This is one of my favorite shots of Sam and me, possibly because his fourteen-month-old face in it is SO adorable, but maybe also because we are so obviously both focused on something of great interest to him.

Peering over his shoulder as he shows me some item ... a rock or shell or bug, back then, now just as likely to be a drawing or cryptic message composed of the letters he can write ... and explains in detail exactly what it is that so darned fascinating about whatever, is one of the most pleasant pastimes of parenting, as far as I'm concerned.

As often as I elucidate and enlighten, I have something illuminated for me, and that's a give-and-take many don't appreciate as a benefit of mothering until it happens.

Watching him interact with objects and hearing his interpretation of what something is all about is a lesson in reevaluation of what is significant, and often inspires me to take creative leaps in observations I would not think to do if I didn't have little ones around to help me see with new eyes.

I always pay close attention when Sam teaches.