When she was a baby it was Mustela everything. Mustela, in case you don't know, is an imported line of baby lotions more expensive than Chanel. By the time Chet came around we had moved on to whatever Rite Aid had on sale. Now that I'm bathing them alone I just use what I use, Old Spice High Endurance Body Wash. Ava is probably the only 8-year-old little girl in the world who smells like James Coburn.

Being Sunday, I washed her hair, and am particularly proud of the part I made. Just a few months ago the parts I gave her were as crooked as a creek. I've been studying the other black girls in school and perfecting my technique.

Ava and Chet also vy to see who can get out of the tub first. Don't ask me why. I told them the one who gives me less grief. Chet immediately chimed in with, "I love you so much daddy." No fool he.