So, Abbi turned 4 this year and let’s just say she’s got some feelings about it.

It all started when Dad jokingly said, “Wow, you’re getting old, kiddo.”

Big mistake.

You could practically see the offense register on her face. Her ears perked up, head tilted, and she gave him that classic “Excuse me?” look dogs have perfected over centuries of dealing with humans who say the wrong thing. Ever since then, she’s been on a quiet little mission to prove she’s still got it. She’s been sprinting around the yard like she’s in her puppy prime, zooming down the hallway, tossing toys in the air, and reminding everyone she can still leap onto the couch in one graceful (and slightly dramatic) motion.

Christa and I have both learned to tread carefully around the subject. You can’t say the “O” word anymore not unless you want to get the look. Now we use words like “mature,” “distinguished,” and “experienced.” (She seems to accept those.) But truth be told, 4 looks really good on her. She’s still got the same goofy grin, the same wiggly happy dance when we come home, and the same love for cuddles, snacks, and sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.

If you ask Abbi, she’s not getting older she’s just getting better.

And honestly, we can’t argue with that.