This pretty much sums it up.

Dear Kitty

Dear Kitty,

I know things have not been the same since the baby was born, but please hear me out. I've come up with some terms that I think you'll find agreeable. Hopefully, we can all live happily ever after.

I promise to remember to clean your litter box more often, if you promise to try not to poop right outside of it in protest.

I promise to keep the Temptations treats in stock, if you promise to not scratch the baby's door while he's sleeping.

I promise to brush and pet you often, if you promise to keep hunting bugs.

I promise to give you a lick of ice cream from time to time, if you promise not to barf it up at 3am.

I promise not to make you an "outdoor cat," if you promise not to stand on top of me while I'm sleeping.

It's been an adjustment, Kitty, but we still love you. Let's stay together.

Now, I understand

A few months back, this excellent blog post was circling the interwebz. It really did wonders, I think, to bridge the gap between parents and non-parents who read it.

You come to a point in your life (most likely, 20s and 30s) where everyone around you is pregnant and starting families. Since we waited so long to have a baby, I now have friends whose children are almost teens! As a non-parent, you may feel pushed aside. Even people you were very close to have seemingly forgotten you.

Now, I understand.

Becoming a parent instantly changes you, whether you like it or not. Things you held as a top priority go flying out the window. Nothing now is as important as taking care of this child and making him/her happy. Even a solid marriage can take a hit if one isn't careful. It's just.so.much.

We can coexist. And 5 months in, I can tell you that relationships begin to blossom again. Plans are made and there are grandmothers willing to watch the baby for a date night/girl's night/guy's night. I know my husband and I often take turns watching C so that we can still have a semblance of our old life and partake in things that interested us pre-baby and still do post-baby.

I will do my best from now on when those around me have children to support and encourage, because it's one of the hardest tasks to take on. I will bring meals, come by to have adult interaction, hold the baby so Mom can shower.

Because now, I understand.

Why Cats Paint - Revisited

I was digging around on my bookshelf the other day looking for something when I came across "Why Cats Paint," a book my Mom gave me a few years back.

I actually posted about it on my tumblr site, but I feel the need to share this picture again. I laid the book out for Kitty and this was her response:

Here is a link if you are interested in purchasing it:  Why Cats Paint

It's brilliant.

Random Thoughts Thursday

1.) When your cat poops on the floor, it's probably time to clean the litter box. (Sorry, Kitty)

2.) When you're hoping your gut means you're pregnant again when you have a 5-month-old, it's probably time to start up that workout routine you've abandoned.

Kitty's Favorite Things

Okay, so it may not be as exciting as Oprah's Favorite Things, but Kitty deserves a shout-out. She's been putting up with a lot lately (many visitors, then we were gone for a few days, letting C "pet" her now that he knows she exists). So, this post is in honor of Kitty and her favorite things. Maybe your cat will like them, too.

This may be more like one of my favorite things, but I'm pretty sure Kitty enjoys it, too (as long as I remember to clean the box!). This was recommended by a friend and I order it on Amazon and use Prime shipping. Hallelujah for not having to lug a huge box of litter through the store anymore! There isn't much dust and I really don't smell a thing. Love it.

My husband is really into geocaching. If you don't know what this is, it's basically like a treasure hunt for adults. He came upon a cache that contained this product. Kitty loves it! I've included a picture of her using the string like dental floss. She also loves to lick the bag part and then run around the house like a maniac.

Temptations treats are an absolute must in our household. If Kitty hears anything that mimics the packaging of these treats, she comes running. She will even meow me all the way to the cupboard where I hide them until I relent into giving her some. She is bonkers for these things. I'm pretty convinced that if I poured an entire bag on a plate, she would eat them all, and then beg me for more.

A lot has changed around here, much to Kitty's chagrin. She's been a trooper, though, and we try to make sure we still spoil her here and there. She must know I'm writing about her because she's under my feet as I type. What does your cat love?