I figured I'd better get a photo of this double-dish-action while I can. I'm not counting on it lasting much longer than Cj's toddlerhood, at least not voluntarily. Right now, pushing her chair up and giving a hand is a favorite activity, and when it's Dad she gets to help there's even more reason to rejoice.

It's beginning to become clear that it will be Cj, not Sam, who'll be Mark's fishing buddy in the years to come. Mark has fostered visions of father/son fishing trips for most of his life, but is adjusting well to the realities of life as we know it.

Poor Sam is a bit on the squeamish side ... the sight of anything even slightly disgusting invokes an automatic gag response ... and Cj is, well, not. She also already has the balance to make her stable on the sea ... she can keep her stance without problem on uneven, moving surfaces ... and has no inclination toward motion sickness, so we doubt mal de mer will be an issue.

For a man who initially was terrified of the idea of parenting a girl child, my dear husband is doing a fine job. If anyone questions if that's the case, all they need do is ask Cj. Any mention of Daddy gets such an unmistakably enthusiastic response that predicting future fishing trips seems an easy bet.

Now if I can just keeping them happy about washing dishes ...