Baby Fever...Animal Style

In three months and three days I will be Mrs. Macmillan.

I'm kinda really excited about that.

But what am also equally excited about?
It means I'm one step closer to soon enough having little baby Macmillans running around the house.
I feel like my baby fever is exhibiting extra high temps lately.

I am going through Mama Madness.

I am ready to be domesticated.

Well, Thomas and I have no money.

And it's going to be a couple years until we do actually have money.

We were talking today about puppies.

And guessing when we'd financially be able to have a dog.

And what kinda dog.

So then I started thinking...

...since puppies are so expensive, and I really need something to take care of my mommy desires, what else could I have?

Don't get me wrong, Winston is wonderful.

But he doesn't exactly fill the mommy cravings I'm having.

I can't canoodle him.

Although I do talk to him.

And I swear, call me crazy, but I swear he understands me.

Anywho. A fish just doesn't do much for me.

So I've been researching what other (somewhat inexpensive) pets I could have.

Ya know, instead of actually being productive with my lesson plan.

Hey, what's the internet for, right?

Right.

So here is what I've found...

I could get a hedgehog.

I mean, just look at those adorable faces!!

GAH!! Sooo cute!!

I've discovered they're still a bit pricy...

...ranging anywhere from $100 to $300.

Still, cheaper than a lot of puppies.

As for caring for hedgehogs, it seems pretty simple.

I need a basic cage, the kind you keep hamsters in.

I need a hiding place for him, and some soft bedding for his cute little feet.

He will love to chew and run, so I'll need a wheel and something for him to nibble on.

He will eat a mix of puppy and cat food, about 70-100 calories a day.

He would be an expensive first buy, but inexpensive to maintain.

And they live 3-6 years...just right until my little mini-me comes into this world.

Or I could get a parrot.

Well, really I couldn't.

I've always wanted a parrot.

A gorgeous bird, so beautiful!

Buuuuut....just about any species of parrot is at leas $1,000.

Ouch.

Definitely don't have that kinda money.

Maybe someday...

So I could instead maybe get a bunny.

I always had bunnies growing up, and I loved them!

Which also means, I know exactly how to take care of them.

And they are inexpensive: about $30-$40 to purchase with minimal upkeep.

I do looove bunnies...

Or perhaps I could get a pet skunk.

Did you know you can have a skunk for a pet???

They're actually kinda really cute!!

They like to be in pairs though, although if you only have one, supposedly that makes them much more cuddly towards you, the owner.

Isn't that exactly what I want?

They are fed lots of veggies, yogurt, and some protein.

And don't worry, the skunks are "descented" by the breeders when they are 2-5 weeks old.

They can be trained to use a litter box too!

But, baby skunks are about $200 to $300.

Hmm...

Then there are miniature piggies!

They are sooo cute!!

And pigs actually aren't dirty.

They're really clean

And smart!!!

But alas, these too are out of my budget range.

Wanna know how much little Porkchop would cost?

Well, the cheapest breed starts at $900.

And the most expensive breed?
A whopping $5k.

Yeah.

Guess little Wilbur is outta the pitcure.

I could get a lizard!

A chameleon would be sweet!

Or an iguana!

Buuut a lizard really wouldn't satisfy the cuddly, lovely, motherly instinct that consumes me.

Maybe not the best idea for me...

How about a sugar glider?

I am in love with these little guys...

Just look at those freakin' adorable eyes!

As I've read more about them, I fall even more in love.

Apparently, they are extremely bonding animals.

As in: once they've attached themselves to an owner or family, they bond very closely and love to be around them.

They will always want to be on your shoulder or in your pocket, and they will follow you everywhere.

They love to cuddle to be held.

Um, perfect?

It's best if they have a larger cage because they're very active

But many people let them wander their house.

They are also extremely social, so you must be able to give them lots of attention, and it's ideal if they can have another glider playmate.

Their diet is simple, and according to one resource, will cost about $4 a month for one glider.

Another plus on the financial side?
They require virtually no medical care - because they carry no known diseases such as heartworm or anything and they don't need vaccinations.

As for the downside of the financial aspect: they are expensive.

The average price is $175 - and like I said, it's ideal to have at least two.

Ahhh, but I'm so in love with them!

I'll keep up my search for an ideal pet for me.

Something that satisfies my cuddly nature,

But also something I can afford.

I just really need a baby.

And since I'm not ready to make my own baby,

I think I need to buy a pet baby in the near future.