For three days we go exploring outside. He find rattles in a seedpod from a honeylocust. He walks so far away that I can no longer see him and have to go find him. He gets leaves all over his shoes and pants, using them as a cushion to sit in. He stares at everyone passing by, enthralled by the cat and dog. He goes to pet, but just with one finger, warily.

I am amazed at the warm weather. Just a jacket will do. I bring out projects to work on, but quickly get distracted by the smaller toddler, walking away. I tell him what trees and leaves and houses are. He even seems to understand a little, pointing up at the tops of trees and the bricks on the buildings. We smile and play together and neither of us go inside until nap-time.