What do dogs have to do with motherhood?

You know how lots of people have Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus?  If you don't know what those are, here's a picture of one.

Well I used to think they were the ugliest dogs ever.  I didn't even want to pet them because I just didn't think they were cute, and that's saying a lot for me because I usually want to pet any dog I see.  But then one day my sister came home with Charlie, a Lhasa Apso that she found in a McDonald's parking lot.  He became our dog after we contacted his owners and they informed us that they didn't want him anymore.  He completely changed my mind about the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu breeds.  He is such a funny, sweet, and cute dog, and I love him with all my heart!  Now, whenever I see a Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, I just want to hold and pet it so much!  I think they are some of the cutest dogs in the whole world, and I would really, really LOVE to have my own Lhasa Apso someday (hint to Tony).

Charlie and me

So, how does this pertain to motherhood?

Well, I'm not saying that I used to think babies were the ugliest things ever, because I really didn't.  But I used to have very little to no interest in babies.  I just didn't think about them.  I didn't care when people posted pictures of their babies.  I didn't read blogs that talked about people's babies.  I didn't care about baby stats or baby outfits, etc.  I didn't understand the love that parents had for their babies.  I thought that maybe it would be hard to love a baby because it would cry a lot and demand so much attention.

And then... Eli was born.  Now I'm obsessed with babies.  Well, I'm obsessed with my own baby.  I can stare at him all day long and never tire of adoring every little grunt, squeak, and movement he makes.  But my feelings about other babies have changed, too.  Now I love reading blogs that talk about babies and children.  Sometimes I cry when I read sentimental posts moms have written about their children.  I cry because I understand the feelings they're expressing.  I love looking at people's pictures of their babies on Facebook.  I love reading baby stats and imagining what milestones Eli will accomplish in the coming months and years.  I now completely understand the love that parents have for their babies.

I know that this love is obvious to most people, either because they already have children or because they always felt that kind of love for babies and children.  But for me it has been a surprise.  I had no idea what to expect in becoming a mom, and that's why I was so scared.  But I have been pleasantly surprised.  Being a mom to my sweet Eli has been, so far, the best thing that's ever happened in my life.  I don't mean to sound cliche, but the honest truth is that I feel so fulfilled being a mom, and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me with such a sweet, perfect little baby who brings me so much joy.

Today I told Eli that I love him even more than I love my dogs.  And that is true love!