"Birds Have Tushies, Too"

So said Leon, who was watching a bird groom itself. Nevermind that the "tushie" was actually the bird's breast, looking particularly derriere-like as the bird turned its head to preen its tail feathers.

These days are filled with such gems. Leon and I get to spend a lot of time together, reason numero uno for leaving Maine for a year. Now instead of watching him grow up on Youtube from 3000 miles away, I can almost -- almost -- watch him grow before my eyes. He's gotten a lot better with a guitar pick. He sings "Puff the Magic Dragon" whenever he's not actively doing anything else, and often even  while doing something else. He calls himself "you" and everyone else "me" -- I didn't know toddlers had such a charming stage in language acquisition.

The two of us spend a lot of time together in anticipation of the arrival of his new brother. Coming soon! I'm so grateful to get to be such a close part of Russ, Cee, and Leon's family during this time.

As soon as the baby arrives, I take off for two weeks and turn Leon care over to his grandmother. I'll return to San Francisco once Russ goes back to work. In the meantime, I haven't decided yet where I'll go. Anyone want to join me for an adventure?