Scrappy is the same, particularly for my husband. We have had him for 13 years - he came into our lives the December after we were married. He is smaller than your baby though - a little chihuahua cross terrier. So, mournful eyes with over anxious disposition (actually he looks a lot like the avatar, particularly the eyes when the cat is having a nutso attack). Scottie (our cat) is more my animal, although I would happily disown him at times when he is trying to hunt your feet. The bird is a nice companion to us both.

Waiting around for the FET could also be causing the lack of interest in housework - I wouldn't stress yourself about it really...

Oh - to explain the explosion - did you read my blog about meeting the neighbours?

I also just thought there are all these other people around so somebody will be here to help if needed...