"So precious", as his Nana says.

How do I see him ?

How do describe what I see in one word (with objectivity, pure seeing) ?

What word do I choose ?

I see a "perceptive " little boy.

Yes, "perceptive".

He sees a lot. He looks below the surface. Sees differences and sees patterns and he remembers everything. He sees the uniqueness of this world.

Is that the right word?

Yes, I think so.

Initially, with others he is shy. An introvert, clearly. He looks and assesses situations and people. Always watches, first. More deliberate and thoughtful and careful than impulsive. Sensitive. Smart. A "curious George" kind of little boy. He is very affectionate with Ella. He calls her Ella "Bella" with great warmth and exhuberance. These early days, he is now two and a half, we see more a scientist inside him than a warrior. I see him "absorbing" the world. That is Maria Montessori's term ("absorbent mind"). He sees everything and all that he sees is fresh and new. He is attentive to the moments of the day, present to all the concrete particulars in his outer world, sees the smallest details, and is present to himself and to a rich inner world, a mythic world of both kind monsters and scary monsters and animals large and small. Deep emotions taking hold inside. I see his joy, his playful energy, his need for affection, and his remarkable ability to give affection, and I see at other times his fears, his vulnerability. He is full of words like a poet. Full of deep curiosity. He lives inside questions like a scientist. Always, learning. He lights up when he sees his parents. That attachment is deep rooted, profound. They give him a strong and sturdy bridge to stand on and to walk back and worth into the world.

Yesterday, he told me he wanted to be "a dinosaur explorer" when he grows up. Maybe he will be. Who knows. I am sure he will be a thoughtful explorer.

Today, his parents are taking him (along with Ella) to the Natural History Museum in Philadelphia to see the dinosaur exhibit.