I just finished some work for a client, and I went downstairs to turn it in. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I stepped over the baby gate and set my work on the newel post in time for a big hug from C, who was shouting “daddy!” at the top of her lungs.

After the hug, I put my work in the boss’s office and then chased after C, yelling “I’m going to get you” while she shrieked with glee. I lifted upside down in the air above me while tickling her. When she got down, she begged for more, so I swooped her up and plopped on the visitor’s couch by the front door, where she laughed and laughed and begged for more tickles.

A few minutes later, I helped my mom take her out the door. Today is grocery day, and C gets to drive the “car” at the grocery store while my mom does her weekly shopping. As she was going out the door, she looked up at me and said “daddy go with us?” I said I wish I could, but I have to work. She blew me a kiss as my mom walked out of sight.

I have it pretty good.