement, and the accuracy in choosing that Sir Churchill’s fraise”, definitively made a difference in my life today too”…Lately, that’s been something I needed to put in a more clear perspective…”success, and failure”….. Different, and many are the challenges human go through,…..but if you guys, doggies are there, that’s of great solace, and companion, to keep it going. “God knows what he is doing”, putting us so close. “Wiley The Great”, “Human and Doggies, forever together”. “Love You”.