A Bedtime Story for Bailey
It’s official. Charlotte has wrested control of story time.
It’s official. Charlotte has wrested control of story time.
Bailey turned five today and Charlie couldn’t have been more excited. She sang her “Happy Birthday,” gave her several new toys, and heartily laughed as I served the dog a birthday London broil in her Kong. And as a special birthday treat, ESPN’s Bill Simmons recorded a two-part podcast with Chuck Klosterman, one of Bailey’s favorite authors. So we went on an extra-long birthday walk tonight, too.
What did Bailey look like when we first brought her home, you ask? Here’s the internet’s first report on the matter.
And here’s how Bailey celebrated the big 2-1 (in dog years).

“Bailey has a boo-boo,” Charlotte told us. “She fell down on the playground.” Here’s how we treat fictional injuries in this house:

We were under a Tornado Warning earlier tonight. At Ellen’s urging, we hunkered down in the basement. Bailey was sufficiently spooked, so Charlotte tried to convince her everything was going to be all right.
Bailey didn’t buy it.
Aunt Karen and Uncle Keith’s present arrived this afternoon, and there’s nothing more exciting than unexpected mail. Here’s how Charlotte reacted.
(By the way, she named the dog “Max.”)

We’re coming up on the one-week anniversary of Charlotte’s transition from crib to bed. The first night was a little rough, but she’s adapted very well to the lack of bars.

She likes dropping her new sleeping arrangement into casual conversation. “Daddy, big girl bed,” she’ll say. “Yo Gabba sheets.”

Bailey has also handled the transition with ease.
Here’s Charlotte getting ready for bed and saying goodnight to Bailey. In case you’re wondering, the “papers” she’s holding are balance statements from my old Renegade Marketing Group 401(k). Kids love 401(k) paperwork.
Here’s how Charlotte has been spending her last 20 Sunday mornings. In this video, she shows off her skills, takes a few spills, and has great fun putting things away. She was very excited to show her ribbon to Bailey, who promptly tried to eat it (not pictured).
Here Charlotte tries on her mom’s heels and marches around a bit. Bailey guest stars.

Charlie, you stare at the TV. Bailey, you stare at the Tostitos on the nightstand. Ready…go!
When Charlotte tickles Bailey, listen for the fake laugh Charlie supplies.
Bailey is a passive participant in Charlotte’s “Electric Avenue” dance party. Like a prop.

New game! Take the box of Ziploc baggies (or whatever) and speed away.

Hmmm…where did she learn that?
