Introducing #6

There comes a time when you say to yourself, 

"It's time."

The children have been begging.

The clock goes tick tock, tick tock.

And well, eventually you succumb.

A family of 8 is a lot to manage.

A pizza picnic outside seemed just the right touch for a welcome home party.

No cooking. No cleaning. 

Perfect for a busy mommy. 

Introducing ...............

Lockhart #6

HA ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Naming him was quite the process; it took weeks. 

The contenders were: Rusty, Rescue, Minco, Milo, and Jasper. 

First there were a great deal of "conversations" lead by one of great influence over those younger than he. Then there were parental interventions of epic proportions where those of the brainwashed variety got to think on their own and have a true opinion on the matter. 

Soon to follow was the diplomatic process of each choosing two names and a form of deciding. Some used both of their votes for a single name. Voting was chosen by 3. Drawing out of a hat was chosen by 4. 

By wise example young Jacob lead a civil discussion and all parties agreed to combine methods so everyone felt their voice was heard. The voters ended up with Milo. The drawers ended up with Rusty. 

The final vote ensued. As Jacob slowly drew votes out of the box you could feel the anticipation:

Milo

Milo

Rusty

Rusty

Milo

Rusty

MILO!

Cue screaming wild children yelling "Milo" through the neighborhood. Okay, so they were just in our yard, but I guarantee they could be heard for miles!

It couldn't have gone better. The suspense was absolutely perfect considering all we had invested in the process. Although, it did help that those who tend more toward dictatorship mentality won. 

And just in case you are wondering; yes, he is named after Milo in the movie Milo and Otis. It's a favorite around here.

He is 6 weeks and 2 days old today and is adjusting quite nicely. We brought him home yesterday evening and he immediately took to his new bed and mommy bear (thanks for the donation Addie!). He also loves his little monkey (thanks again Addie!) which he snuggled with and slept on while enduring his first vet visit this morning. He is playful, he and monkey have had many a rumble already. Go surrogate sibling! And he's very loving and snuggly too.  

He loves his siblings of the human variety as well, 

but some of them aren't so keen on being chew toys. 

Malachi is especially gentle with him and now considers himself a cat. He will snuggle into you and tell you he is your cat and then ask to be petted. It is unacceptable to call him Malachi when putting him down to bed. You must say, "Good night kitty. I love you. Have a good sleep." Nothing else will do.

His safety zone, built by Daddy, is a stupendous way to give everyone alone time with Milo that does not involve dismemberment. He will outgrow it quickly of course but we figure it will offer him some territory to rule over and help orient him before he heads out into the wild blue yonder with all the red-tailed hawks. Yep, we have 'em. In plentiful numbers. He will be sleeping in his bed with the gate tightly closed until he can give those hawks a run for their money, or at least hide well enough.

We are hoping he is a marvelous mouser. Given his barn cat heritage we are expecting great things. The voles and 13 stripe ground squirrels are taking over our yard and garage. They are stubborn little pests and well, we hope they enjoy being lunch very soon. 

We love him dearly. Welcome home Milo!