Kronk and the Intruder

Nathan here: I've had a request or two to know about Kronk's reaction to Hannah coming home. When we first came through the door, he was happy to see the new stuff we brought in because that meant he got to do some exploring. Then he looked inside the car seat. Something was different. Someone was in there--someone little! someone who smelled different. This was not acceptable, but since he knows he isn't in charge, he couldn't do much about it. Kronk has never taken very quickly to newcomers and he never has known how to act around children, but he can usually wait it out. The problem is that this stranger isn't leaving. For a while, Kronk was at DEFCON 3--wary and defensive. His solution? Maintain a safe distance. He rarely gets into his cubby hole except on the coldest nights (even then he usually chooses his hammock) and yet that is where he has spent most of his resting time these last three days. Don't get me wrong, he's acting cool about it (what cat wouldn't), but it is clear that he doesn't know what to do.

He has slowly and cautiously approached Hannah from time to time while she was sleeping and caught a sniff or two. He has calmed down some, but is definitely still on alert--probably still at DEFCON 4. When he gets surprised, he takes off like a shot instead of protesting and eventually getting out of your way--not your typical Kronk behavior.

He has discovered certain benefits to having this stranger here, however. Even though he has much less personal space and he retreats further into it, there are new hiding and resting places to explore and utilize. As you can see, underneath the changing table is an early favorite:

Another is underneath the crib, because it's obscured by the dust ruffle that Rachel's sister kindly gave to Hannah. It reaches to the floor and if you brush close to it every once in a while, you'll feel his paw reaching out to catch you. It's one of his favorite ways to play.

As time has passed, he appears to be adjusting to his demotion rather well. We love him and still give him attention (he is still needy), but he is still unsure of how he is to act. I'm sure that curiosity, and eventually familiarity will win out and he'll become accustomed to having Hannah as a full time roommate soon.