I believe my daughter could use some help caring for her new daughter Robin, my granddaughter. So I’m heading to New York City Tuesday to do what I can. I see Robin’s eyes are intense, she seems alert and curious. I hope to take her for a walk, help Emma to rest, take some time for herself.

I found a room in a brownstone In Park Slope, it could be a perfect place for Maria and I to stay in when we come to New York. I’m staying over one night, then returning home on Wednesday. A week from Friday, on the 23rd, I’m going back to New York for one day (this time with Maria) to meet with my editor about my next book and also spend the day helping Emma and spending some time with Robin.

I feel that people are watching me closely for what they see as the inevitable explosion of adoration and affection that will alter my life. If that happens, it will be okay with me, but I think relationships take time and effort, they aren’t just granted with a magic wand.

Emma and I are both working hard and openly to ensure that I am close to Robin and play a role in her life, and that is a great starting point, something to build on. I guess I don’t really do cute and adoration well. But I am excited to be going back to New York, I wish I could stop at B&H Photo and buy the infrared camera I want, but that will take time also.

The first step in all of this for me is to help Emma, not to gush over Robin. That will come in its own time.

I think I will stare back at Robin and see what happens. I want to see if I can make her laugh or smile.