Meeting the Messrs.

 "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

So begins one of our favorite stories, and the introduction to Messrs. Bingley and Darcy.

In February, our sweet and beloved cat Alice died very suddenly and tragically (she woke up extremely sick, I rushed her to the vet, she was euthanized the same day, it was traumatic for our family).  That day I promised Annie that we could get a kitten.  But not yet. Late May, I said, would be the earliest we could bring home a kitten. In the meantime she was convinced she would get a white cat named Mr. Bingley, who would be a "perfect gentleman." 

Long story short, last Friday we left the house between tornado warnings and watches to go pick up Mr. Bingley and his bonded brother, Mr. Darcy.  They are, in a word, adorable.

Mr. Darcy (blurry photo by Annie): tall, dark, and handsome; reserved and quiet.  Rather particular. 

Mr. Bingley: small and gregarious, friendly, energetic. Loves everyone. 

Gentlemen dining. So civilized!

Best friends. Look at that paw!  It wasn't staged. 

They are the cutest things ever, and we are all sort of crazy about them. Annie is learning why kittens are a lot of work, and I'm just loving having tiny creatures in the house who have boundless energy! They've settled in beautifully, do not cry at night (they curl up together), are affectionate and well-socialized, have no misconceptions about litter box use, and keep us laughing over their kitten antics. 

Here's a truth universally acknowledged: kittens are good for the soul!