On getting kittens to sit still and pose for pictures

Earlier this week my brother brought home a pair of kittens. Kittens! Needless to say, I've been extra jubilant since their arrival. A few years ago we endured the Tragic Cat Affair of 2006 (and 2007)* and afterward dad said no more cats. He seemed pretty serious even though I knew he'd cave eventually. And this past Tuesday was the day. Before I went to bed that night, he nonchalantly asked "have you talked to your brother today?" "No, why?" "He's brought home some kittens." KITTENS! I love the little critters, can you tell? So, obviously, I had to stay up until he came home with them (he and his girlfriend had taken them to her house for a while). They took charge and named them right off, which I found only fair because I've named plenty a-cat in my day. The little darlings are Callie (short for Calico) and Molly. I've already taken to calling them Callie Cat and Miss Molly.

Callie:

Molly:

*The Tragic Cat Affair of 2006 (and 2007) was as follows: first we lost my sweet baby Dinah who had just given birth to a litter of kittens. She went out one night and never came back. Although we tried caring for the babies, they did not survive. Not long after, the cat-love-of-my-life, Chloe (a big, overweight grey fluffball), went out one night and never returned. Dad thinks it likely that a fisher got them. Then in 2007, it got a little worse. Both my uncle's cat and my brother's cat met the same fate. I told you it was tragic.

I still think on it at times and am overcome by a fresh wave of sadness. These new little rascals have sure won us over, though. Love them. ♥