Monday, November 25, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Christmas tree went up yesterday, along with the indoor decorations. Usually we wait until after Thanksgiving Day (this coming Thursday); but since we decided on a do-it-yourself approach for the family Christmas pictures this year, well, it made sense to do it now so I could put in my order for my holiday cards. Although Mouse has actively helped decorate for the holidays in the past, this is the first real year she has an awareness of what Christmas is. It made for a much more fun experience--minus the hiding in the corner to pout and a couple frustrated-feet-stomping moments. 


Gracie has already decided the tree is a jungle gym. It is her first Christmas, and while in the years before Mouse we might have skipped the tree for kitty safety reasons, we can't get away with it this year, not with a two and a half year old in the house. 


Speaking of the two and a half year old, I asked her what she wanted for Christmas a few weeks ago, and the most I could get out of her was "Santa toys. One big Santa toy and one little Santa toy." Oh, and snow. So, we may have to plan a trip to the mountains to see the snow at some point.  While out shopping for her Christmas dress about a week ago, she saw a Princess Ariel baby doll that she just has to have. She didn't get it, of course, but now all she talks about is how she wants that particular doll for Christmas. It's the first time she's actually remembered she's wanted something for longer than a hot minute!  A milestone!  Although, not one I am overly excited about.  Haha!

What I want most for Christmas is a healthy household. My darling cat, Parker, became ill quite suddenly last week. He stopped eating and drinking and was in a great deal of pain. The veterinarian ran blood work and completed an ultrasound on him. The results showed he had an inflamed pancreas, liver, stomach and intestines. Parker had to stay in the hospital for a few days to get the inflammation down, and settle his digestive tract enough to where he can hold down food. He came home this past Saturday, armed with medication. He eats here and there, but is not eating much. And he spends most of his time in hiding.  He is still extremely subdued.  When I called the veterinarian this morning to give her an update, she asked that I bring him in this afternoon (thank goodness my boss is so understanding, especially since we're short staffed this week).  The overall prognosis is good (although guarded) once we get over this hump, which hopefully we will. He goes back to the doctor's on Saturday, when my husband and I will learn how to give him B12 shots. All this worry about Parker has taken its toll, especially given what we've already been through this year with our other animals.  The cost of his medical care is weighing heavily on us as well; although, to be honest, I'd rather spend the money on getting him healthy than on Christmas presents and what have you.  Still, it's a stressful time for us.  


My husband and I both are working this week, and my mother is in town visiting, which is nice.  We will be having a laid back Thanksgiving, I think.  Admittedly, it is not my favorite holiday, and I am looking forward to seeing its backside.  However, in the spirit of the holiday, there are many things I am grateful for this year, and my friendship with many of you are included on that list.  Thank you for your constant support and kindness.  

This will be my only post this week.  For my American friends, I hope you and your family and friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  For everyone else, have a great week!  I will see you all next week . . . 


© 2013, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

19 comments:

  1. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Enjoy that darling girl, and I pray your kitty is feeling better soon.

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    1. Carrie - Thank you. I hope you have great Thanksgiving week too!

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  2. Happy Thanksgiving, and pats, kisses, and prayers for Parker.

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    1. Bridget - Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. And thank you too for keeping Parker in your prayers. He's enjoying all the extra attention now that he's starting to feel a little better, I think. He started eating and drinking again yesterday. Hopefully it continues!

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  3. I just can't picture sweet little Mouse pouting in the corner or stomping her feet. I'm impressed that she's interested in decorating - Vance never has been.

    I'm sending prayers to Parker.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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  4. Those family Christmas pic attempts are fun, huh? I hear ya on the foot stomping. We used to have to take so many just to get one decent one and by then, someone was crying.

    I think Parker is going to be okay. He's a big guy so I wouldn't worry too much about the eating at long as he is drinking his fluids. He's just not up to par right now and no one wants to eat when you aren't 100%. I sure hope he is feeling better soon.

    Your tree looks lovely.

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  5. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Mouse looks like she was having fun decorating :)

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  6. Poor Parker :( You sure have had some trying times with your pets this year. We had a scare with one of our cats 2-3 years ago where he had to stay at the hospital for a few days, but he has been good since.

    I love the "mouse" photo too and kitty under the tree. Enjoy your time with your mom.

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  7. Have a great Thanksgiving, Wendy! It's my favorite holiday. There isn't anything I love more than spending time with my extended family (well, except maybe uninterrupted reading time). Enjoy the day with your fam.
    Oh, and we'd be happy to have you stay with us if Mouse wants snow. We have some outside already!

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  8. This is the first year my daughter will actually experience the tree as well.. I am going to be putting it up next week and I'm waiting to see her reaction.. Mouse is the cutest little one:) Love reading about her!

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    1. Ramya - It's such a magical time of year for children, isn't it? I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  9. Its so lovely when children reach the age when they became aware of the magic of Christmas.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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  10. Glad you will be able to spend some time with family. I'm glad Parker is back at home with you. So sorry he's having this bout of illness. Our prayers will be with him for a speedy recovery.

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    1. Carla - Thank you. I am glad my mom was able to travel down to us for the holidays.

      And thank you for your prayers regarding Parker. He's starting to eat and drink now, fortunately. Whatever medicine the doctor gave him has helped with his appetite, thank goodness.

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  11. I hope Parker gets well soon :) As for Gracie all I can say is uh oh a cat's first Christmas... We haven't had any mentions of Christmas from nephew yet, but he knows what birthdays are now so it's only a matter of days.

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  12. I hope you share your do-it-yourself card on your blog. :) I have been seeing your posts on Facebook about Parker. I hope he gets better soon!

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  13. Oh Wendy I'm sorry to hear about you kitty! I hope he's on the mend soon.

    I'm not very big on Thanksgiving but it has been relaxing so far and that's what I'm thankful for :) Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your family!

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  14. My 2.5 year old granddaughter says she wants "Santa toys and books" :) I guess she takes a little after her Olly.

    I am so sorry to hear about Parker.... our pets are such an integral part of our family. I hope that the meds are doing their work and he is back to feeling better in no time.

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  15. Wendy, I hope Parker is doing much better. It's so hard when our pets are sick but I'm of the same mind as you. I'd rather spend the money on getting my pet well I'd I can than on anything else. I love the pic of Mouse decorating the tree. It's pretty. I haven't been feeling the best so haven't been on Facebook which is where I usually catch up on what's happening with you so I thought I'd better pop in here. Hope all is well with you guys this week.

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