Dearest Mama,
I turned seven months old today. I am now trying to hold on to chairs and tables so I can get myself to stand up.
I am getting used to this set up while I am yet to figure out a lot of things. I love sleeping next to you even though I know it is very difficult for you.
I am beginning to enjoy our bath time too. I love it when you sing to me and make funny faces and let me play in the tub with those colourful toys you and Dad got me. But Mama, what I love the most is the four legged brother of mine – uhm, ‘Jäger’ you say?
Mama do you know when you are giving me a bath, he sits right behind you and watches us play with water. I have a feeling that the best part for him is when you wrap me in my towel and take me outside, he gets to sheepishly pick my toys. Well, when you hold me, you are looking in the front but from up there, I see everything that happens behind your back!
No Mama, I am not telling on him. I think he is adorable because he loves to follow me around and when I cry, gets all hassled up. He lets me play with his tail and even for such a strong animal, he doesn’t wince or snarl at me. Did I tell you just the other day I slapped his nose a few times? He is so patient with me Mama!
I know you worry about me touching his paws because he goes around in dumps, but Mama, you clean his paws every time he comes back from his walk so I think we are good. Also, I heard them say that living with a dog builds immunity too! #jussayin
Oh well, Mama, I feel sometimes he feels neglected. Maybe you should try and spend more time with him? I have noticed he picks my toys only when he’s not getting enough attention from you or Papa. I know I am quite a handful but maybe you should just let me be sometimes and spend time with your first baby.
I know sometimes you want to smack him because just as I fall sleep, he lets out a bark at a random sound from outside the house, leading to me crying and you, losing your mind because it took you so long to put me to sleep! But Mama, he means no harm. As you say, he’s a “silly billy boo!”.
You know Mama, even when I used to stay in your tummy, I could hear him bark and make funny noises all the time. I could hear your conversations with him when you’d tell him that he will soon have a younger sibling and he’d grunt curiosly. From what little I remember, he has calmed down a lot Mama. From an over enthusiastic jumping jack to a relaxed, patient and calm elder sibling, Jäger has matured.
Sometimes when I fall asleep playing on the floor, I notice he comes and curls up next to me, as if to protect me from all harm.
Yes, sometimes you find his hair on my head, and my toys in his mouth, an unused diaper tossed all over the house, my hand in his food bowl and his tail in my small hands but I assure you Mama, these are the things I love the most.
It’s in your nature to look out for us but for now, I love the uncurbed curiosity and unrestrained love in his eyes for me and in mine for him.
From him I will learn how to love unconditionally. I will learn to share my food, my space and my life, selflessly. I will try and enjoy life like he does – with unbridled joy.
Mama, at times I feel I will never need a teddy bear to play with because I already have a furry burly fellow to hug and squish when I am able.
I promise to love him forever because I know he will always love me more.
Okay Mama, sleepy sleepy.
I love you.
Ira
thestraightcurvethatsmylife 