I mentioned to Den today about breastfeeding and asked him when he thinks babies should stop breastfeeding. He was a little, “Well I don’t know,” until I started throwing out ages and he said, “Oh hell no! A one-year old shouldn’t be breastfeeding, that’s gross. 6 months or so.”

I also mentioned breastfeeding in stores and he just repeated, “That’s so gross! I don’t want to see that, people walking around in stores! We’re using bottles when in public.” I was only trying to find out what his opinions were so I knew what I was up against, but it’s pretty obvious I’m going to have a long road ahead of me. I don’t know when I or the baby will want to stop breastfeeding, but I don’t want to have to deal with pressure from Den. And the “in public” thing… I’m sorry but I have no intention of using bottles, ever, unless I have to. I mean if there is a need for bottles – like my milk not coming in or whatnot – then sure, I’ll do what needs to be done. But if I’m THERE and my boobs are working just fine, I’m going to nurse my baby! The interesting part is that I told Den I would even cover up with a blanket (not saying I will, but you know… trying to make him feel better) and even that wasn’t enough for him! He said, “People KNOW what you’re doing under there.” o.O WTF? Yes, they know I’m breastfeeding. I thought the whole objection was people don’t want to see my boob… but apparently that is not where Den’s mind is. Like I said, I have a long road.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time, that he has a totally irrational freak-out over something “gross”. :sigh: He has issues. He also really doesn’t like seeing people “make out” in public… he used to object to me even kissing him in public, period. (And I don’t mean a sloppy kiss… I mean a nice kiss on the lips.) He’s just very… reserved, very conservative.

I’ve also been thinking more about the pet situation. Talking a bit with Den about it too. Now honestly I’m not worried about my little dog – she’ll probably be terrified of the baby at first but grow to love her. She’s absolutely fabulous with the cats, she loves to play but can chill out at my feet for hours if need be. The cats are still a little young and spazzo so there’s always a potential for scratching by accident, but with nail clippings and supervision I don’t think that’ll be a huge issue.

But my husband’s dog however… Zeeke is an issue. A big one. You may or may not know much about the dog and our situation, but he’s 86lbs, a German Shepherd, and ill-mannered. (Most of his problems are just that he’s very very hyper and clutzy at the same time, I call him our bulldozer because he just tends to flatten anything in his way. But he also has some guarding issues where he does growl at me and has snapped at/bit me before.) We’ve had him for three years and he has made progress, but I still don’t trust him and half the time don’t even like him. (That’s why he’s my HUSBAND’s dog. If it were just me I would not have him.) When I picture him around a toddler I just get very very nervous. Now Denis refuses (and he’s very good at denial in this case) that Zeeke will ever be an issue with a child, but I know better. (And so do the behavioralists I’ve contacted, but Den refuses to listen to them either… he doesn’t want to make any decisions until the time is here.)

But regardless, I’ve made my decision/plans. Zeeke will simply not be around our baby. We can’t get rid of the dog (because of his issues his only other option is euthanasia), and he has a pretty decent life even though it’s not the best he could have had. Den will be able to play with his dog and do things with him and hang out, but when the baby’s around the dog goes away. It’s not fair to the dog, I know. But I cannot risk Zeeke snapping at the kid because his paw was grabbed.

The very unfortunate thing is that Zeeke is fabulous with OLDER children/teenagers… he loves them… but by the time our kids are that old Zeeke will be long gone. :(

Sorry for the depressing post.

In happier news Den said he’s considering putting carpet in the baby’s room (our whole house is hardwood) and that makes me thrilled!! I love carpet, and I miss it. It’ll be great to have at least one room with carpet on the floor for the kiddo to play on. And the baby’s room will be a pet-free zone, so hopefully we won’t have the mounds of fur being an issue in there!