And baby makes 12

Here is our little dumpling. It's amazing how much changes with just four more paws! Cara is cute but also a troublemaker. She actually reminds us a lot of Davis at her age, except he was never as naughty or fearless. Our amigos (thanks for the term, Frappie!) have become more assertive, so Cara seems to realize--whoa! I don't rule this house! I'm not the center of Mommy and Daddy's universe! They have two other kitties they love!

I bought more yarn. Again. Lots of pretty, luscious, yarn. Wool, cotton, blends...I love them all. My current projects are a hooded sweater and a stuffed toy cat. I don't think I have enough yarn for the sweater (left over from my picovoli), so I may just rip it and use something else.

Things have been pretty hectic lately. Buying work clothes has been on my to-do list for weeks (maybe even a month!) now and I still haven't made it to any stores. Shopping isn't exactly my favorite thing to do, so it's definitely not a priority.

Love Bites

Cara learned a new trick: attacking our legs and taking a big bite. YEOW!!!! She is so cute though. It's hard to get mad at such an adorable little girl. She is very much like a human baby in her innocence, fearlessness, and love of life. Her tiny squeaks are precious. There are two individuals who would beg to differ that Cara is anything but a demon child.

Angel and Davis are not amused by Cara's antics. Both quickly retreat to their room once they hear Cara is released from her room. Davis has gotten much sweeter. The deep, soulful looks he gives me clearly say "Thanks for still loving me, Mom. I don't want to be replaced by Cara. I love you a lot." He actually seeks pets and kisses from me, and seems to enjoy the alone-time we share. Angel is coping better with the Cara invasion. She firmly believes all sofas and chair belong to her and we merely borrow them for seating. Angel does not hesitate to steal a warm seat, but still prefers to stop our circulation by sitting on us. Given the cold snap, both kitties have been sleeping with us--or should I say ME, since they drape their bodies over mine? I have become accustomed to sleeping with my face nestled into Angel's back while my legs hang off the bed because of Davis.

I am beginning to think that all of the inconveniences, backaches, punctured skin, and lack of vacations I experience are really acts of love. It's no different than what a good parent would do for their human child. Then again, I think parents go retreats and romantic getaways while dumping the kids at a babysitters...so maybe we go above the call of duty. It's worth it though. We have seen Davis blossom into a loving, secure, little boy as a result of our efforts. Angel knows she rules the household and will promptly remind us if we act to the contrary. The love and affection we receive from the kitties makes everything we do for them worthwhile. They are our kids, after all. Isn't that what parenting is about? Putting the kids before your own needs? Those big yellow eyes say yes. Yes mom, I love you and thank you for all that you do for me.

Circle of Life

In Food Network's Chefography on Nigella Lawson, the viewer learns about the loss Nigella experienced--her sister, mother and husband died of cancer. In an interview with Food Network, she said her attitude wasn't "life must go on" because "life DOES go on". She is so right. No matter what is going on in our own life, the world continues to churn, with or without us. I truly believe that for every sad moment, there is a happy moment going on somewhere else in the world. For every death, there is a birth. Life, and the world, can be cruel that way. Just yesterday, I saw two dead cats--one a tiny kitten--both victims of cars. Meanwhile, there are puppies and kittens born every second. It is Spring, after all. Only God knows how many of these precious little babies will live a happy life and how many will struggle with hunger, cruelty, and premature death.

Cara continues to be a reminder to us about how wonderful it is to be loved, to be young, and to be carefree. She only knows if her siblings are growling at her or if her tummy growls with hunger. That is the extent of her sadness, if she is even capable of having sad feelings! She is so precocious. Having recovered from conjunctivitis (pink eye), she is more excited than ever to stalk and chase her siblings. Eating paper is still her hobby, as is "killing" her favorite toy.

QE got a perfect score on his mid-term exam. I am so proud of him. His first A! Alas, he remains a B student.

I started a new job a few weeks ago and am still bored to tears. I can't figure out where I stand with the accounting goddess. She is great at what she does and should not feel threatened by me. But I have a feeling that is not why she is resentful. Only time will tell if my assumptions are correct.

I have a new motivation for knitting, but I am not ready to reveal it yet. I am having a great time though! Frappie and her sugar daddy (I need to give him a name!) are getting married in a few weeks. It's nice to see her get treated well.