The cast of characters:

Chatterer (“C”): 4 year old little boy who is fascinated by pretending to be everyone from Tigger to Elmer Fudd to his own stuffed mouse, Squeaky.

Little Boy on a Mission (LBoaM) (fka Toddler-on-a-Mission (ToaM) and Baby-on-a-Mission (BoaM)):an almost 2-year old little boy who always wants what his brother has or to do what his brother is doing.

Manly Man (MM): father to C and LBoaM, and my wonderful husband.

Vicious Dog: a 7 year old golden retriever, more likely to lick you than actually attack you.  Vicious Dog had knee surgery on both knees four years ago, when the veterinarian said Vicious Dog would have trouble running and jumping post-surgery.  We’ve considered filing malpractice (not really) against the veterinarian, as Vicious Dog’s legs work better than ever. 

Howlie Kitty: a 15 year old Himalayan who has been a family member since I started law school.  Of late, he has replaced our alarm clock, as he has taken to howling in the middle of the night at nothing.  I call it “Feline Senility Syndrome.”

PurrMonster: an 8 year old Ragdoll “kitten” who weighed 16 pounds.  If you looked at her, she purred.  If you walked near her, she purred.  She was Chatterer’s favorite pet.  She passed away on September 9, 2008.

Elmo: flamepoint Ragdoll kitten acquired in October after PurrMonster passed away.  Brother to Zoe.

Zoe: sealpoint Ragdoll kitten acquired in October after PurrMonster passed away.  Sister to Elmo.