Saturday, February 23, 2008

Hover Mother

I think you've met Esther before in other posts. She is my daughter's cat. Literally. She discovered her. (Well, she and I). She paid for her (well, half).
And talk about a Hover Mother (you know...hu-hum...kinda like me...the mom who won't let their kids out of their site)

I knew Sophie would be a great mother. She is an organized child and very responsible. But I didn't count on this "hover-ness" factor.

She never, hardly ever, lets Esther out of her room. And her room is probably the only room in the house without a return air vent (if you get my drift).

Now, don't get me wrong. Esther lives in the lap of luxury in Sophie's room.



She has all kinds of toys and perches




But recently, we've tried to encourage Sophie to cut the umbilical cord so to speak. Let Esther venture out more. Let her see the world. After all, all birds leave the nest some day.




One factor that plays into all this is that we have one or two (OK....five) other cats. All of whom can come and go as they please. Can you imagine how poor Esther feels watching her big sisters going where they want, when they want, without being hovered over constantly by their mother? (I know how she feels....I'm the youngest, too). There's a big world out there - she needs to experience it - explore!

So, with much encouragement, harassment (OK, some threats in there too), Sophie has decided to introduce Esther to the world beyond her bedroom....

But only on a leash...



And only with a sweater on to keep warm. It's cold out there...







Notice how Sophie has a coat on her baby, but doesn't have one on herself? Who is that girl's mother? It's in the teens out there!

Baby steps, Esther....baby steps......

11 comments:

Carol Michel said...

That is funny that Esther has that little sweater on but Sophie isn't wearing a coat. Where indeed is Sophie's mother?

Kathy said...

My kids do that all the time (go out without a coat), always when my back is turned. When they get to a certain age I figure they can decided for themselves when it's time to wear a coat outside. And then what cracks me up is they go outside without one "just to feed the chickens" (or whatever) and then come back in stamping their feet and rubbing their arms and exclaiming how cold it is out there! Duh!

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

Sherry, my oldest daughter is 10. She said a couple of weeks ago that she would GO WITHOUT BIRTHDAY PRESENTS... if we bought her cat,Fluffy this $180 cat tree/perch thing....

Oh yes, I can relate. This is why I am addicted to your blog! 3 children, numerous pets. One crazy mama....

Oh.. and same daughter refuses to button or zip up her winter coats either. She is exactly the same.. would rather freeze than wear a hat, gloves, or coat! Crazy children!!

lmbo
Beth

Christine said...

I laughed when I saw the pictures because Ester has this look on her face like 'I hate this sweater'.

Aunt Debbi/kurts mom said...

How funny. I am not showing this to middle monkey or he will want me to crochet a sweater for Tisha. Don't feel too bad about the coat. Mine will put on their coats but leave off their shoes.

mertiegirl said...

Sherry, first I have to know, WHEN DO YOU SLEEP?! 2nd--the pix of Sophie & Esther are adorable. And after reading "Around the Funny Farm's" story of Gracie, you definately should get a Toy Australian Shepard! I'm with Carol- who has time for a daily brush & slobber wiping??!!! By the way, I'm back from my trip- rested, refreshed & re-connected. I'm really impressed with your blogabilities--- wait, I think I just created a new word. Watch Websters for that one! Keep up the good work. See you soon, Marilyn

Aunt Debbi/kurts mom said...

Hey Sherry, I was going to go read the blogs you like and found myself on your side bar. How very very sweet. I have been hesitant to link the blogs I stalk, but its on now:)

Deb

Anonymous said...

Poor Esther! She's gonna develop a "complex" or something of that nature. My brother hasn't worn an actual winter coat for the last 2 winters here in WI.

Thanks for checking out my blog and leaving a comment. I agree with you on the whole dog teaching responsibility issue. My bro's kinda lacking in that department and that might help a little.

Anonymous said...

Such a cute cat sweater! Great job and I don't think that I could get any of my cats to wear one!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Children have so many phases. This too shall pass. Heck I can remember walking home from school in my go go boots with snow coming over the top of them with my coat unbuttoned wondering why I was so cold and mistreated because I had to walk home in snow. But did I zip up my coat to stay warm??? NO. Just not cool to be seen with coat zipped or god forbid a hat and gloves on.

dmmgmfm said...

Oh how cute! I just had to comment. When my only child was young, I used to hover so much my brother called it hoovering.

Now that my son is grown and on his own, I hoover over my cat, Emily.

Looking at the Esther pictures, I think Sophie is a hooverer too.