Kitten's First Full Moon

with milk and cookies

KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON

by Kevin Henkes

The story of a brave (and hungry) kitten who believes the moon is a bowl of milk and tries to drink it!

She battles the elements only to find everything she needs is right at home.

MOTHERHOOD

by Kitten’s First Full Moon

Almost every evening for the last 2.5 years we have shared the same rhythm. So far, tonight has been no exception. Dinner. Bath. Nightgown.

Now, normally I would take you to the window. As I’d close the curtains across the dusk I’d say something like “I see the moon and the moon sees me. Goodnight mamas. Goodnight papas. Goodnight kittens. Goodnight friends.”

We’d name your grandparents, your cousins, your classmates. Sometimes we’d sing a song. Then, I’d wake up your nightlight while I pour you into your canopy. I’d sit on the floor to read you something wonderful again. Again.

You’d have a hair twirling, finger sucking, good time as you drift off.

Eventually, I’d fall up and say “goodnight fairies, goodnight feet,” and spin your mobile once so they dance as I leave. Sometimes you ask for cheese or peanut butter puffs.

On my way out, I’d offer a kiss to your mezuzah for protection and close your door, moving the handle in such a way so that it never, ever, slams.

Then, it would be my time and I’d fill it with screens and dreams under curtains. Sometimes, the moon winks from my window.

…

But tonight, none of this happens. Yes, dinner, bath, nightgown

But, it’s 132 degrees inside our home for the 601st night in a row and heat rises and it’s trapped inside your canopy.

So, instead of pouring you into bed and crawling into mine like we do all the time, we wade down the stairs out of sorts.

I am feeling you curious, anxious, about what’s next if it’s not fairies and feet. Maybe it’s just me.

Through the darkness of the living room, a place we never go at this hour, I see shadows of your father giving your sister a sparkling glass bottle of cold milk. I catch gray outlines of windows and silhouettes of doors flung open.

Do you see all the bugs in search of water delighting in your glittering things? They seem happy.

But, I’m feeling disappointed that we can’t read a story in this darkness, and I make up you are too. I’m not even sure where we should sit. It’s hot all around and I’ve lost all energy to fight against the elements.

Defeated I offer,

“We’ll take a rest outside.” Our beloved black kitty Myo follows us out.

I’m not usually under the night sky with you. Or much at all since your first weeks. It’s mysterious and new to be here.

Heartbeats after I find my way onto a lounge chair I realize I’ve made the best choice possible. We’ve switched places with the bugs and can delight in their glittering things. Nothing between us and the hanging moon.

You crawl all over me, a wiggling, happy thing. My kitten. Finally, nestling in.

I brush your pony-tail out of my eyes and thousands of stars are there. Look. More. They burn and sparkle. Planes like watercolors in the darkness. A satellite?

How funny. We never do this. Just you and me amused by the sky. A wonderful story I don’t have to read. An hour of silent spinning awe passes.

It’s wild. You feel so new here to me. It’s like the night we met. Just like then we’re not asleep but now I get to ask you —

“What are thinking about?”

“I want to hold it” you whisper painting the moon with the tips of your fingers.

“I understand,” I breathe. “I am.”

NURSERY GRAHAMS & KITTEN’S MILK

by Kitten’s First Full Moon

Preheat oven to 350°. Sift 3 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1/2 tsp. salt together. Mix 1 cup of cold chopped butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 3 tbls honey until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture and 1/8 cup of water until combined.

Roll dough on floured surface to 1/8” thickness. Use teddy cookie cutters

or trim dough to a rectangle shape. Cut dough into squares, rectangles or diamonds and transfer to cookie sheet. Prick each cracker lightly with a fork.

Bake 8 - 9 minutes, rotating cookie sheet halfway through until crackers are a dark, golden brown. Cool on tray for 5 minutes then transfer crackers to wire rack. The crackers become crisp as they cool.

Serve with a “kitten” bowl of whole milk. Yummy.

Adapted from a recipe by: GoldenDaysAtHome

KITTEN’S AND MILK

by Kitten’s First Full Moon

PSA: Cow’s Milk is TERRIBLE for cats and kittens!

The association between cats and milk has been perpetuated through historical feeding practices, popular culture, folklore, and media. However, it is important to recognize that milk is not a necessary or suitable part of a cat’s diet.

By debunking the myth of cats and milk, and embracing a holistic approach to cat care, we can provide our feline friends with the love, care, and nutrition they deserve.

For a special treat to bond try Greenies or Churu instead :)

BUG ON YOUR TONGUE

by Kitten’s First Full Moon

Say it three times fast!

'Kitty caught the kitten in the kitchen.'

‘Many mumbling mice are making merry music in the moonlight.’

‘You've no need to light a night-light,
On a light night like tonight,
For a night-lights light's a slight light,
And tonight's a night that's light.

When a night's light, like tonight's light, It is really not quite right, To light night-lights with their slight lights, On a light night like tonight.’

KID’S FANCY FEMME BLACK KITTEN COSTUME

by Kitten’s First Full Moon