A recent animal summit was convened in the Bender household with Charlotte playing the role of Switzerland. The kitchen was selected as a neutral location, in that it afforded the cat the high ground and the baby the comfort of a lamb chair. After a lengthy filibuster from our daughter, which primarily consisted of the vowel sound "oh," the negotiations between the animal contingent and the rest of the house commenced.

The baby managed to broker a peace between the warring nations of Charlie and Houdini long enough for some meaningful legislation to pass. It was ruled that everyone should be fed more. The duopoly in charge have procured oatmeal and formula -- pictures of the implementation will be forthcoming.