superhero

"Mama, if I were a superhero, I would want to be the Baconator."

"I think that name's already taken by a sandwich, Ebbs."

"There's a sandwhich called the baconator?!?!?!? I want one!"

Just like her daddy.

Watchdog

I hear Ebbs come out from under the bed. She doesn't say a word, yet there's no need to look-I feel her coal-black eyes staring holes into my back.

"Pet me, Mama, pet me!," she screams telepathically, her voice pounding into the corners of my brain.

I turn, rub her ears and step out of bed. She prances joyfully in front of me, noses open the door to the girl's room and hops onto the bed of the sleeping child.

Night watchdog, fresh from her late-night nap and reporting for duty.

Peaceful dreams, my girls.

studying

Ebby looks up at me with seriousness in her eyes.

"Mama, I'm going to help you study."

"That would be great, Ebby. What's your plan to help?"

"I'll curl up beside you and take a nap while you read and do your homework. That way, you'll be warm and encouraged."

Ebbs hops up on the bed, turns around three times and snuggles down beside me. I give her ears a light rub and kiss her snoot.

"Thank you, Ebby. I do feel warm and encouraged."

breakfast

"Mama?"

"Yes, Ebby?"

"I like this new dog food."

"That's good, Ebby."

"But, Mama, you know what would make it even better?"

"Bacon's not on your diet, Ebby."

rainy day dreams

"Did you enjoy your nap, Ebbs?"

Ebby yawns and stretches, not quite sure she's ready to be alert yet.

"I did, Mama."

"Mama, you know the bad thing about rainy day naps?"

"Ebby, I can't think of anything bad about napping on a cool rainy day."

"Well, Mama, as I see it, those naps are never quite long enough."

"Yes, Ebby, I believe you're right."

"Ebby?"

"Yes, Mama?"

"Your tail was wagging during your nap. Were you having a good dream?"

"Oh, yes, Mama! The best! I dreamed that you came home from a long trip with bacon in your pocket and a soup bone in your hand. I snuffled the bacon from your pockets and then gnawed on the bone while you rubbed my ears. If I curl up again, maybe I can add chicken treats to the other pocket."

Sweet dreams, Ebby, sweet dreams.

dog tired

Ebby laid her chin on my knee and raised her eyes to meet mine.
"Mama?"
"Yes, Ebbs?"
"I took a nap on the sofa--don't tell Daddy, okay?"
I pat her head and rub her ears reassuringly. "It'll be our secret, Ebby."

apple season

"Guess what I found at the grocery today, Ebby?"
Ebby looks up from her spot under the kitchen table. "A new bone?"
"Nope, even better," I answer, "Honeycrisps!"
Ebby licks her lips and sighs. "Ooooo, that is better!"

hard-working dog

Ebby looked up at me with tired eyes. "It's hard work getting the family out of the house in the morning," she said with a yawn. "If you're not using this spot in your lap, I think I'll just rest here for a moment."

yogurt

I almost feel guilty finishing my own yogurt. I don't want it as badly as she does. My desire for yogurt has never held me captive, awaiting that sweet taste, while drool runs down the corners of my mouth and pools on the floor.
"Are you done yet, Mama?"
Her eyes search mine, hopeful, then return to the yogurt. Hope turns to pleading with every scrape of the spoon against the plastic container.
"Please, Mama?"
Another drop of drool.
I hold the cup out to her. Sweet strawberry-banana relief.

of bacon sundaes

me: I'm headed to burger king, Ebby, can I get you anything?
Ebbs (turning to me with joy dancing in her eyes): I was so hoping you'd ask. a bacon sundae, please. Hold the sundae.