Jun. 30, 2008 - Rare Snuggles

My first and my latest. 

Austin loves to dote on Rachel much like he would on a newborn kitten.  He has trouble relating to other people while babies and kittens accept him as he is. 

The only problem is that kittens and babies grow up and demand their independence and autonomy.  Rachel has begun this next stage and she doesn’t like to be cuddled or restrained in a hug for very long these days.  She squirms and wiggles until she has her feet firmly planted on the ground.  I don’t blame her, it is normal to want to explore, but Austin doesn’t understand or chooses not to understand that Rachel has to grow up.

It seems like everyday he has his feelings hurt when Rachel walks away fm him or struggles to get down from his hug.  Austin has an intense need to nurture and now our kitten and Rachel are grown.  (I know she is only 14 months but the baby stage is over)

I wish I could capture more pictures like these, Austin at rest and content and Rachel snuggling sweetly.  (She was bribed with Ritz crackers for this moment when Austin wanted to hold her)