One of those weeds against the fence turned out to have burrs. One good snuffle and it took 40 minutes to pick all the burrs out of Kiva's coat. Ellen then ripped out the weeds with extreme prejudice. She's learning so much!

They say it takes a baby to make a man out of a boy. I certainly remember holding my first-born and thinking, "I guess I'm not the kid in this show anymore. It's time to step up to a larger role." And what a richer role it is. I saw Ellen going through the same shift as she stepped up to her new responsibility. I rejoice to see it because I notice how much bigger Kiva is making her - his first gift.