The Kitty Is 5!!!

On October 12th, our beloved kitty boy, Miles, turned 5 years old! We like to have a celebration for him every year because he's part of our family, too. (I know all the wise cracks that we should just have kids. ;) I know he's like our baby and right now that is perfect for us. Besides something this soft and fuzzy is just too cute not to have a party for.) So, we got him some birthday tuna - his very favorite - and a new catnip sockie and a little rattley mousie with a feathery tail. We also got a pumpkin cupcake for the occasion - he loves pumpkin ice cream and pie, so we thought the cake would be a hit. We even put a little orange (his favorite color) candle in it and sang to him. He got really excited about it, too, especially when John blew it out and the awesome smoke started to rise up. This kitty was amazed. :) However, the cake wasn't his favorite, so we're going to have some peach cobbler this week (he's addicted to it).
I know it's a little silly to be so attached to a cat. But, while John was gone those six months, Miles was all I had. He'd always run out to greet me when I got home from school. When I'd cry, he'd come and kiss my face. Every night he'd cuddle with me while I fell asleep and then stand guard by the door until I started to wake up (or until time for his food and he'd lick my face or pull my hair or nibble my ankles to let me know it was time to EAT). He'd catch up on his sleep on my lap while I worked on the agonizing chemistry and calculus homework. I'd eat dinner on a tv tray at the couch with the tv on and he'd sit on the arm of the couch next to me - partly to keep me company and partly in case I needed to share. ;) And when I started to go crazy from missing the Johnny and started talking to Miles, he'd listen. He's been my companion - just as much as any dog can be. And he's just as devoted to me. Once John was tickling me and I squealed in protest (we all squeal with tickling, it's true) and Miles jumped up and slapped John's hand and stood in front of me at him. (They have made up since then. He's actually become quite the daddy's boy.)
I love my finicky, weird little kitty so much. He's made the past five years so cuddly! You really do find love in unexpected places. I found some in a sticker bush five years ago. :D