I don’t want to be the kind of parent who brags about every milestone, comparing Charlotte’s development to that of some fictional average baby. But I must report she’s riding the dog at a 36-month-old level.
You can’t just walk up to Bailey and hop on top. And you can’t just give up.
Success at last! But you know what they say about all good things…
Charlotte and Bailey have been battling all weekend:
Charlie’s tickling offensive is only a mild irritation to Bailey.
Bailey is a little more effective.
Charlotte loves juice. Bailey loves whatever Charlotte wants. Makes for good pictures.
Tired of the bedtime story routine, Charlie decided to take over.
Bailey was just happy to be involved.
When Charlotte wants something, not even a 75-pound dog can stand in her way. The dog can, however, just sit there.
In the second video, Charlotte shows why her blanket procurement was so urgent.
A little pre-bedtime banter between the baby and the dog.
Here Charlotte attempts to create the perfect wall collage with Yo Gabba Gabba stickers and with no help from the dog. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder tendencies are cute in babies.
Inspired by tonight’s figure skating—and using Chinese couple Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo’s music—Charlotte and Bailey treated us to an interpretive dance. In some parts of the performance, Bailey is less of a partner and more of a pommel horse. She gets the gold for putting up with this.
I turned on the video camera hoping Charlotte would say her new favorite phrase (“Puppy doog!”) She wanted to show off some robotic dance moves instead.
The clip was cut short by a raucous dog, who had to be removed from the set. After a few minutes, Charlotte let her back in.
Bailey’s not big on obeying commands. You wouldn’t believe her interpretation of “No! Don’t chase that cat! Especially not while we’re on this icy patch!” last night. But she really took my “Just sit there and don’t move” instructions to heart.
Charlotte was impressed.
Charlie took a break from dancing to offer Bailey a trade—a ball for a sock. I offer some variation of this transaction every day. Just like in that drug prevention ad with the mustached dad, she learned it from watching me.
I don’t know whether Charlotte’s talking to herself or a long-distance imaginary friend.
Charlotte’s on a fashion kick. Here she is picking out tomorrow’s outfit.
And while I have your attention, here’s a baby/dog video I never got around to posting from March 31st, the day before we moved into our new house:
Every year, I bribe Bailey to pose for a portrait by the tree. She always manages the same “I’m not sure this is worth that biscuit” stare.
[Clockwise from top left, we have 2005, 2006, 2009 (the big one), 2007 and 2008.]
Ellen was not a fan of my choice for today’s outfit.
Relax. I covered her up before we left the house.
Yesterday’s look was a bigger hit. That was an Ellen pick.