When did it happen?  A year ago this would have been unheard of behavior.  Heck, even a few months ago this would have been unacceptable.  But there I was letting Asa open MY presents and play with MY new toys!  I even shared MY cake with him!  When did I become an adult?!

As you know, I take pride in being Asa’s “big brother.”  However, I’m still young and that doesn’t mean I always behave in a mature manner.  Typically I’m possessive of my toys, and no one would dare get between me and ripping open wrapping paper.  So I’m not sure what happened at my birthday party.  Perhaps it was because I knew my cake was still coming and I wanted to pace myself?  Or maybe I’m growing accustomed to sharing with Asa?  Whatever the case, there was something about that wistful look on his goofy face that I couldn’t resist.  So I stepped aside and watched as he opened my gifts! Dad even had Asa leashed up so that he wouldn’t intrude on my fun.  But I brought my toys to him anyways.  After all, technically he’s still a puppy, and should be allowed to play.

If you think I was confused by my mature actions, you should have seen Asa!  He didn’t know what to do about my sudden change in attitude.  At first he was too busy shredding wrapping paper to notice I wasn’t participating.  However, when the paper stopped flying, he realized what he had done.  At first Asa played it safe, and only laid claim to the Alien squeaky toy he gave me.  It was pretty obvious he wanted that for himself from the moment he bought it.

While I visited with my relatives, Asa snuck back into the living room where the presents were.  He couldn’t resist the new bacon scented squeaky ball.  Our yard has been too icy lately to play fetch, so I knew he was going through some really serious withdrawals.  I pretended not to watch as Asa grabbed that coveted ball and ran to hide under the table.  I just laughed and patiently waited for my turn.  I knew he’d get bored in a minute and move on to something else.

Feeling bolder, Asa decided to press his luck.  He grabbed the biggest toy he’s ever seen, a squeaky caterpillar almost as long as him.  Asa then proceeded to dance around with it taunting me, and waiting for the inevitable thrashing where I would wrestle him to the ground and take it away.  But I didn’t.  I did a quick round of tug of war, much to the delight of the party guests, but then I uncharacteristically let Asa win.  It didn’t even cross my mind to destroy the caterpillar.

For the remainder of my party Asa and I took turns playing with my new toys.  Even Grandma took notice of my unusual behavior, and complimented me on what a “big boy” I’ve become.  I guess I am a big boy now.  But I haven’t lost my edge.  Brace yourself Asa, I’m staking my claim to MY toys!