For most of the long weekend, Charlotte was much better dressed than me.

(At certain points, we were tied.)

She loved the red thing hanging from her swing, but had little interest in the Toucan Sam-looking one.

Hours of fun for the whole family.

One of these days she’ll reach out and grab it.

The girls on the couch.

On Saturday night, we took in part of an Ocean Beach dance party, which featured a DJ. Turns out Charlotte’s a big fan of “Cotton-Eyed Joe.”

I was showing off an impressive spit-up stain (Charlotte’s, not mine), trying to determine how many ounces had soaked through my last clean shirt…

Then Bailey swooped in.

They’re getting the hang of each other.

This was either Charlotte petting Bailey or desperately trying to push her away.

I plan to sell this one to a stock photography house.

Photoshoot over.

Charlotte needed some rest and relaxation. Here’s what that looked like:

One plastic crab, three reactions. First, curiosity.

Then skepticism.

Finally, sheer terror. (We put the crab away.)

She could sense Bailey lurking behind her.

She wasn’t thrilled.

Nevertheless, Baby Charlie slept very well down here. We may need to add a shore house to our real estate portfolio.

Anyone know any get-upper-middle-class-quick schemes? (Maybe now you’re in a t-shirt buying mood.)

Charlotte was not impressed.

Bailey, however, wanted to spend some quality time with the winner.

Despite not being thrilled with Charlotte’s recent bouts of inconsolable crying, Bailey still agreed to lend a hand during bathtime. She played the role of home healthcare worker while I played the role of photojournalist. With her frantic drinking of the bathwater, she also plays the role of the drain.

We’re down the shore and had a hell of a time getting here. We arrived at 3am. Pictures to follow of the jagged rock that became lodged in our now-flat tire on the Garden State Parkway.

Last week, Charlotte turned one (month). To celebrate, she started smiling regularly. And she’s been a much more enthusiastic sleeper, which has Ellen and me smiling regularly again, too. A few more photos like this—taken earlier tonight with Grandma English—and she’ll put me on the baby photography map.

Keep reading for more pics…

We had a nice long walk down the Belmar boardwalk.

Then we relinquished control of Baby Charlie and watched several hours of rhythmic gymnastics.

Aunt Karen and Grandma Helen just returned from China. I hear Karen has some hilarious pictures of Chinese signage. We need to get permission to post those here. Stay tuned.

The sleep may be more regular, but that doesn’t mean the screaming fits are behind us. Charlotte still has a dozen of those each day. But we’re finding ways to cope. (That vacuum is on.)

She also finally noticed her mobile. The spit-up is unrelated.

This outfit was given to her by Connie & Paul Pojanowski, and I’ve been meaning to get a picture of her wearing it. But the first two times she put it on, massive spit-up immediately followed. Finally, I decided to take the photo while she was still eating. Mission accomplished.

Bailey has a keen sense about when visitors are coming.

She’s also decided this chair is hers.

A few more photos from our long weekend at Ellen’s parents’ place down the Jersey Shore…

We haven’t made it to the beach yet, but Charlotte has been enjoying herself so far…

…posing for pictures…

…and imitating famous Edvard Munch paintings.

With this look, she indicated that the photoshoot was over.

And unlike last time we were down here, Bailey and I were not attacked on our morning walk.

Off to the beach!

Last Friday, Uncle Brett Savage met us at Loantaka Park in Morris Township.

It was good to see him, and good to get out of the house.

Don’t let the sweet photos fool you—Charlotte is not always a happy baby.

We need to make a flip-book. Keep reading for more…

Inspired by Michael Phelps, Baby Charlie went for the Gold in Tummy Time.

The best email of the week came from my friend and co-worker Ethan: “I hope Charlotte is enjoying the Olympic gymnastics. Some of the Chinese women are only a month or two older than she is.”

In the Parental Endurance Medley, Ellen and I felt like Alicia Sacramone all week. My generous paternity leave credits ran out, and sleep was hard to come by in Livingston. At our pediatrician’s suggestion, we made a formula switch today. We’ll keep you posted. If it works, we’ll keep you posted much more often.

Why all the Olympic references? Well, Ellen and I are averaging 8 viewing hours per day—in our household, Alicia Sacramone is a household name. At 2am the other morning, we were wide awake for Lithuania vs. Argentina beach volleyball. We’re going to have all our kids in Olympic years. I really hope the Democratic and Republican conventions are this entertaining. (If not, I hope Charlotte is sleeping more.)

Last week’s bath pics seemed popular. Here are a couple more from last night’s cleaning.

She remains mildly amused by bath time.

Other new things Charlotte likes: running water, my glasses, the breeze.

Also, when I sing her the FreeCreditReport.com song.

(”I was shopping for a new car, which one’s me? A cool convertible or an SUV?”)

We headed to Ellen’s family’s house down the Jersey Shore today. In the words of Jerry Seinfeld to George Costanza, “Why play man to man when you can play a zone?”

Bailey, for one, is enjoying the extra attention.