The Bump And The Pets

{ Selma Blair walking her dog }

This past Thursday our dog Pretzel had his annual vet appointment. The little cuddly Pom gained two pounds in one year. Conversion wise, this is a significant weight gain for such the toy dog. How this happened is beyond me. The only explanation is he finishing his sister's dog food without my knowledge. With this, he is now on a strict diet accompanied by an exercise regime that also benefits me and the baby - everyday, Pretzel, Colette, I, and the bump walk a mile or two around the block. I believe that personally involving myself with such the cause makes a psychological difference (even to pets) towards success and reaching goals. It's a practice that Dre and I will continue as we raise our family.

As much as I exercise indoors, the additional outdoor walking does its wonders to clear my mind and gives me that boost in energy (this will help during labor). At first it was difficult to keep up with the pets' speed, especially during the final up-hill stretch home, but it is getting easier. All this walking is good for the baby. However many times there's that temptation to speed it up: run, jog, or power walk (a pregnant woman ran the Chicago marathon!) - but at this point, it's better to keep it safe.

One thing is for sure, the pets and our baby will be best friends. Pets are part of the family and a new addition should not  make any pet feel neglected. It will be an interesting household. :-) Can't wait.