We haven't had a family meeting in awhile. You know, where everyone gets to give a thumbs up or down - or a "meh" - regarding their feelings. With a new addition, I thought it might be a good time to see how everybody's doing.
Me: Well, guys - and girls - it's time to check in to see how things are going. Does anybody want to start?
Dash: I will! I can't believe you got me somebody to play with! I love this! She's just like me! Sometimes she makes a scary sound but I'm getting used to it.
Me: Thanks, Dash! I wanted you to be happy with a new playmate. I know what you mean about that sound - gosh, it's ear splitting.
Eli: Ahem. I think you have a lot of nerve bringing another - whatever they are - into this house. I get no respect as it is! Why, between the black cat acting like he's Lord of the Manor, and the other two, I have my paws full.
Me: I'm sorry you feel that way, Eli. I know you were here first. Try to make the best of it.
Fancy: "The black cat" huh? I'll have you know I am a Tuxedo - as in fancy cat! You may think you're all that but I know I am.
Me: Guys. Okay. Let's be nice. Chance and Finn, how are you guys doing?
Finn: I love the new baby. She's so cute and bouncy. I am very happy.
Chance: Thank you for buying new boxes. And they all have different dirt!! I'm happy, too. Is there another cat here?
Me: (Rolling my eyes.) Yes, Chance. Haven't you noticed? There are now two Abys.
Chance: I thought it was the same one. Whatever.
Me: Well, okay then. Hey, Jack? Want to get in on this discussion? I noticed you aren't as disturbed by the new baby as you were when Dash arrived. What's up with that?
Jack: Harrumph! Well, that one (nodding to Dash) annoyed me from the minute he walked in the door. Always swatting at my tail and getting in my face while I was sleeping and jumping on my back when I was eating. I was not happy about you bringing another one in here. But she's different. She leaves me alone. I like that.
Dash: She leaves you alone, you old grump, cause she's afraid of you! I'm not afraid of you!
Me: Okay. Nobody needs to be afraid of anyone in this house.
Rooney: I think she's cute and funny! I can't keep track of her though cause she's so fast! Are you sure she's a cat? When is Daddy coming home?
Me: Yes, she's a cat. Rooney, he always comes home. Well, everybody has chimed in except the newbie. Boo! Where are you?
Boo!: I'm here! Inside the big box. C'mon Dash! Let's play! Bet you can't catch me!
Me: Do you mean the couch? Boo! we want to know how you feel about living here.
Boo!: It's okay. I miss my other brother - and my mom and dad. But this guy is fun. There's good stuff to eat and lots of toys. I don't like the big, scary monster and I wish he wasn't here. The other cats don't bother me cause I made a big growl and scared them. The man is very nice to me and you're okay. I just wish you wouldn't try to hold me and slobber on me so much!
Me: Well then. Tell me how you really feel. I am not slobbering on you - those are kisses. I think you're adorable. I wish you would let me hold you like a baby the way Dash did.
Boo!: Well, you can't! I'm not a baby and I don't like to be held. But I do like it when you call my name. And where's the little girl who was here when they brought me? I liked her.
Me: That is my granddaughter and she'll be back. I just want you to be happy.
Boo!: Oh, you'll know it if I'm not.
And I'm quite certain we will.
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