Don't worry. It WILL get easier.: Emma the Cat

I’ve just came off a very busy couple weeks at work (and at home) which required me to take a self- enforced internet sabbatical to get everything done.

There were many highlights including the first camping trip of the season which was a blast -- both figuratively and literally (thank-you 70km winds for that free microderm abrasion treatment). Then we spent the Victoria week-end in the garden (vegetables planted and 1/3 of the annuals are in, photos soon). It’s also been a VERY rough couple weeks in the “terrible twos” department. I do stand by my claim that 2 ½ kicks ass compared to 18 months… but man, 2-year olds have their challenges. Note to self: buy earplugs….and more wine.

From the twins’ perspective, the most exciting development has been the addition of Emma the cat to our household. Emma is an awesome cat. She is good-natured, patient, loves people etc. She came to us from our friends, Elaine and Tyler who are moving to the States and weren’t sure they should take Emma with them. They travel a lot and worry that she wouldn’t get enough attention. Also their two-year old daughter has decided she does NOT like Emma for some unknown reason.

There is certainly no lack of attention at our house. If anything its too much love. The twins would cuddle and pet Emma all day if she would let them. When she retreats under the bed for a break the twins plead with her to “Come back!!! So we can be a family!” Emma does venture out for cuddles with Greg and me each night after the twins are in bed. I guess she prefers the company of beings who are more predictable and less shrieky. Hopefully the novelty will wear off soon and E will be able to hang out with us without being constantly harassed by the twins.

I’ve wanted to get a pet while the twins are young. I had dogs growing up and it makes me a little sad to see B and C so afraid of animals. I’m not ready for the responsibility of a dog but a cat seems to be a good balance. The only real work is supervising that the cuddles stay gentle.

I am a little worried about Charles developing a cat allergy. He has been watery-eyed and runny-nosed all spring and I suspect that he’s allergic to snow mold or something. But he seems to be ok with E so far -- and he spends a lot of time with his face buried in her fur with no apparent ill effects.

It’s neat to see B and C display so much empathy towards Emma. They try hard to be gentle with her and get so worried when she’s hiding. “Emma, are you scared? Do you want to cuddle with my Mama? Then you won’t be sad.” B kept asking to come home from camping because she was worried that E was all alone and missing us.

I think it’s also good for them to see that Emma is an independent creature who doesn’t bow to their every whim. It’s so funny to see Charles stalking upstairs with his stormcloud face, complaining that “Emma is NOT listening to me!!!” Yeah, I can’t imagine how frustrating that must be <eyeroll>.

Cheers and happy Wednesday!
Sandra