We are about as far from a casino as one can get these days. But don't presume we are without games of chance.

There is some general excitement after the baby has been fed because whoever is holding her has a very good shot of winning a free trip to the changing table. Accordingly, there is always the possibility that the diaper champ will be full and a rousing session of "Will it fit?" ensues. This is where you repeatedly close and open the handle while shaking the entire plastic bucket, silently saying a prayer and keeping one hand on the baby. It is one of the worst games in the house in terms of odds -- the diaper champ is always full.

But the most popular game in our non-licensed casino is the baby slot machine. You neither have to pull a lever, nor push a button. And once you're holding a baby, you're playing. The baby slot machine is based on Charlotte's current ability to roll through the emotions in a span of seconds. It's as is if a tiny, invisible hand is moving up and down in front of her mouth, while she changes her expression.

And the jackpot? It leaves you both smiling.



*More smiles to come, they are my Bigfoot right now -- capturing them on film has proved elusive.