dreaming@echonyc.com

here is what charlie does:

• jerks the string repeatedly so that the balloon bounces against his face with an audible *bumpa*bumpa*bump*
  
• drags the balloon doggedly around the room with him as he slithers hither and yon
  
• attempts to fit the entire balloon in his as-yet toothless mouth

i am newly aware of what it feels like to want to spoil a child. i was watching him play delightedly with his balloon, and i suddenly found myself wondering how much a helium tank would cost so that he could have one every day.

special bonus excellent mother points to me for having faithfully installed plug covers before charlie sticks paul's swiss army knife into an outlet.