Brian and Stella

The cats continue to do well here at our place.  They do a lot of napping, mostly it seems to save up energy so they can run about the house at 4:30 a.m.  They do well together, seem to get along, and haven't destroyed anything . . . yet. 

Since I spend more hours with the cats, they got used to having me around faster than they adapted to Brian.  Stella especially needs a period of warming up before she will spend time with someone.  To encourage the relationship, we decided that Brian should feed the cats most of the time, so they will associate him with delicious things.  So far, it seems to be working.  Stella has even decided to snuggle with Brian a couple times.

Here she is even letting him rub her belly!  Amazing progress!

A few more cat pics

We have been spending a lot of time with the cats, getting to know them and helping them become more comfortable in their new home.  They are now allowed to roam the entire house when we are home.  (We still confine them to one room when we are both gone.)  They are doing pretty good, although the Count has taken a liking to scratching at the futon.  

Stella has taken a liking to our cozy comforter (which is really understandable--it is nice and poofy).  She spends some time on it daily.

I have also been able to coax Stella to nap on my lap, something she was hesitant to do at first (unlike the Count, who will cuddle up to anyone at any time).  Here she is sleeping on my lap.

Stella looking out the window:

The Count laying around, hoping someone will come pet him:

The Count looking out the window:

Stella can often be found sleeping on my chair when I come home:

This is the only time I have caught them napping together.

Stella taking my chair again:

Brian with the Count.  Notice hoe the Count is totally relaxed on his back.  He is a real snuggler.

Me and Stella.  She will sit with me for a while, as long as I sit still.

Stella and the Count

We have two new additions to our household.  Stella is a white and brown semi-longhaired cat who is affectionate but a bit reserved.  She loves to snuggle on my lap for short periods and is becoming more vocal, chirruping greetings at us when we enter the room.  The Count is a sweet black shorthaired cat who was pretty reserved at the shelter.  Still, these two cats lived together at the shelter as close friends, so we decided to take them both.  Once we got him home, the Count's demeanor changed entirely.  He is extremely playful and loves to chase moving objects.  He is also very affectionate and forward, jumping up on any lap he can find and staying until we want to stand up.  He especially loves Brian because Brian will stay in his chair for as long as the Count wants to snuggle.  Stella is 12 months old, while the Count is 10 months.  They seem to be adapting quite well to our house (not upset by the ferret smell, as far as I can tell).  

Christmas, Part 2

First off, we had some presents to open:

Of course, we needed to have a nice fire too:

We played Upwords:

Olliebollen time!

More games:

We were also home for Mom's birthday:

Merry Christmas (part 2)!

Christmas, Part 1

Brian and Dave, messing around:

This is what happens when Dave crosses his mom:

Out for Chinese food, Christmas Eve:

Bike lights!  Go safety!

New comforter!

New hat!

Christmas get-together with extended family:

The dogs want to be involved in the action:

Merry Christmas everyone!