Some of Soren's friends

Splashing with Tayla in the mini swimming pool (a.k.a. dish tub). Tayla is Soren's agemate, only 11 days older, and her mom is one of my best mama friends!

Soren showing Ella his cardboard box "house" for his stuffed animals. Check out Ella's shoeless foot and her adorable ballet-slipper sock! She's a couple of months older than Soren.
Gazing out the window with 3-yr-old Zia, who has been fascinated with Soren since before his birth. Apparently she had the "how are babies made?" discussion with her dad, a doctor, after they saw me at the food co-op in the last month of my pregnancy!

When Zia's mom started reading a story, it was the first time in months that Soren sat still for an entire book reading. He's gradually getting interested in books again, beyond chewing them or flipping the pages.

And, last but not least, Soren has gained three 14-year-old girl friends (this is Sarah), who take turns coming over and playing with him in the role of "Mother's Helper." I'm always at the house as well, but sometimes they take him out for a walk alone. The help is always appreciated, and he loves all of them -- Kaila and Lexie, you, too!