Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Babies and Animals?

Lily is 4 years old now. She is our first baby and honestly, acts like it. She is scared of storms, and fireworks. She loves nothing more than cuddling under the covers, or being loved on by ANYONE! She loves to meet new people and to lick your face! My life changed the day we brought her home, and my heart has never been the same.
Then, our life changed again. We brought home Piper, and my life changed forever. Coming from someone who really was never a 'cat person,' I fell head over heels with my little munchkin. She is sweet, loves to cuddle, and has this girl wrapped around her little paws. She did have a rough patch after she was spayed but she returned back to her normal non-attacking self. Our lives are about to change again--big time! We are bringing a miniature human into our home and every animal parent wonders what affect it will have on them. I worry that Lily will feel deserted and crave more attention than she already does. I worry that the cat will 'play' with the baby and bite his tiny fingers.

I remember not too long ago someone made a comment that many parents give away their dogs when they have kids because of some reason, and that is something I could never do, and many times could be prevented.

People ask me all the time, how do you think lily will be when the baby comes? Honestly, I think she will continue to be her lazy silly self and will grow to love this little creature herself. She loves kids and attention period. Of course, there will be a transition period for all of us but once we all get into the swing of things, we will settle into a happy little family......

I know most of you readers have pets, and are pet lovers like myself. How do you feel your pets lives will be impacted with a human addition to the family?



7 comments:

Anonymous said...

We have 2 cats, one I know will care less when the baby arrives, she's so wrapped up in sleeping 23/7 and eating the other hour of the day. But one I am a bit worried about, she might think the baby is a toy, I'm going to keep my eyes on her. But, I know it will all work out and the baby will eventually become a servant to the cats, just as my husband and I are.

Julia Goolia said...

I worry about our firstborn all the time....I don't want him to feel neglected and I seriously hope we'll make an effort to love on Henry even when we have a baby to care for. I'm sure it will be an interesting adjustment for you guys!

Sarah said...

awww your kiddos are so cute! i know i will still be dedicated to giving my 2 cats attention and love when i have my first baby, i honestly don't worry about this. if i had a dog, which would require more attention and responsibility, i might be more worried. but my cats are so laid back, i think they'll be fine. hopefully lily and piper will be just great having baby b around, too.

Mrs. Dirnberger said...

If my beloved Macey dog was still around, I would never never in a billion years given here away b/c of baby. I think the animals and baby will create a great bond and they will cause mischieve. It will take a little while for the animals to get used to the baby, but once they do all will be fine. From teh time I was born I always had a dog:)

Mary said...

I'm glad you wrote about this, as it's a subject I'm very concerned about. Honestly, I already feel spread thin between two birds and a dog. And when we get a house, you better believe we will either get another dog and/or foster. I've talked to or seen so many people who basically forget about their animals once the human baby comes along. My friend told me she never interacts with her cat anymore-she just doesn't have time. I'm terrified of becoming like that. It's not like she wanted to, but babies require a lot of time and attention.

The birds are easier because you can just tote them around, but poor Levi loves his walks. He's just so sensitive. I hope you talk more about this when the little guy comes-I'm eager to read about how you handle it.

leah @maritalbless said...

Well, now that this is an answered question for me . . .

Allie {4 1/2 year old lab}: Sniffs Isaac's head periodically. That's it. Doesn't notice when he cries.

Callie {4 year old cat}: Tries to lay on/against Isaac. Rubs against him. Seems to love him.

Lucy {2 year old cat}: Hasn't seemed to register that he exists.

Haley Nicodemus said...

I haven't stopped reading yet..ha!

So, we have three dogs (one named Lily btw) and there is NO WAY we would ever give them away. I just don't understand people when they say they get rid of their dogs when the kids come. NO WAY! We are pretty obsessed with ours though! I think your animals will be just fine. I'm sure it will be an adjustment, but they will get used to it. I mean HELLO I'm more concerned about myself adjusting than the dogs! :)