Hiding's fine, Dekay. And I understand Carmello may be up and about when I sleep. Dangit.

But I will need to socialize him. Eventually he will be used in the snake program at Wild River, with Ripley (bull snake) and Winnie (garter) and my Hoggies. The whole reason I got him was for Dave wanting one and so he could use him in the snake program on Sundays.

But I know about babies. I'm dealing with Niizh and handle him about a minute or two a day.

I'll keep my eye on Carmello and handle accordingly. I'm not as exuberant (sp?) as I once was, having put more more miles under my belt. I realize he's just a baby and I will always have this in the forefront of my mind.

My goal is for him to thrive and live a long and happy Milkey life. Not to kiss him to death or put a leash on him. But he does need to be socialized and I will do that gradually over time.

Really, Dekay, I have only his BESTEST interests at heart. He's not just a thing to me, but a distinct individual/personality. If anything happened to him, it would hurt me just as much as if anyone else snakey here I have had something happen to them.

I'm not taking Carmello lightly, but I'm not going to lie to you. We want him socialized in order for visitors to be able to finger touch him. Please note, I will always be there when Carmello's used in the program since he's going to be living with me and I'm going to be socializing him. So I'll be able to set peramiters on touching and what Carmello is ready to take on and what he isn't. I'm not worried about Dave, the snakemeister. But I will be there to interceed if I'm not comfortable with what the visitors are attempting with Carmello and Dave will NOT bat an eye at me interceeding. He understands how I put the kids first.

If you have any other thoughts or possible worries, please - address them. And I will listen.

Again, HUGE, HUGE hugs to you. I'm in love with Carmello and I've never seen him yet!

TOMORROW I WILL AND HAVE A NEW BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!