On Thursday, Take Your Child To Work Day became “Rep. Gerald E. Connolly Will Take Your Baby And Only Return It Upon Request” Day.  

The Virginia Democrat was having the time of his life in the Speaker’s Lobby during the late-morning vote series, holding court and showing off Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth’s baby girl .  

Connolly held out little Abigail O’kalani Bowlsbey so she could be appropriately admired by lawmakers, aides and reporters in the vicinity. The five-month-old, dressed in a pale pink cotton sweater, leggings and hat, seemed to be enjoying the attention almost as much as Connolly.  

“She needed a break from the floor speeches,” he explained, giving his new ward a little bounce. “That last one was a humdinger, wasn’t it?” Sources told HOH Abigail sat quietly during the Democratic motion to recommit cybersecurity legislation but lost her patience with the GOP rebuttal, prompting Connolly to intervene.  

He had just taken Abigail to check out her reflection in a nearby mirror when Duckworth materialized from off the chamber floor in search of her child.  

“I’ll take her whenever you want,” Connolly said, eventually handing Abigail over to her doting parent.  

Abigail seemed happy to be back with her mother — or maybe she was happy to be reunited with prime teething material: The cloth baby carrier Duckworth was strapping her into.  

Related:

Duckworth Back at Work Following Birth of Daughter


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