A Tale of Two Teddies

 It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

That pretty much sums up life with Teddy. There are some days, and most often some moments of every day, where Teddy drives us crazy. Lately, he's been aggressive and mean toward AJ, actively sitting on him, pushing him, kicking him, etc. It's tough for us to even watch a TV show they both enjoy because Teddy feels the need to constantly follow AJ around the room to sit on him, push him off the couch, or push him if AJ tries to move away and stand. It's not pleasant for anyone, and we're not really successful in redirecting that behavior. 

There's also the attempts to scale the railing, which may yet result in Teddy's demise. I don't think he'll fare well with the fall from the second floor. 

There's also the attempts to scale everything. He thinks he's a naughty cat and likes to climb on top of our counters, grin and giggle. He also does the same with our tables. 

Then there's the days he's so crabby, lays on the floor crying because he doesn't get his way. More often than not, what he wants isn't appropriate like playing in the kitchen sink running both faucets for an obnoxious amount of time while spilling water everywhere. 

Those are the worst of times.

Yet, his mega-watt grin can brighten any room. It can instantly make you feel better, as long as he's not unleashing it because he's being sassy. 

His unbridled joy, literally jumping up and down with excitement, is infectious. It makes me laugh out loud. It brings me joy to see him so joyful. 

His excitement and passion for certain things, such as buses, tractors and his favorite people, is something to see. He makes so many people feel so special with his greeting for them and his desire to spend time with them ... at least until they realize he's just going to dictate their every move.

His spontaneous dance parties, whenever the music catches his attention, are hard to top. He moves to the music, with no regard for whatever else is occurring. He does so with much excitement and joy, and he gets even more excited when you join him. Few things top jamming out with Teddy if you need a mood boost. 

Those are the best of times.

The best help us endure and push past the worst. I'm grateful Teddy is such a bundle of joy that lights up the world. I just sometimes wish he was a bit less of a stinker.