Our Befuddled Beginning...

So, I bet you're wondering why I decided to make a blog about motherhood & crazy pets. I am sure they're a dime a dozen! What makes my life special? The truth is I think more mothers could relate to my craziness than they would like to admit. Let me start from the beginning  so you can get a feel for our demeanor's before I share our experiences. I am thirty four years old. Ethnically, I am a product of a Brooklyn bred Italian-Irish clan. My great grandparents were "straight off the boat" and while proud Americans, they tenaciously held on to their culture. I am married to a loud, Greek man who will be the first to tell you all about his superior heritage. We met in 2000 at a cousins wedding. It must have been love at first sight as only a real man could find me attractive as I was wearing a shiny, fuscia bridesmaid dress.

So, we were both the "wild children" in our respective family's. We hung out all night together but, when the morning light reared it's ugly head I startled my future husband with a request. I felt it pertinent that he at least, come meet my father and shake his hand. Anyone who is from the Tarpon/ Clearwater area knows that information travels freakishly fast there. I knew family members would be questioning our whereabouts. So, we got in the car and headed towards the bridal brunch with good intentions.This is when Nik began asking me questions. How was my father built? Was he a big man? Did he enjoy mixed martial arts? Did he own any weapons? Then we did what any respectable new couple would do. WE FLED! He drove me straight to Tallahassee. The rest is history. We were off to a tumultuous start!

After we married, we were advised by concerned family members to get a pet. They were uneasy with the fact that we might procreate. So, we purchased the first of many deranged animals. We're not sure if they came into the world that way or they are a product of our influence. Regardless, people assumed the latter. Our puppy was a min-pin. He was adorable! He was a also a tad unhinged. He, like all puppies, enjoy chewing things. Lots of things, including cement, drywall, down feathers, rocks and various other indigestible objects. Being inexperienced pet owners we thought everyone had their vet on speed dial. I began reading pet training manuals. This is when I realized we were doing EVERYTHING WRONG!

He slept with us. Our first error. We kept his food bowl filled to the rim. An even bigger travesty, as these actions made it clear to him that he was an equal in the pecking order.It also made him look more like a deformed Labrador than a min-pin. He began humping everything. My husband called it a trick! He was proud that his dog, at least did ONE thing on demand. We also felt  it was positive that he had the courtesy to look frightened when we entered the living room to find him eating our couch. Needless to say, people began to doubt our abilities as parents. This is when I found out that I was expecting. Nik & are were overjoyed! Surely, we had enough time to hone in on our parenting skills. I naively thought that all the answers were just a few miles away at the local book store. Nik, on the other hand, trusted that because I was woman, I would instinctively know what to do. He comes from a VERY traditional mindset in which Greek men should stay within their culture and be catered to. I come from hippie parents who feel that parents don't even need to be the same species much less the same ethnic background. They also taught me that men & woman are on equal playing Fields.You can see where there might be some turbulence in our future. This is where I will leave off, for today. I look forward to sharing many laughs with you as I describe our journey into parenting.