kids – A Fantastic Chaos

I’m sure it’s got to be a rite of passage, in parenting. When your darling little one looks up at you with doe eyes and says, “Mommy, can we get a puppy/kitty/pony/pet unicorn?”

After our beloved lab passed away, I went back and forth between never wanting another pet and wanting one RIGHT NOW. As time passed, I saw the merit in waiting to bring another furry friend into our home. The little ones had some growing up to do, and besides…pet hair. Right??

Well, my oldest is 4 and now the doe eyed conversations happen weekly. My husband and I agreed we would start some research. We understand how big of a responsibility it is to care for a pet, and we never want to treat an animal as though they are here solely for our entertainment. We wanted to make sure we knew what would be compatible for our family and our potential new friend.

First decision was the biggest one: cat or dog? My husband is definitely a dog person (though he likes cats too) and I am just the opposite. We agreed that with our busy-ish lives, that a cat would be better suited for our home at this time. Now what kind of cat?? I am typically a big supporter of “adopt don’t shop”. However, with having small children, we wanted to try ensure that our animal companion will have a gentle temperament, which meant finding a suitable breed and a reputable breeder. I completely understand that there are some very passionate views on this topic, but this is the decision we have made for our family.

The consensus in our house was that a Maine Coon would be the best fit for us and the cat. Referred to as the “cat for dog people”, Maine Coon cats are gentle giants. They naturally play fetch and can be harness trained to walk on a leash. Maine Coon cats are good natured, laid back, and extremely social cats who love interaction with gentle children and other animals.

Next we researched rescues first, then ultimately settled on a reputable breeder in our area. Our little furry bundle of joy will be joining our family the beginning of April. Make sure you feel comfortable with the avenue you choose. Our breeder is very sweet, is always willing to answer questions, and posts weekly updated photos of her kittens. We also had to agree to their contract and place a deposit.

As far as necessary items for your furry friend, it really depends on your animal companion. We asked our breeder for her recommendations on food, cat litter and boxes, grooming, and toys/scratching posts. Maine Coon cats tend to be large and quite active. We had to take this into account when choosing a diet, as well as toys or activity items such as a cat tree.

So far, we have acquired a litter box, litter, a litter scoop, starter food (we plan to transition to a raw diet – I will make a separate post for that), and food/water bowls. We’re researching different cat trees and scratching posts, both those are the next items on our list.

As I learn more, I’ll post more on this adventure. Also I’ll make a separate post on my raw diet research for our kitten.

Do you have pets? Did you get a pet when your children asked? Tell me about your experience!

What do pie and a squealing toddler have in common? One tired mama. Come along, won’t cha?

Let me start by saying a few things. First, I love my daughter more than anything. Second, I try to eat as healthy as possible on a regular basis. Okay. Having said all of that, sometimes when your toddler is driving you up a wall you just need to find peace in a slice of pie. Or I do, at least.

A little back story. We recently relocated our little family several states away for my husband job. I had a full time career as a RN, but chose to stay home with our daughter once we moved. I feel very blessed to have that opportunity. It has been a unique transition though. Being a housewife does not come naturally to me. And I used to work 12 hour shifts, now I have 24 hour shifts. Ok ok, I’m being dramatic. Occasionally I get to go to the bathroom without my daughter barging in & sometimes she takes naps long enough for me to do this Tasmanian Devil style cleaning of my house. But I digress.

My daughter, bless her little heart, is entering a pivotal time in her life where she has all these emotions but cannot yet tell me what they are. The only way she feels she can appropriately express herself is with this high pitched squeal or by slapping me in the eye. Luckily this typically happens at home. She doesn’t care how calm or AP I pretend to be. She knows my mind immediately goes “I wonder if we can try for an early bedtime tonight.” To which, she reads my thoughts and gives me a cute but sassy “no.” Oh that’s a word we have figured out!

So we are living in a new area and some days the toddler struggle is so real that I couldn’t bear doing actual grocery shopping, like in an actual grocery store. Lucky for me, there is a cute little store down the road from me, that is my haven. My escape. My home away from home. This store & I have bonded on such a level that sometimes I make excuses just to go in there. Except today I had a real reason (um hello, they sell the only bread I will eat) and there it was. Like a beacon of hope through the storm of a few bad tantrum days. A little slice of sunshine waiting to chase my blues away. A single serving of Shoofly Pie.

What is Shoofly Pie you say? Whaaaa? It’s deliciousness of an indescribable level. Truth be told, I’m a bit of a recovering sugar addict, so this probably wasn’t the smartest idea I’ve ever had. But where else on earth are you gonna find this sweet slice of Heaven in my neck of the woods?

So yes I bought it (it was under $2, come on!) and yes it was everything I thought it would be. Amazing.

Basically the moral of the story is to find the simple pleasures in life when things get a little rough. Find some thing that will put a smile on your face and to recharge your batteries, so to speak. Even if it goes against your diet. Ok again, maybe just me.

Disclaimer: I will write about health & wellness here. I will extol the virtues of a healthy, organic, real food diet here. But I will also have real talk. I am human, and do have days where I break my own rules. Moderation is important in all aspects of life & so is doing what works best for you. Everything written here is my own thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. I make no intention of advising, treating, or diagnosing anyone. Thank you.