[He'd take her, ordinarily. Now he just stands and runs his knuckles lightly over the crown of her head, down her nose; he touches her paw with the tip of his finger, then moves away. His nails are bitten.]

She's growing so fast, isn't she . . . Maybe you can show me later. Unless she can play in the bath.

Come on. I want to see . . . [He trails off a little, thoughtful.] And you're so prepared, too.