Lucy

Our cat, Lucy, was a Valentine's Day gift from Tim back when we were newlyweds and he was crazy busy working two jobs and going to school, and I had begun to wonder if in fact I did have a husband and wasn't just living alone in an apartment. Tim got her for me in hopes that she would keep me company and less lonely for him--yes, on the first but nope on the second. Lucy essentially became for us what I think most pets are to couples with no children--our animal child. We bought her presents for Christmas, we took pictures of her, we bought her a bling collar, and we talked to her in baby talk. I think those were probably the happiest days of Lucy's life.

And then Marcus was born. Our REAL child.

And Lucy became our PET cat.

I think Lucy has always been a little bitter about our decision to have a child and then--heaven forbid! to have more children. She still has her bling collar, but the Christmas presents don't happen anymore and we don't take pictures of her like we used to. She sort of tries to pretend that we don't have children (which is difficult when they are mauling her) or when their friends are chasing her around the house because it is "fun."

Marcus and the babies love her very very much. And finally, I can see her giving a little love back. Tim and Marcus have been talking a lot recently about how to get Lucy to want to be with Marcus more, things that Marcus can do so that she will let him hold her and--crossed fingers--maybe sleep in his bed with him someday. Marcus has been sincerely trying to be softer, kinder, and more loving to Lucy and it is working. The other day I walked in to check on Marcus and this is what I found. It only took about 5 years, but I think Lucy is finally coming around.