Three years ago today Chris and I were making early anniversary plans. Since we knew we’d most likely not get out to celebrate our third anniversary, you know with a newborn and all, we thought we’d celebrate in advance. It didn’t hurt that we had tickets to see Phantom of the Opera either.

So following our workdays, we met up for a nice romantic dinner followed by a night at the theater. We had purchased the tickets before we were even pregnant, not knowing it would be nine days before our due date that we’d be attending.

Pooch here. ‘Sup?

As you well know, I have a like/dislike relationship with Miss Jayne. On one paw, her arrival triggered my fall from grace in Mom and Dad’s eyes. On the other paw, she has grown into quite the little playmate and she pays a lot of attention to me. Yet, on the other paw she still gets priority clearance on Mom’s lap, while on the last paw we have a lot of fun goofing around.

Lately she’s started to take on the role of “Mom’s Little Helper.” Not only does she assist with diaper changes for the Little Loud One, but she also helps set the table for dinner. Heck, she’s even fetching Mom’s slippers. Phew, glad Mom stopped pestering me about that one.

Now, doing things that are traditionally the dog’s role and freeing me up for more nap time is enough to tip the scales in her favor. However, Jayne has taken it to an even higher level. Her favorite new helpful task is to refill my food dish whenever it empties. She just loves scooping the kibble for me. And believe me, I do NOT complain. Especially when she gets a little too enthusiastic for her new responsibilites:

Yeah, I think she’s a keeper.

Jayne says, “You have spots on your cheek, I’m going to count them. One, two, three…

… thirteen, fourteen, sixteen.”

Yep, she counted all the spots on one side of my face. Thanks kid, I owe you one.

Just wait until you’re fifteen.