However, the last couple of months have seen me spending a lot of time on my hands and knees chasing and/or being chased by Kristin. She loves to have the chases go around chairs or other large objects where the game of peek-a-boo can be combined with the thrill of the chase.

Now it is all reflex. When I hear her laughing and see her come charging toward me, I immediately drop to my hands and knees and go barrelling after her.

This morning I was going up the stairs to our bedroom. As I came into view at the top of the stairs, Kristin (who was lying in wait at the top) let out a peal of laughter and charged. Reflexes kicked in. I immediately lunged forward while dropping to my hands and knees. Unfortunately, (1) I hadn't quite reached the top of the stairs, and (2) I was wearing shorts. I tripped over the top step and my forward velocity caused me to slide across the carpet on my hands and knees. The result? Serious, big-time carpet burns on both knees -- big, bright red, half dollar sized marks. And very painful.

I'll have to give up the chase until I heal.