Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Oack, Pack and Quack

Ms. Mush asked for photos of the neighborhood. Plotnik thinks she meant the new neighborhood, but we don't have any more photos of NotThatClinton Hill yet. Here in Smart Slope it is very beautiful at 7am though, when Plotnik walks Mischief over to the bagel shop. That early weekend hush was always Plotnik's favorite time in Manhattan and it's even nicer in Brooklyn.







Meanwhile, The Great Time Staller, aka Brooklyn Belly, has refined her craft. It is nothing short of amazing how long it can take to get someone two and a half feet tall's feet moving in a non-circular direction. "Papa, read me a story?" "Can I have some apple juice?" "Can I wear my baby clothes?" "Can I put my doll to sleep?" "Bobo, read me another story?"

Plot's old-time favorite kids' stories are still his favorite ones, especially Make Way for Ducklings and Bedtime for Frances and the Lorax. But Isabella prefers the Moomin stories, which sound like they are translations of translations of translations. She also likes the Dr. Seuss stories written when he was either in prison or in a trance.

Last night, Plotnik got to watch the Plotzers play the Phoolies. It was 2-1 Phoolies when he left to get takeout at El Viejo Yayo around the corner, and still 2-1 when he got back with dinner, including a papaya batido for BB that she didn't touch, fortunately (slurp-o!). As dinner was over, Rafael Furcal hit a homerun to tie the game and as the dishes got finished Andre Ethier hit his second homerun to win the game. Priceless.

Ducknik has really taken to grandmothering. She's good at it too. Plotnik is downstairs now, listening on the baby monitor as Bobo attempts to read Belly 'Make Way for Ducklings.' (Mostly Belly is talking while Bobo pauses between pages. Then Plot hears a crash (blocks falling over?) and a huge chuckle from both of them, and then a word or two from the story and then another crash and another huge chuckle.)

Mrs. Mallard has given birth to her ducklings finally, named Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Oack, Pack and Quack. But now BoboDuckyDaddles and Belly are singing the ABC song, loudly and horribly out of tune. It's music to Papa's ears. Plot doesn't think he's going anywhere for awhile.