If you’ve been following along on Facebook, you’ve already met the three newest additions to our home…but I realized not everyone follows me there. So I couldn’t let this newsletter go by without making some proper introductions!

After losing our sweet Navi last year, I knew no cat would ever replace her. She’ll always have a special place in our hearts.

When we finally felt ready to adopt again, the plan was simple: adopt three kittens who could grow up together.

Then we met Tsukiko.

Actually…Nigel met her before any of us did.

While we were browsing the rescue’s website, there was just something about her that grabbed his heart. She wasn’t the kitten we’d planned on adopting. She was a quiet, one-year-old black cat who had spent more than 200 days waiting for someone to choose her.

When we visited the rescue, Nigel only had eyes for Tsukiko. While Zach and I wandered around meeting all the cats, Nigel sat patiently with her. By the end of the visit, he’d even managed to earn a few gentle pets from this shy little girl.

Meanwhile, Zach and I…well…we’re still waiting for our turn. 😄

Even after bringing her home, Tsukiko has preferred watching us from a safe distance while she learns that this strange new house, two energetic kittens, and three humans might actually be okay after all.

The plan may have started with three kittens, but somewhere along the way our hearts changed the plan. We came home with Tsukiko, Celeste, and Thea, and I truly believe our family ended up exactly the way it was meant to.

🖤 Meet Tsukiko

Yes – we are still using her shelter pic because she isn’t quite ready for home pics yet – she is still very shy!

Our beautiful one-year-old black cat.

Tsukiko spent more than 200 days waiting in the shelter before we found her. She’s quiet, observant, and prefers to watch the world before deciding whether she wants to be part of it.

The first few days were filled with a hunger strike, hiding spots, cautious peeks around corners, and tiny victories like finally hearing her meow when she realized canned food was involved.

Every day she grows just a little braver, and watching her confidence build has been incredibly rewarding.

🌤️ Meet Celeste

Our sweet little 15 week old dilute tortie.

Celeste has been battling what seems to be a little shelter cold, complete with some sneezes and noisy breathing (we actually think she is just a loud sniffer), but don’t let that fool you. She has plenty of energy, a healthy appetite, and the sweetest little personality – with a side of TortieTude! IYKYK

She’s slowly discovering that people aren’t so scary…especially if they’re the ones holding dinner.

🌞 Meet Thea

If curiosity had whiskers, it would be Thea.

This little 12 week old brown tabby has decided the world exists solely for her entertainment. She’s fearless, playful, endlessly curious, and usually the first one investigating anything new.

She’s also become our tiny ambassador, helping everyone else realize that maybe this new house isn’t such a scary place after all.

❤️ Watching a Family Come Together

One of my favorite parts was choosing their names. We wanted something that connected them as a little family, so we settled on names inspired by the sky.

🌙 Tsukiko means moon child.

☀️ Thea means sun.

☁️ Celeste means heavenly or of the sky.

Somehow those names just felt right for this little trio.

One of the most rewarding parts hasn’t just been getting to know the kittens.

It’s been watching Tsukiko slowly learn that these two tiny whirlwind sisters aren’t quite as terrifying as she first believed.

There have been cautious sniffs, a few hisses, lots of staring contests, and every day a little more progress.

It’s been a reminder that trust takes time, and that’s perfectly okay.

Thank you to everyone who has celebrated with us, offered advice, and cheered these three girls on over the past couple of weeks.

I have a feeling you’re going to be seeing plenty more of them around here…especially if they decide to supervise my Scentsy packing or make surprise appearances in future photos. 😸

Sure – they look sweet and innocent! Don’t worry – once Tsukiko is out of hiding I will make up for her lack of pictures!