This I did not expect. Or at least not to the extent to which it’s happened. Change. From the ground up, change has been the name of the game in the Schmidt household for the last month. One month ago today, my little person entered the world. 
I thought I was ready. From the gadgets scattered all over the house (most of which I didn’t understand) to the stacks of baby books I helped mom page through, we were set. But I was wrong. What I wasn’t expecting was admittedly the most obvious of things. Change. To my days. To my nights. My life as I knew it has not been the same.
We canines are creatures of habit. We love our routines. Prior to baby Carter’s arrival, I had come quite accustomed to the everyday routine around here. That has all been thrown to the wayside for the last four weeks or so, and I can’t say I liked it at first.
But today I occurred to me. Dad asked if I wanted to go on a car ride, my first with my little person and my forever people. It was a short ride involving the thing my people call errands, but it meant the whole wide world to me that I was invited along to enjoy the occasion.
That’s when my heart and mind came together in the realization that it’s going to be okay. This is our new normal. We’ve settled into new habits and new routines. There are remnants of the time before that have melded seamlessly with all that has changed. Sleep is still tough to come by (for all of us), but most other things have hit a stride. And my people are happy (albeit overtired) so that means I am happy.
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change,” American self-help writer suggests.
I’ve never been that big a fan of change. I wasn’t expecting it, wasn’t prepared for it, and now that it is happening, I can’t say I liked it at first. But one month ago today, my life changed forever. We may not be getting much sleep. And literally everything about our routine has been uprooted and updated. But this new normal looks pretty good from where I’m sitting. Change. From the ground up, it’s not so bad after all.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Wiley, your baby is cuuuwooowooote!
Thanks friend. I will be sure to pass along the sentiment with an extra lick or two around the ears. 😉
Wyles, it is always good to pause and refresh the page when looking at the mayhem change brings, especially with a new person, baby or not! Ready or not. I am so glad the new is settling into its own routine of sorts – it is not as scary when Carter cries – sometimes, we even know what’s wrong and that is the right app! 🙂 HuntMode
It’s funny you should say that about Carter’s cries. Dad just commented today about how it’s not nearly as troubling to him anymore. Poor little guy seems to have tummy troubles, so he’s been crying more than usual recently. I find it’s best I keep my distance, though I do wish there is something I could do to help.
Lots of love,
Wyles
Sorry to hear Carter is having tummy troubles, hopefully he feels a bit better by now. Hard to have to stand by, Wyles. New Beginnings. There is always something happening. Love HuntMode
Carter’s tummy troubles are still a bother, sadly. Mom is taking him to the place called the doctor tomorrow to make sure everything is okay. I wish I could go with but apparently this is a no dogs allowed kind of place. 😦
How wonderful! Your first car ride with all your forever family together. I can see you and little Carter taking many car rides. So much fun you’ll have together! And, Oh Wiley, Carter is soooooo gorgeous!!! Look at those great big eyes!
I hope you’re right about all the car rides I have to look forward to with my little buddy. Thank you so much for your kind words about him, as well. I’ll give him an extra lick on the ear to communicate the thought. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Glad you are adapting to the change. Change does not always mean not good. Change is refreshing too, get out of the old rut and habits and enjoy a bit different things. Strict routine is comforting and and easy and change aslo shows you are flexible and can adapt. I am happy to hear even though your old routine is gone you are getting into a new one. That is life. ( have just gone thoruhg this at work as everything changed. At first we were scared as we didn’t know what is happening, and now in the new year I am enjoying it , embracing it and really like the change. Never a dull moment and never know what next. So I am coping with it like you accepting it and enjoying it.
Love the 2 pictures of tired you and beautiful one month old Carter! ♥
Many hugs my friend!
Dear friend – so much wisdom you shared in your response! You’re very right about change bringing spice to life – never knowing what’s coming does add a certain mystery to things. I’m glad to hear things are adjusting all right for you at work after those big changes. Hang in there, and remember you are loved.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Car ride for the whole family! So much fun! I like routines, too, W. But you’d be surprised how quickly you can adjust when they change (and you have to). Carter is a beauty, and it’s very nice of him to share his cozy pillow with you.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thank you for your kind words about my dear little person, Cupcake. And you’re right about change…it’s only been a month and we’re adjusting. It’s an evolving process (nothing is completely comfortable to be sure), but its one I stand behind.
Lots of love,
Wiles
It’s amazing how quickly people adapt to changes!
Thank goodness for that! Otherwise this thing called change would definitely NOT be my favorite thing. 😉
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Habits and routines are about to get shaken up again!