Kittens??

My kids have been begging to get kittens. We've been "cat-less" for a few months now since we had to put our beloved Olivia to sleep. She was sooooo sickly. She lived a good life and was almost 14. I didn't want to jump into getting more animals, so we waited and grieved. Now that summer is here the kids have really been asking to get kittens. I'm getting a pair this time. We did have another cat who was a year older than Olivia and she died a few years ago. They were the best of friends. I want to have that again. I guess I believe it will help relieve the guilt when we're gone all day at school. We're heading to the animal shelter here shortly. I told the kids to be open to cats that are a couple of years old, too. My daughter is referring to those as "kiddens" - get it? The cats aren't older adults, but aren't just born, so they are kids, thus "kiddens." Hey, I thought it was cute. I feel crazy for doing this, yet I'm excited. I miss having a cat. The plan is to let each child pick out their favorite.

Ok so it was a hard decision. So many adorable cats, kittens and kiddens there! In the end my children couldn't pass up kittens. I should have known it would be that way! They've picked out a pair that are caged together. I'm quite sure they were litter mates. We had to fill out an application and are coming in for an interview tomorrow afternoon. Then if we pass that (I don't see any reason we wouldn't, except for taking a dog to the shelter about 8 years ago - which I still feel guilty about) it's likely the girls aren't spayed yet, so they would do that Wednesday morning and we could take them home Wednesday afternoon. I did find out that you sign a contract to NOT have them declawed. I know it is controversial, but I admit we did it to our cats 14 and 13 years ago. I am ok not doing it since it's such an issue, but am going to be looking for ways to save my furniture! ;) Thoughts are welcome! Oh and the names of the kittens in the shelter are Lilly and Tinkerbell. My daughter wants to keep the one kitten as Lilly, but my son wants to change the name of the other one - he's contemplating Violet or Lilac to stick with the flower theme even though Lilly should be Lily. Other ideas are welcome as well!