Everybody needs inspiration when they work. Some choose kitten posters, I opted for a daughter in a reclining chair at the foot of my desk.

The past few mornings have seen my tiny baby assistant asleep at the job. She tilts back happily, all open-mouthed and chuffling noises, as I bang away at the keyboard in my office.

This is a lamb-shaped chair that is furry and soft -- Charlie the dog still needs some convincing that is not a delightfully oversized toy. But for now, Charlie seems content to sniff Charlotte, wag her tail, and then slump against my leg. These are all good things.

Houdini the cat, having been informed that her services are no longer needed as my assistant, has landed on her ample side (her feet hidden beneath said weight). In addition to the two weeks severance, she still retains her part-time job laying on Kate's head while she naps in the morning.

Charlotte has taken my suggestion that my office is business casual to the extreme, often choosing to forgo pants in the workplace. I suggested that she at least follow her father's example and put on pjs. A note has been placed in her file. It is a reminder to her father to put on her pants in the morning.