Right after Robin was born, I went to a classy baby shop and bought her a soft bear and shipped it up to New York. I forgot about it until today and Emma sent me this photo asking if I had sent  it. Robin, she said, has fallen in love with it. For some unknown reason, this is one of my few skills in life, matching people up with the right presents, especially kids.

Kids love surprises, almost any kind.

I am told the kid is quite alive in me, and perhaps that’s the reason I can pick good presents. I’m sure I will often miss, but it is nice to see this bear hug. Grandpa is on the case, the smile is a great reward.