Alone again...naturallyyyyyy

It happens sooner or later for all parents - the equally anticipated and dreaded weekend away....without the wee ones. I had no inkling about all the emotions attached with something as simple as heading over to Niagara On The Lake for a one-night-stay. Sounds easy, right? Not quite.

The prep involved with a weekend away is, in itself, exhausting. Preparing my overnight bag...the children's' overnight bags...diapers...acetaminophen...special snacks...ugh!!! Add to that the constant worry about how the children will handle being away from mommy and daddy for two days... a recipe for a quick trip to the walk-in clinic just an hour before departure!

I worried for a week leading up to this "getaway". I worried to the point where I made myself ill (currently taking erythromycin for an apparent throat infection, along with pantaloc for reflux!!!). Was there really a need for all this tension and aggravation? In a word, no.

Children are much more adaptable than we (I!!!) give them credit for. We dropped our babies off with my parents, and (according to my mother...who would NEVER lie) there were positively perfect little angels the entire time. Our son, who habitually wakes at least once a night, slept through the night IN A CRIB (note: we usually have to drag in into bed with us for a semi-sound sleep)! My daughter remembered her "pleases" and "thank yous". All in all, a good time was had by all.

Believe it or not, I even allowed myself to relax a bit. I only called home three times (the minimum allowance, I would say). These were in no-way paranoia phone calls! One was made upon arrival to the inn (for emergency numbers and room information). The second call was made before bedtime (to wish everyone a good night & send subliminal "sleep well" messages to the children). The third call was made the following morning (more to ease my guilty conscience, in case my parents had the "night from hell").

After the arduous task of physically and emotionally preparing for this overnight stay, I think I'm in need of a getaway...again....now....right now!!!

What's new pussycat???

What was I thinking?!? Am I certifiably insane? Please, don't answer that...

I've always thought that having a pet is a fantastic idea. It teaches children responsibility and fosters in them a sense of caring and compassion toward creatures great and small. Studies have also shown that having a pet around helps prolong a person's life. How 'bout that?! Well, I beg to differ.... for our pet nearly sent me into cardiac arrest!

Our family decided to adopt a tiny kitten, black as night. Chancho is a rambunctious little feline. This kitten loves to chase, gives playful bites, and loves to be cuddled. Perfect, right?

That perfection came to a halt just three days ago. Chancho was playing with a blanket we had left on the floor. As he played, my nineteen-month old son thought it would be funny to try sitting on the kitten. NOT a good idea. Chancho turned on my son, and left three-centimeter-long claw marks on his right arm. My son cried, I cried, and Chancho ran to hide under the sofa.

I quickly looked up the phone number to the York Region SPCA number. Fortunately for Chancho, they were closed. It bought him some time.

You see, a mother's instinct is always to protect her children, so my gut reaction was to give the kitten away. After much thought, and a few failed attempts at pawning poor Chancho off to family or friends, we opted to keep the kitten.

Chancho was only doing what any animal...or human would do - protecting itself! Aside from that one time, the claws never come out. Chancho is a gentle and affectionate kitty.

My advice to any parents who are looking to adopt a pet: It's a great idea, but be very aware! Ensure that you keep an eye on your children while they play with the pet at ALL TIMES! Teach your children the difference between playing nice & playing rough. Ensure that your pet receives all proper inoculations, spaying, neutering, and, if you want to go this route, de-clawing.

I'm glad we've decided to keep Chancho. My children adore this little kitten, and it appears that Chancho has developed a soft-spot for them as well. As for the incident between boy & cat, all is well. They're friends again.