Well, Jason and I finally caved. We gave in to the girls and they got a pet today. How could we say no as they fell in love with this tiny little life? They oohed and ahhed, they fought over who got to hold him first, they could barely contain their excitement... and, as Ava solemnly informed Chloe "Pets are a lot of hard work and responsibility", we knew we were teaching them valuable life lessons.
They've been busy setting up his home for the last hour. Giving him food, holding him and petting him, offering him new forms of entertainment. He has been their joint focus all afternoon, united by their love for him. Chloe created a little pen of croquet mallets, Ava is creating a clothing line including uggs, shawls, and hats. Yep, this is one lucky caterpillar.
I know, we've raised the bar on you other parents out there. How are you to compete with our incredible pet?? I apologize for the begging and tears that I'm sure you will receive as word spreads about our new pet and how fabulous he is. For us, it just made sense. The girls will learn about responsiblity: who is feeding him, watering him, providing him fresh grass to snooze on, and twigs to nibble? Then, will come the inevitable 'all things go to heaven' conversation. We will work through the grief together as a family, and fortunately, he will only require a tiny little burial plot. The kids will have a companion to share their adventures with, a pet who loves them unconditionally, and will learn a lot about themselves in the process. I'm sure this will be a thrilling 36 hours with our new pet.
I got really excited during the first paragraph and was about to dial your number to call and inform you that I was out the door to come visit your new puppy. This reminds me of the times we tried to nurse birds back to health after they ran into our family room window. Or when Becky's classmate sold her two hamsters, who were not only the runts of the little, but were too young to be taken from their Mother. Despite our best efforts, one fell into a coma and spent the final 12 hours of its life twitching and sweating. Or the time Becky started luring that squirrel "Buddy" to the house with peanuts and it worked well enough for him to come around our house on a daily basis, even making himself at home inside the house after chewing his way through the screens on our windows. I'll never forget Mom screaming when she opened the blinds to her bathroom window, only to meet Buddy as he tried to make his way through her bathroom screen. Ah yes, those days were swell indeed. I'm sure this is the first of many curious adventures for the kids. Have fun!
Posted by: Katie Anderson | 09/11/2011 at 11:35 AM
No, he'll become a beautiful butterfly silly! Time to get out The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This will then allow you to buy cake, cupcakes, watermelon, sausage, swiss cheese, pickles, plums, strawberries, oranges.......
Posted by: Mary | 09/10/2011 at 06:26 PM