Happy Birthday, Zoe Brown!

"Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."
- George Eliot

This morning before I left for work.

A big happy 1st birthday to my precious little girl, who is no longer a kitten. The past few months, you have taught me more than I could have expected. (She's advanced for her age.)

I have learned that little kitties enjoy mani/pedis just as much as the next girl. Thanks for being so patient when your dad and I have to trim your nails.

I have learned what it feels like (ok, maybe just a smidge) to have to get up with a baby EVERY morning at 5:00 am or earlier, even when our alarm isn't set until 6:30. I'm hoping you grow out of this. It's nice to be loved, but the lack of sleep isn't doing much for my beauty rest. (See unusually pale complexion above.)

Zoe at 4 months. Baby big-ears.

I have learned to protect you at times, but also to let you fend for yourself when wrestling with your big brother. Even though you bug each other occasionally, I know you love each other very much.

Remy likes to join Zoe in her spot on the back of the couch.

I have learned that despite my past negative proclamations against cats, I actually do like some felines (but mostly just Zoe). I now consider myself more appreciative and understanding of your kind.

Perhaps most importantly, you have taught me that sometimes the best way to learn how to take care of yourself, is to learn to take care of somebody else. When you came to us, I was distraught with loneliness, horribly homesick, and had way too much time on my hands to wallow in my new and unfamiliar emotions. We rescued you from the wild world, and I could tell you were grateful - thanking me each and every morning by curling up on my chest and pressing your cold nose against my face. I quickly discovered what it felt like to be needed and depended upon, and also - how much I actually needed you.

So thank you, my little darling, for sitting in the sink while I do my makeup, for waking me up with your whiskers, and for playing with me for hours at a time. Thank you for showing me all these things and for loving me unconditionally - even in those early morning hours when my face is bare and I haven't yet brushed my teeth.