Bittersweet Day

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Mama and Papa meeting Matthew and Thomas. The joy of the day has been dampened by the passing this day of Mel the cat.

Mel was just about 14 years old and had lived with Chris for 18 months in Newington, 6+ years in West Hartford and now nearly 6 years in Farmington. Every night that Chris was home, Mel would either lead him to bed or wait for him on the bed. When Chris would lie down, Mel would place the top of his head under Chris' chin and purr for about 15 to 20 minutes. After that, "Mr. Shnuggles" would get off the bed, have drink of water (only from the bowl by the bed, never the water dishes in the kitchen) and would then either move on or curl up at the foot of the bed.

Mel was a gentle giant, and total wimp, attaining a weight of 19 pounds, but ending at 12+. In all his years, he was only known to hiss once - at Lucy. He was rarely fresh and even when he was, he was sweet, and that's probably the best word to describe him - he was sweet through and through.

He seemed fine until two nights when he didn't come to bed. Yesterday he was limping on a foot with an in-grown claw, staying under a bed and not eating. He even let Thomas pet him. We got him to the vet who diagnosed an infection, took care of the in-grow claw and prescribed antibiotics. He was up late last night and ate, walking better. This morning the same - even better, almost looking normal (tail in the air!). Then there was loud meowing which was totally uncharacteristic as he had the meekest voice, he was panting and in obvious distress. We put him in the carrier and rushed to the vet, but he expired en route. The blood work from yesterday showed nothing more than an infection. The vet suspects there was a cancer.

Mel had a great life with a family that loved him, and he gave much love back - forget all those things you hear about cats being standoffish or aloof. Mel always had a look of "What would I do if I were a cat?" and was the brunt of much joking, but it was all in good fun. He will be missed.

We're trying to figure out if there is a message in his passing on this anniversary. I always referred to him as my son and more recently as "number one son". It's as though he has passed the torch.

A Day Like Any Other

Here in CT, it was a damp, bleak, January day, much like winter in eastern Europe. Not being a great day to be outside, we baked cookies and muffins after school. We also checked out the Disney World website, to satisfy the boys' curiosity. They understand, though, that a trip to see The Mouse is a long, long way off. We rejoiced today when one of Matthew's front teeth came out. He probably yanked it himself, as he has been known to do, because he's so annoyed by loose teeth. Matthew and Mommy watched a video of the Lion King. Daddy had to leave, because it's too sad, and Thomas couldn't sit still for very much of it. We showed the boys lots of pictures on Kelly World. When it comes to The Old Country, there are some faces they remember, but many that they do not. It's the time of year again when some of us do a lot of reminiscing. Yes, two years ago today, Chris and I got on a plane to infinity and beyond. It's quite a contrast between that day and today. I remember so much about that trip, but so little about the first 6+ months after we got home. Good thing we have photos, and vehicles like this blog to help capture some of the milestones and ordinary events that mark the passing of time.

Speaking of milestone's, here are a couple of shots from Matthew's 7th birthday on January 3rd.

Happy New Year, everyone!