Aaron & Me

I recently started reading "Marley & Me" by John Grogan. If you haven't read it, and haven't watched the movie, its about a young couple who get themselves a puppy.

I'm only halfway through the book and so far it has described a young creature that has a never ending supply of energy, creates a mess inside and outside the house, asks you to play with it all day long, needs toilet training, is very sensitive, can show great empathy when required and loves you unconditionally no matter what disciplinary actions you take against it.

The book so far has been about AARON!

Aaron was born in the year of the Dog and I have been calling him my little puppy from the start. Initially it was because he chewed on everything he got his hands on but after reading this book, I see plenty of other reasons!

Even going out for a walk is like walking a dog. Instead of "Heel!" I'm trying to say "Hold my hand" in a commanding tone while chasing after him. At least Marley (the dog in the book) finally learns to obey that command.

The ups and downs we have in each and every day are incredible. One minute we're having a good time laughing at ants and the next we're locked in a battle of wills over the fact that its not time to watch a Thomas episode yet.

I know he's just exploring his world, his boundaries and my limits but it is stretching me! Everything these days seems to be about how vigilant I am at anticipating potential conflict so that I can avoid it. The constant battles are tiring! And, the fear that I will not teach him correctly in these early years is forever looming over me. (A recurring nightmare: I'm going to have an uncontrollable brat that even the Supernanny can't fix! EEK!)

The funny thing is that after Aaron is asleep each night, I often find myself wishing he was awake so that I can watch his funny antics or cuddle him. I completely forget about how infuriated I got when trying to get him to brush his teeth. He too seems to quickly forget how hurt he was when I wouldn't agree with him that he was a good boy and sent him for a time out instead.

Its been a bit of a battle day, hence this post but let me end it by saying that he is getting sweeter by the same amount as he is getting cheekier. There really are moments when he looks and behaves like a little angel.