New Family Member!

About two weeks ago we added a new member to our family.  He is a 1 year old Bengal Tabby cat mix :)  For a while we had been thinking about getting a pet, but haven't had the best luck with pets, as we had to get rid of our last dog, and Nick had one before we met that he had to get rid of.  Therefore, he was apprehensive to really consider it again, and I was too, a little.  We looked into getting a Boston Terrier because his brother has one that he likes, but decided that a dog would just be too high maintenance for this point in our lives.  So, we began to toss around the idea of a cat.  My folks had some kittens we thought were cute, and Emma really seemed taken with them. 

And so about two weeks ago after looking online, we found ourselves in our local Petsmart store looking at the cats that the Nebraska Humane Society had there.  We immediately fell in love with Bandit (whose name has since been changed to Jax), and when Emma proceeded to hug him and pick him up around the neck and he didn't react at all, we knew he was the one for us :)  Besides aquiring a neat and spunky pet, I really like the idea that we could have potentially saved his life!  Cats reproduce so quickly and there are so many strays needing good homes, plus, most people seem to want kittens, so that they get to raise them, and so the cats from 1 year on up don't have as good a chance at a second chance. 

So we are now the proud owners of a neutered, declawed, spotted/striped cat who likes to run around like a nut case and snuggle when he finally wears himself out.  Oh did I mention that Emma currently scares the Hell out of him!?  ;)

A Letter to My Daughter

Dear Emma,

I can't believe that you have been in our lives for two whole years now!!!  It's hard to remember what life was like without you, and I don't want to try :)  This past Monday we celebrated your 2nd birthday as a family.  Both sets of grandparents and your Godfather Ryan and his family were all able to come over to our house last Saturday for your Dora birthday party, and it was wonderful!  I especially got a kick out of you getting so excited to open your presents!  You would barely tear the paper off of one and you were running to grab another :)  I think it's just part of your destructive nature!

The past two years have been filled with highs and lows, but the ups sure outweight the downs.  I'm sorry that I don't always know what you want, but believe me sweetie, I'm trying my hardest!  I think I would give an arm and leg to be able to read your mind sometimes.  You have really begun to grow into a sweet little lady, and I'm so lucky that God chose me to be your Mom!  I love getting to see you grow and learn everyday, and think it's the best feeling ever when you plant a big slobbery kiss right on my lips!  Thank you for making me a mommy, and for teaching me patience, self-sacrifice, and the ability to love more than I ever thought possible!  I love you my little sweetie-pie, and look forward to a lifetime of slobbery kisses from you!

Love always,
Mimi