Big Gus

Poor Gus (my cat) is struggling to find his place in the family again. For the first 10 years of his life, HE was the baby. He now has dropped to the bottom of the totem pole. And believe me, I feel terrible that this has happened to both of our kitties - but I guess that's life. The pets always drop to the bottom of the list, no matter how much you try to not let that happen. He was my buddy while I was home on bedrest when I was pregnant (I actually think I did a couple of posts about him) and he never left my side. Since I have been home from the hospital, there is not a night that he hasn't slept with me in bed. He's loyal. And spoiled.

I have to give him some kudos actually. He and Maggie have been such a great big brother and sister to the kids. They hang around all of the time, "guarding" the babies. When they cry, they are right there; with concern. Maggie in particular hates to hear the babies cry. She meows until they stop crying. When the babies sleep, they guard the door. When anyone but Chuck and I hold them, Gus sits right next to that person holding the baby. It's pretty amazing. All of the worry I had about Gus's behavior was unnecessary. He's really done well and for an old CAT, he's a gem. And not once has he tried to get into a crib - thank God!

But I found it odd last night when I woke up at midnight and Gus wasn't in bed with me. It was so odd that I actually got out of bed and went on a search. Here is where I found him...

Let me first say that although he looks comfy in this photo, he's MUCH too big for the baby chair and further, he can't really fit in it too well. But he didn't care - he wants to be the baby again! I woke up with that guilty feeling that I've neglected him too much. I guess we'll have to get him a treat this weekend and give him some extra love. Regardless, he'll always be my first baby!