I was on strict bed rest at the time, and our first baby, Pokey Kitty, had been by my side the entire time. I remember turning to her, and promising that she would never be just a cat.

I had loved Pokey instantly the moment I laid eyes on her.

Pokey was my constant companion and spent many a late night with me when I was writing papers throughout my graduate studies.

I loved Pokey with all my heart and couldn’t imagine how having babies would change our special relationship. But of course, it did. Once Tiny and Buba came home, there was very little time for me to spend stroking a little kitty on my lap. At first, Pokey spent a lot of time hiding. But she quickly realized that Tiny and Buba weren’t going anywhere and, unless she planned to hide forever, she’d need to start getting used to our new life with twins.

So, while I hate to admit it, my quiet times with Pokey have been few and far between in the last two years. But I still love her to pieces and that will never change.