Dinner was over, tummies were full, and it was time for bed in the Gaynor household. Charles had dressed the children in their jammies, and made sure their teeth were all brushed. (Mika, of course, had been less happy about this- he wanted to keep playing with his little sister!)

The children were settling in nicely as part of a family. Mika had taken to Madeline like a fish to water- everywhere Charles saw them, they were always laughing and jumping around somewhere, Melissa sometimes joining them. They were all very happy together.

"Well children, now that all is settled, I have a special bedtime story for you all," said Charles.

"Oooh, what kind?" cooed Melissa.

"Come here and see," said Charles.

Together they all got comfortable in bed, Madeline taking a spot on her Daddy's lap. "Can I turn the pages an' hold the book?" she asked.

"Of course, Love. Is everyone ready?" he asked, placing his paws on Mika and Melissa's shoulders. "All right. This one is called My New Mom and Me."

When I first came to live with my new mom, I was nervous. This would be my home.

I'd never had my own room before!

Mika certainly remembered feeling that way when he first came home.

I was worried that I didn't look like Mom,

so I tried to fix it.

But Mom said I didn't need fixing.

She likes that we are different.

Actually, I think I like it, too.

(And who cares what anyone else thinks!)

Mom plays with me,

and she takes care of me.

She does all the things that moms do-

even the things that make me mad!

Sometimes I don't like Mom.

Sometimes I feel really sad.

But Mom promises me we'll be okay.

She says if we just try a little harder,

tomorrow will be better.


...and it is!

Mom is learning how to be my Mom, and I am learning to be Mom's kid.

We are learning how to be a family.

Charles closed the book, and hugged all his children close. "What did you think of that story?" he asked.

"I loved it!" Melissa exclaimed. She felt very warm and safe, knowing she was welcome here. "We're just like the puppy in the story!"

"Yep!" said Charles. "No matter what we look like or where we come from, we will always be family. Because you are all my wonderful, beautiful children, and I love you very much," he said.

"I liked the part where he fell off the swings and his Mama gave him a band-aid," said Mika.

"Mm-hmm! That's a very important part of taking care of small cubs. I like taking care of you too," Charles said. Noting the sleepy-eyed look on Madeline's face as she snuggled near, Charles concluded "And now my loves, I think its time we all went to bed."

He carried Madeline and Mika in his paws, and Melissa held tight to her Dad's tail, as Charles took the children to their bedrooms. He tucked them in one by one, and turned out the light.

But not before saying "Goodnight, my dears. Tomorrow's another busy day. I love you."

To which they all said "We love you too."



I thought carefully and decided this could use another, more effortful story. So I hope you enjoyed it, and I wish you all a good night, too!

Story is My New Mom and Me by Renata Galindo.