Heather’s friend, Tara, recently gave birth to a baby girl, and Annie has found the whole thing endlessly fascinating. She loves to see photos of “Baby Cait,” constantly talks about when Heather took her to meet Cait, and even imitates Cait’s cry. A big reason Annie is so enthralled, I think, is because she knows that Heather is going to also have a baby before long. I’ve found Annie’s interest in Baby Cait pretty adorable, that is, until this last weekend when Annie got it in her mind she was going to play “Tara and Baby Cait,” and absolutely wouldn’t take no for an answer.
I don’t mean to brag, but when it comes to playing “pretend” I’m pretty much the Daniel Day Lewis of our house. I’ve played a lot of roles: prince, monster, puppy, patient (just to name a few) and received high marks from Annie for every portrayal. This weekend, though, was my most difficult role yet. My “Lincoln,” if you will.
“Dada,“ Annie asked all of a sudden Saturday morning. “Wanna play Tara and Baby Cait with me?”
“Uh, how does that work?”
“You’re Tara, and I’m baby Cait!”
“Uhhhh…”
“Okay, Dada? Okay?”
“Ummm…”
“Wah!” Annie cried, busting out her best Baby Cait impression. “Wah!”
I sighed, then decided to go with it. I scooped Annie into my arms.
“There, there, Baby Cait. There there.”
Annie loved this, and wanted to play over and over and over. Eventually, things got a little weird. That’s right. I may have even swaddled “Baby Cait” in a giant blanket.
The proud mother and her new baby!
“Okay, Baby Cait,” I finally told Annie. “Daddy is done playing.”
And then things got even weirder.
“Wait!” Annie said. “Now you play Baby Cait, and I will play Tara!”
“Uh, what?”
“You play Baby Cait!”
I suppose I could have turned down the role, but I thought to myself, “What would Daniel Day Lewis do?”
Annie was so cute playing “Tara.” She kept petting my head and saying, “I love you, baby.”
I’m pretty sure Heather thinks I’ve lost my mind, but she hasn’t said anything on account of the fact my playing “Tara and Baby Cait” with Annie means she doesn’t have too.
In all seriousness, though, Annie’s interest in Baby Cait is wonderful to see. And the best part? If all goes well she will soon be able to play baby with her very own real baby brother.
Mar says:
That’s hilarious, awesome and dorktastic all at once. That combination usually leads to my best moments as a parent!
Tam. says:
I got next to no sleep last night and woke up grumpy, but this post totally made laugh out loud. Really, really sweet!!!
Andrea says:
This is a wonderful post!! Great way to start my Tuesday with a good laugh….in fact I can’t stop laughing. Pretty sure this will keep me laughing on and off throughout the day. I love parenting moments like this. Thanks for sharing!!!
Jenn says:
Too Funny!!! I’m sure she’s going to love her brother….she already does. Until then, have fun….and lets up baby Cait doesn’t get hungry or need a diaper change!!! Ha ha ha
amy says:
this made me laugh so hard!! what a great daddy! love it!
Jennifer says:
You’re such a great daddy!!!
BrenMom says:
I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again – you guys are such great parents! The things we do with our kids, but you go one step further and record it and these are going to be the best memories for Annie someday, to look back and read!
Jan says:
Awwwww….you are the BEST daddy to Annie….so sweet!
Karen says:
Might just be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!
Alexis says:
Pure awesome.
Courtney says:
That’s major dad points there!
Tara says:
This totally cracked me up! I love it!!! You’re such a great dad Mike!
Bella says:
Wow Mike!
Thank you for sharing this heart warming and hilarious post.
You are a shining example of great Daditude!
Tara Yelman says:
what a great post! Hilarious!
Pattie says:
What a hilarious post! Thanks for sharing, Mike. And let me add, the pictures are priceless.
Meg says:
This had me giggling like a maniac. Fine work, Mike! I was always the kid who loved “playing pretend,” and I’m looking forward to someday becoming the Sandra Bullock of pretending in our household.
Katrina says:
There’s nothing sweeter than a daddy playing with his daughter – playing house, playing tea party, playing dress up — it’s all so sweet. Soon you’ll be playing soccer, baseball, basketball, etc (or whatever sport she chooses) If she chooses ballet as her only outside interest, I’m quite sure you’ll put on a tutu for her. Don’t deny it; you know you will
Auntie_M says:
Hysterical post! You are the best method actor ever!!! And the Oscar goes to…
TamaraL says:
Ahahahaaahahaa!! Mike, you are so goofy! And wow, does that girl have a great imagination!
Jackie says:
What a funny post all together! The title is so fitting and funny!
Annalisa says:
Not to dash your hopes, but I think it’s more likely that Heather will be busy with the new baby, and you’ll be asked to pretend you’re him. Just so you know…
That said, I’m confident it will be another Oscar worthy performance.